---
title: "JWT Authentication for Instant Synchronization"
canonical_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/android/instant-synchronization/authentication/"
md_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/android/instant-synchronization/authentication.md"
last_updated: "2026-05-20T19:49:34.715Z"
description: "Learn how to authenticate your Android app using JSON Web Tokens for instant synchronization with the Document Engine."
---

# Authenticate your Android app with JWT

When using Nutrient Android SDK with Instant, your client needs to authenticate itself with your running Document Engine instance. To do this, you need to [generate a JSON Web Token (JWT)](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/document-engine/viewer/client-authentication/generate-a-jwt.md). In most cases, your own backend application will generate a JWT, which is then sent to clients.

The client application can use the JWT your app supplied to authenticate itself. Document Engine will then return only the data the user is allowed to see. In general, a JWT will give the user access to a specific document and [Instant layer](https://www.nutrient.io/api/reference/document-engine/upstream/#tag/Layers) combination.

If you’re having trouble generating valid JWTs, we have a guide that shows you how to [validate JWTs](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/document-engine/viewer/client-authentication/validate-a-jwt.md) using the [Document Engine dashboard](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/document-engine/management/dashboard.md).
---

## Related pages

- [Efficient PDF annotation syncing on Android](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/syncing.md)
- [Adding Instant comments to PDFs on Android](/guides/android/comments/introduction-to-instant-comments.md)
- [Frequently asked questions](/guides/android/instant-synchronization/faq.md)
- [Instant sync and document state on Android](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/instant-document-state.md)
- [Integrating real-time collaboration into your Android application](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/getting-started.md)
- [PDF collaboration library for Android](/guides/android/instant-synchronization.md)
- [Create and manage PDF annotation layers on Android](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/instant-layers.md)
- [Instant usage on Android](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/usage.md)
- [Effortless offline PDF annotation and sync](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/offline-support.md)