`currentUser()`

Warning

For optimal performance and to avoid rate limiting, it's recommended to use the useUser() hook on the client-side when possible. Only use currentUser() when you specifically need user data in a server context.

The currentUser() helper returns the Backend User object of the currently active user. It can be used in Server Components, Route Handlers, and Server Actions. In Server Components, it must be called inside a <Suspense> boundary when Cache Components is enabled, which is the default for new Next.js apps.

Under the hood, this helper:

calls fetch(), so it is automatically deduped per request.
uses the GET /v1/users/{user_id} endpoint.
counts toward the Backend API request rate limit.

Warning

The Backend User object includes a privateMetadata field that should not be exposed to the frontend. Avoid passing the full user object returned by currentUser() to the frontend. Instead, pass only the specified fields you need.

app/page.tsx

import { currentUser } from '@clerk/nextjs/server'
import { Suspense } from 'react'

export default function Page() {
  return (
    <Suspense>
      <Greeting />
    </Suspense>
  )
}

async function Greeting() {
  const user = await currentUser()

  if (!user) return <div>Not signed in</div>

  return <div>Hello {user?.firstName}</div>
}

Last updated on Oct 26, 2026

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currentUser()

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`currentUser()`