Next.js Middleware for Authentication: Complete Implementation Guide
Next.js middleware runs at the edge before every request. Use it for authentication, authorization, redirects, and A/B testing without impacting page load speed.
Next.js middleware is the best place for authentication checks.
How Middleware Works
Middleware runs at the edge (CDN level) before the request reaches your server components.
Authentication Check
Verify JWT tokens in middleware and redirect unauthenticated users to login.
Role-Based Routing
Route users to different dashboards based on their role (admin, user, viewer).
Rate Limiting at Edge
Implement per-IP rate limiting without adding server load.
Performance
Middleware executes in < 5ms at the edge, adding negligible latency.
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Written by M Daniyal Amjad Ali
Full Stack Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience. Expert in Next.js, React, Node.js, and Prisma. 100+ projects delivered worldwide.