How to Authenticate Custom Users in Django 3

Discover how to effectively `authenticate custom users in Django` 3.1.3 using the right methods for password hashing and authentication.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/65464127/ asked by the user 'tej' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/12862478/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/65465013/ provided by the user 'rootart' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/473471/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Authenticate Custom Users in Django 3

If you're working with Django, especially version 3.1.3, you may encounter an issue when trying to authenticate a custom user model. This problem can be particularly frustrating, especially when you see that the user is created successfully in your database, yet authentication fails. Let's explore the common hurdles and provide a thorough solution to help you authenticate your custom users effectively.

Understanding the Problem

The central issue here arises when you create a user with a custom user model, but the authentication function does not work as expected. In many cases, this is due to how passwords are handled during user creation. If not done correctly, the password will not be hashed, leading to a failure when trying to authenticate.

Here's the essence of the problem, as illustrated in the example provided:

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In this script, you attempt to create a new user and authenticate them immediately afterward, but the authenticated_user returns None. This indicates a failure in the authentication process.

Solution: Use the Correct User Creation Method

The root cause of the authentication failure lies in how the user was created. When creating a user, it’s crucial to use the create_user method defined in your CustomUserManager. This method ensures that the password is hashed correctly before it's saved to the database.

Steps to Resolve Authentication Issues

Use the create_user Method: Instead of creating the user directly, leverage the custom method to ensure proper password handling.

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Verify Password with Hashing: Now when you check the password using the Django method, it should return True. This is because the password has been hashed correctly.

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Authenticating: When you authenticate a user, the authentication backend relies on the USERNAME_FIELD and the corresponding password. You can authenticate either using both email and username or just the email provided your USERNAME_FIELD is set correctly:

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Final Thoughts

By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to authenticate custom users in Django 3 effectively. The essential takeaway here is to utilize the provided create_user method for creating users. This will ensure that passwords are hashed and that authentication functions correctly.

If you find yourself with non-authenticating custom users, revisit the user creation process and make sure you're leveraging Django’s built-in capabilities to handle user data securely. Happy coding!

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