Header
Paste a JWT token above to decode
Payload
Paste a JWT token above to decode
Signature
Paste a JWT token above to decode

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a JWT?

JWT (JSON Web Token) is a compact, URL-safe token format used for transmitting claims between parties. It consists of three Base64URL-encoded parts separated by dots: header.payload.signature.

2. Is my token data uploaded to your server?

No. All decoding happens locally in your browser. Your JWT token never leaves your device, making this tool 100% private and secure.

3. What is inside a JWT header?

The header typically contains the token type (typ) and the signing algorithm (alg), such as HS256 (HMAC with SHA-256) or RS256 (RSA with SHA-256).

4. How is JWT different from Base64 encoding?

JWT uses Base64URL encoding (not standard Base64), which replaces '+' with '-', '/' with '_', and omits padding '=' characters. Unlike Base64 which is pure encoding/decoding, JWT also supports signature verification to ensure token integrity.

Key Features

  • Instant Decoding — Paste a JWT token and see decoded data immediately
  • 100% Client-Side — Your token never leaves your browser
  • Structured Display — View header, payload, and signature separately
  • Formatted JSON — Decoded output is pretty-printed for easy reading
  • One-Click Copy — Copy header, payload, or the entire token with a single click

How to Decode JWT Tokens

Step 1: Copy your JWT

Copy the JWT token from your application's authentication flow, API response, or browser's developer tools.

Step 2: Paste into the decoder

Paste the token into the input field above. The decoder automatically detects and decodes the three parts of the JWT.

Step 3: Inspect the contents

The Header shows the signing algorithm and token type. The Payload displays all claims (sub, iss, exp, etc.). Use the Copy buttons to extract individual sections.

Common Use Cases

Debugging Authentication

Inspect JWT tokens returned by your OAuth2 or OIDC provider to verify claims like user ID, roles, and expiration time.

API Development

During API integration, decode tokens to check the payload structure and ensure the correct claims are being sent and received.

Security Auditing

Examine JWT tokens for security best practices — check algorithm type, expiration, and custom claims without exposing data to third parties.

Why Choose ToolZen JWT Decoder?

Feature ToolZen Other Tools
Privacy100% Client-SideMay Send Data to Server
CostCompletely FreeFreemium / Paid
RegistrationNo Signup RequiredAccount Needed
LanguageEnglish & ChineseEnglish Only

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