Session timeout issue after recent update - constantly logged out despite 2FA + IP whitelist
Problem reported by George Rauscher - 10/17/2025 at 10:56 AM
Submitted
Hi SmarterTools Team,

I've been a loyal SmarterMail customer for over 20 years now, and I wanted to reach out about a frustrating issue I've been experiencing since the latest update.

The Problem:
I'm constantly being logged out of the admin interface, even though I have both 2FA enabled and my IP address whitelisted. What makes this particularly annoying is that I have to go through the entire 2FA process every single time I get kicked out - which happens way too frequently.

My Setup:
- SmarterMail Linux Ubuntu
- Admin account with 2FA enabled
- IP address whitelisted in security settings
- macOS Tahoe 26.1 (latest version)
- Safari browser

What's happening now:
Even during active work sessions, I'm being logged out after what feels like just a few minutes of inactivity. Since I have 2FA enabled, this means I need to:
1. Re-enter my password
2. Wait for the 2FA code
3. Enter the code
4. Get back to what I was doing

This cycle repeats multiple times per day, which is really disrupting my workflow.

What I've tried:*
- Checked for any IP blocking in IDS/IPS settings
- Verified my IP is properly whitelisted
- Ensured cookies are enabled for the domain
- Tried using "Remember Me" (doesn't seem to help)

Is there a way to adjust the session timeout duration, especially for admin accounts with 2FA and whitelisted IPs? I understand security is important, but forcing 2FA every 15 minutes (or whatever the timeout is) seems excessive when my IP is already whitelisted and trusted.

I remember in older versions there was a setting for this in the web interface, but I can't seem to find it anywhere in the newest version. Has this been moved to a config file, or is there another way to adjust this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated - this is driving me crazy! 😅

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Best regards,
George

P.S. Still love SmarterMail after all these years, this i
George A. RauscherMember of the German Society for Criminology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kriminalistik e. V.)Member of "LEVA" Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association, Inc.intelligent piXel GmbHExperts in forensic criminologyEnzianstr. 4a82319 Starnberg0800 - 999 8 99 88 (free*)Website: www.intelligent-pixel.comManaging Director: George A. RauscherAuthorized Representative: Dr. Louise MorgottTax Number: 143 / 150 / 31010HRB 207 679 / Munich Local Court

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