---
layout: article
title: Vault Timeout Options
categories: [account-management]
featured: false
popular: false
tags: [account, vault, timeout, 2FA, two-step]
order: 14
---

Vault Timeout behavior will determine how your Vault will behave after a customizable period of inactivity. Timeout is configured individually from and for each Bitwarden client application that you use (Mobile, Web, Desktop, Browser Extension, etc.).

{% callout warning %}
Regardless of Vault Timeout settings, **closing the Browser or Browser Tab will end your Web Vault or Browser Extension session**, meaning you'll be required to log in to access your Vault.

If you're using a Browser Extension, you can bypass this by enabling the **Unlock with PIN** option and unchecking the **Lock with master password on browser restart** checkbox.
{% endcallout %}

## Options

You can configure the following options from the **Settings** menu of any Bitwarden client application:

### Vault Timeout (time-constraint)

Configuring this option will dictate how long Bitwarden will be inactive before timing-out.

Each client application will have unique options (e.g. On System Idle, or On App Restart), however all applications include standard time-based options (e.g. 1 minute, 15 minutes, 1 hour).

### Vault Timeout Action

Configuring this option will dictate what Bitwarden will do once the Vault Timeout time-constraint has lapsed. Bitwarden can either:

- **Lock** (*default*).

  Locking your Vault will maintain Vault data on the device. You will only be prompted to enter your Master Password to decrypt your Vault, however no [Two-step Login]({% link _articles/two-step-login/setup-two-step-login.md %}) method will be required to unlock your Vault.

  Bitwarden client applications don't need to be online to unlock.

{% callout warning %}
Due to the storage and reference of your decryption keys within the Web Vault, using the Browser refresh button on the Web Vault will cause it to lock.
{% endcallout %}

- **Log Out**.

  Logging Out of your Vault completely removes all Vault data from your device, and will therefore require you to re-authenticate to access your Vault. You will be required to enter your Email Address, Master Password, and any enabled [Two-step Login]({% link _articles/two-step-login/setup-two-step-login.md %}) method in order to access your Vault.

  Bitwarden client applications must be online to log in.