Using the Directions widget for a public web map prompts for ArcGIS Online credentials

Description

Attempts to use the Directions widget when creating an application with Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS using publicly shared data and maps constantly prompts users to log in to ArcGIS Online.

Cause

This issue occurs as by design. The Directions widget uses the ArcGIS Online World Route Service. The World Route Service is a premium service that requires licensed access through an ArcGIS Online organizational subscription and consumes credits for each route calculated.

Solution or Workaround

Although the World Route Service used by the Directions widget is a premium service, in some scenarios it is possible to allow limited but anonymous or public access to the routing service. For example, a grocery vendor can specifically provide only driving directions for users to reach a specific store location, or finding the nearest store location to the user.

Use one of the following solutions to resolve the issue:

Append the Directions widget Route URL
Appending the the route URL in the Attribute tab of the Directions widget resolves the constant prompt to log in to ArcGIS Online. To do so:

1. Open the Web AppBuilder application.
2. Navigate to, and edit the Directions widget.
3. Copy the routing service URL located in the Route URL field. For example:
   
   
    
4. Navigate to the Attribute tab. Below Subscriber Content Access, click Add new URL.
   
   
    
5. Add a title for the custom URL. Paste the routing service URL copied at Step 3 in the URL field, define the remaining options as required, and click OK.
   
   
    
6. Save the application.

Use a proxy service
Setting up a proxy service for the application that uses the Direction widget allows public users access to the Directions widget without compromising site permission settings and security. For more information, refer to ArcGIS for Developers: Working with Proxy Services.

Configure a Premium Service for anonymous usage
The configuration settings of an application can be modified to allow limited but anonymous or public access to the premium route service. To do so, refer to ArcGIS Help: Configure Premium Service for anonymous usage.