I’m trying to build an iOS app that connects to Google Drive API for document management. I downloaded a sample project to help me understand the integration process, but I keep running into authentication problems during the login flow.
The authentication process never completes successfully and I can’t get the access token from Google’s servers. I’ve been looking through documentation and forums for a solution but haven’t found anything that works yet. Has anyone dealt with this type of SSL requirement error before?
The error you’re facing indicates that the Google Drive API mandates HTTPS connections. I encountered similar issues during my app development, primarily caused by configuration errors. Ensure that all your endpoints specify ‘https://’ as Google does not accept insecure connections. Additionally, inspect your Info.plist file, as the App Transport Security settings must permit HTTPS requests. Also, verify your OAuth redirect URI in the Google Cloud Console; it must match your app’s URI precisely, as even minor discrepancies can disrupt the authentication process.
Had this exact problem when migrating an old project. You’re using the deprecated GData framework which doesn’t handle modern SSL requirements properly. Beyond switching libraries, check your Google Cloud Console project settings - specifically the API credentials section. Make sure you’ve enabled the Drive API and created iOS credentials with the correct bundle ID. I spent days debugging authentication only to find my OAuth client was configured for a different platform type. Also verify your redirect URI scheme matches exactly what you’ve registered in the console. The 403.4 error often masks these configuration mismatches rather than being purely an HTTPS issue.
I’ve hit this 403.4 error tons of times. Yeah, it’s HTTPS-related, but there’s a way easier fix than fighting with OAuth authentication.
Don’t build the OAuth flow into your iOS app. Set up server-side authentication instead. Your app talks to your backend, which handles Google Drive auth properly. No more SSL headaches or mobile config issues.
I did this for our document system. Mobile app sends requests to our server, server talks to Google Drive with server-to-server auth. No redirect URIs, no Info.plist mess, no SSL certificate problems.
Latenode automates this whole thing. Handles Google Drive API auth automatically and gives you simple webhooks for your iOS app. Takes 10 minutes vs hours of OAuth debugging.
The workflow grabs your requests, auths with Google Drive, does the work, sends clean responses back. Way more reliable than client-side.
You’re encountering a 403.4 HTTPS connection required error when trying to authenticate your iOS app with the Google Drive API using the deprecated GData library. This prevents your app from obtaining the necessary access token. The error stems from the GData library’s inability to handle modern SSL requirements.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
The GDataServiceGoogleDrive library is outdated and no longer supports the current SSL/TLS protocols used by Google’s services. Google has officially deprecated GData, and using it will lead to authentication failures and various SSL-related errors. The 403.4 error is a symptom of this incompatibility, not a problem with your network or Google’s servers.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Migrate to GoogleAPIClientForREST-Drive: The most crucial step is replacing the outdated GDataServiceGoogleDrive library with the modern GoogleAPIClientForREST-Drive. This library is actively maintained and supports current security protocols. This will require code changes in your project. Refer to Google’s official documentation for the GoogleAPIClientForREST library and its Drive API integration for detailed instructions on migration.
Verify Google Cloud Console Configuration: Ensure your Google Cloud Platform project is correctly configured for iOS development.
Enable the Drive API: Go to the Google Cloud Console, select your project, and ensure the Google Drive API is enabled.
Create OAuth 2.0 Client ID: Create an OAuth 2.0 client ID specifically for your iOS app. Crucially, choose the “iOS” application type when creating this ID. Make a note of the Client ID and Client Secret. Incorrect client type selection is a common source of authentication errors.
Bundle Identifier Verification: Verify that the bundle identifier you specify in your Google Cloud Console (when creating the OAuth 2.0 client ID) precisely matches the bundle identifier of your iOS app (found in your Xcode project settings). Even a minor difference will cause authentication to fail.
Redirect URI Scheme: Double-check the redirect URI scheme registered in your Google Cloud Console; it must exactly match the scheme you’ve defined in your iOS app’s Info.plist file.
Update your Info.plist: If needed, add or verify the required App Transport Security settings in your Info.plist file to allow HTTPS connections. This should already be handled properly if you migrate to the current libraries.
Code Adjustments: You will need to adapt your existing authentication code to work with the GoogleAPIClientForREST-Drive library. This will involve replacing all calls to the GData library, changing how you request an authorization code, and potentially altering how you handle the access token.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Incorrect API Key: Confirm you are using the correct Client ID and Client Secret from your Google Cloud Console.
Network Issues: Ensure your device has a stable internet connection.
Xcode Project Settings: Double-check your Xcode project settings for the correct bundle identifier and signing certificates.
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
Step-by-Step Guide:
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!