Authentication

Account & Authentication

Resolve login problems, session issues, and account access errors. This guide covers Google OAuth troubleshooting and account management.

Updated 2 weeks ago

01
Login Issues

Login Failures

If clicking "Sign in with Google" doesn't work or produces an error, the issue typically stems from browser cookies, privacy settings, or temporary service disruptions.

Clear Browser Cookies

Corrupted authentication cookies prevent successful login. Clear site-specific cookies:

  • -Chrome/Edge: Click lock icon → Cookies → Remove bower.site cookies
  • -Firefox: Click shield icon → Clear Cookies and Site Data
  • -Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove bower.site

Disable Third-Party Cookie Blocking

Privacy extensions and strict browser settings can block OAuth authentication:

  • -Disable extensions like Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, or Ghostery temporarily
  • -Allow third-party cookies in browser privacy settings
  • -Add bower.site to your browser's allowed sites

Try Incognito Mode

Test login in an incognito/private window to rule out extension conflicts or cached data. If login works in incognito, the issue is browser-related (extensions or settings).

Check Google Account Status

  • -Try logging into Google directly (gmail.com)
  • -Verify your account isn't suspended or locked
  • -Check for Google security alerts requiring attention
02
Sessions

Session Expired Errors

"Session expired" or "Please log in again" messages appear when authentication tokens expire or become invalid. This is a security feature designed to protect your account.

Why Sessions Expire

  • -Inactivity timeout: Sessions expire after 7 days of no activity
  • -Browser restart: Some browsers clear session cookies on exit
  • -Security update: We occasionally refresh all sessions for security patches
  • -Device change: Switching devices or browsers requires re-authentication

Solution

Simply log in again using Google OAuth. Your analysis history and settings are preserved. Session expiration doesn't delete any data-it only requires re-authentication.

Stay Signed In Longer

Enable "Stay signed in" in your browser settings and ensure cookies aren't cleared on browser close. Regular activity (at least once per week) keeps sessions active.
03
OAuth Errors

Google OAuth Errors

Specific error messages during Google authentication require targeted solutions. Below are the most common OAuth errors and how to resolve them.

"Redirect URI mismatch"

This is a configuration error on our end. If you see this error:

  • -Wait 5-10 minutes and try again (temporary server issue)
  • -If persists, contact support with screenshot of error message

"Access blocked: This app's request is invalid"

Google blocked the authentication request. Common fixes:

  • -Clear browser cache and cookies, then retry
  • -Try a different browser
  • -Disable VPN or proxy temporarily

"Popup closed by user"

The OAuth popup window was closed before authentication completed.

  • -Allow popup windows for bower.site in browser settings
  • -Complete the Google sign-in process without closing the popup
  • -If popup doesn't appear, check popup blocker settings
04
Access Issues

Account Access Issues

Problems accessing your account or account-related features can stem from various causes. Here's how to diagnose and resolve common issues.

Can't Access Analysis History

  • -Verify Google account: Ensure you're logged in with the same account used for previous analyses
  • -Analysis retention: We retain analysis metadata for 30 days (images are never stored)
  • -Account linkage: Each Google account has a separate analysis history

Account Suspended or Restricted

Accounts are only restricted for policy violations:

  • -You'll receive an email explanation at your Google account address
  • -Contact support to appeal or request clarification
  • -Review our Terms of Service for acceptable use policies

Switching Google Accounts

Click your profile avatar in the header, select "Sign out," then sign in with the desired account. Each Google account maintains a separate Bower profile.

Privacy Note

We only store your Google account email and basic profile information (name, avatar). Images are never saved. Analysis results are stored as metadata (coordinates, timestamps) for 30 days, then permanently deleted.

Next Article

Browser Compatibility

Supported browsers and compatibility troubleshooting

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