Understanding Session Persistence and Timeouts in Bubble Apps
Bubble apps often require users to stay authenticated for seamless operation. However, users may experience frequent logouts due to how Bubble handles session management. This article explains why this happens, the limitations of extending session timeouts, and the role of the "Stay logged in" feature.
Overview of Session Management in Bubble
Bubble uses authentication tokens to manage user sessions. These tokens are designed to enhance security by incorporating an inactivity timeout, which means that:
Authentication tokens expire after 2–3 days of inactivity, even if the user has previously opted to "Stay logged in."
The inactivity timeout applies regardless of device type, although certain devices may handle memory differently, which can amplify the effect of this timeout.
This behavior is a fundamental part of Bubble’s session management framework and contributes to maintaining app security by ensuring that inactive sessions aren’t indefinitely valid.
The "Stay Logged In" Feature: What It Does and Its Limitations
The "Stay logged in" feature allows users to extend session persistence on their device. However, this feature doesn’t override Bubble’s inactivity timeout. This means:
Users can remain authenticated as long as activity is detected within the 2–3 day period.
If there is no activity, the session will time out and users will be logged out, even with the "Stay logged in" option enabled.
It’s important to note that this timeout is unaffected by user settings, as it is tied directly to the authentication token’s validity period.