What is a JWT
JWT (JSON Web Token) is a compact format for securely transmitting information between two parties, widely used for API authentication. A JWT has three dot-separated parts: header, payload and signature.
Decoding is not validating
This tool only decodes the header and payload (which are just Base64Url, not encrypted) for reading — it does not verify the token's signature. Anyone can read a JWT's content, so never put sensitive data (passwords, IDs) in a token's payload.
Frequently asked questions
Is a JWT encrypted?
No. The header and payload are only Base64Url-encoded, not encrypted — anyone with the token can read the content. The signature guarantees integrity, not secrecy.
Does this tool verify the token signature is valid?
No — it only decodes the content for reading. Verifying the signature requires the issuer's secret or public key, which this tool never asks for.
Is my data sent to any server?
No. All decoding happens locally in your browser, in JavaScript.