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azure-active-directory

What are the differences between Service Principal and App Registration?

I understand that App Registration represents an app that might have UI for users to login. I understand that a Service Principal is for applications like scheduled batch processing applications.

But from the technical perspective, in Azure Portal App Registration list, I can see both of them in the list and look the same.

Is there anything that an SP can do that an App Registration cannot or vice versa?

Solution

  • The App registration is the template used to create the SP. The SP is a security principal (like a User) which can be authenticated and authorized. Follow juunas link, specially Relationship between application objects and service principals.