rememberme

Remember me is a feature in web and app authentication that allows a user to remain signed in across browser sessions by storing a persistent credential on the device. Typically presented as a checkbox or toggle labeled "Remember me" or "Keep me signed in" at login.

Implementation generally involves issuing a long-lived remember-me token when the user opts in. The server stores a hash of this token and associates it with the user, and the client receives a cookie containing the token with a long expiration date. On subsequent visits, the server validates the token from the cookie, establishes an active session, and may rotate the token to prevent reuse. When the user signs out, the token is revoked. Some systems also re-authenticate or require re-entry of credentials after a period or for sensitive actions.

Security and privacy considerations are central to remember-me usage. While the feature reduces friction by avoiding repeated logins, it increases risk if the device is lost or stolen. Best practices include using Secure and HttpOnly cookies, SameSite attributes, server-side storage and rotation of tokens, explicit logout revocation, and limited or device-bound lifetimes. Remember-me should be avoided on shared or public devices, and users should be able to review and revoke remembered sessions. Some implementations separate remember-me from persistent authentication, offering remember username only or providing optional device management.

Variations exist across platforms and frameworks. Implementations may integrate with multi-factor authentication, device fingerprinting, or additional risk checks, but the core idea remains a long-lived credential that enables automatic sign-in across sessions.