---
title: Understanding Session Timeout and the Idle Countdown Timer
date: 2025-12-30T07:23:07Z
modified: 2026-06-12T11:13:19Z
permalink: "https://ezintegrations.ai/docs/what-is-session-timeout-and-idle-timer/"
type: docs
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 3269
doc_category:
  - Understanding Session Timeout
author: Arun Thakur
---

## Overview

The Session Timeout and Idle Countdown Timer feature automatically ends a user session after 4 hours of inactivity.
This security mechanism helps protect account data when a system is left unattended.

The timer continuously tracks user activity and ensures that inactive sessions are closed to prevent unauthorized access.

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## What Is Session Timeout and Idle Timer?

Session timeout is a security function that logs users out after a defined period of inactivity.
The idle countdown timer displays the remaining active session time before automatic logout.

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## What Does Inactivity Mean?

Inactivity refers to the absence of user interaction with the application.
This includes no mouse movement, clicking, typing, scrolling, or navigation.

Keeping a browser tab open without interaction is not considered active usage.

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## Where to View Remaining Session Time

After logging in, users can view the remaining session time through a clock icon located next to the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner of the header.

The icon displays the remaining time in a clear format, such as **3h 45m**.
The timer updates automatically every minute without requiring a page refresh.

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## How It Works

The idle countdown timer tracks user interaction and measures inactive time.
If no activity is detected, the countdown continues until the session expires.

- The timer starts after login
- User interactions reset the countdown
- The display updates every minute
- Automatic logout occurs after 4 hours of inactivity

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## Clock Icon Tooltip

When users hover over the clock icon, a tooltip appears with the following message.

Your session will end in 4hours if idle.
This tooltip provides an immediate reminder of the remaining idle time.

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## Can I Extend My Session?

Yes. Any interaction with the application resets the inactivity timer to 4 hours.
This includes clicking menus, typing, scrolling, or navigating between pages.

As long as the application is actively used, the session remains active.

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## What Happens When the Timer Reaches Zero?

If no activity is detected for 4 continuous hours, the system automatically logs the user out.
The login screen is displayed and re-authentication is required.

In most cases, unsaved work is preserved because the application saves progress automatically where possible.

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## Why Is There a 4-Hour Idle Limit?

The 4-hour inactivity limit is a standard enterprise security practice.
It reduces the risk of unauthorized access when devices are left unattended.

This setting balances security requirements with daily usability.

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## When to Use

Understanding session timeout is important when working for extended periods or stepping away from the system.

- When working in long sessions
- When leaving the system unattended
- When managing sensitive data
- When planning extended breaks

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## Tips to Avoid Unexpected Logouts

Users can follow these practices to reduce the risk of automatic logout.

- Interact with the application periodically when away
- Save important work regularly
- Log out manually if away for several hours

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## Frequently Asked Questions

 ### 1. What is session timeout?

 Session timeout is a security feature that logs users out after 4 hours of inactivity to protect account data.

 

 

  ### 2. Does keeping a browser tab open prevent logout?

 No. A browser tab without interaction is considered inactive and does not reset the timer.

 

 

  ### 3. How can I reset the idle timer?

 Any interaction such as clicking, typing, scrolling, or navigating resets the timer to 4 hours.

 

 

  ### 4. Will I lose my work after automatic logout?

 In most cases, work is saved automatically where supported, but users must log in again to continue.

 

 

  ### 5. Where can I see my remaining session time?

 The remaining session time is displayed next to the Settings icon through a clock symbol in the top-right corner.

 

 

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## Notes

- The session expires after 4 hours of inactivity
- User activity resets the timer
- The countdown updates every minute
- Automatic logout improves account security

The Session Timeout and Idle Countdown Timer feature ensures secure and controlled access to the application while supporting efficient daily usage.

## Topics

**Docs Categories:** [Understanding Session Timeout](https://ezintegrations.ai/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/taxonomy/doc_category/understanding-session-timeout.md)