Software Design

Silent Token Refresh: Seamless User Sessions

UML Sequence Diagrams · made in Skemio

Sequence diagram of silent token refresh showing a 401 Unauthorized intercept, token exchange with auth server, and retried API request.
Sequence diagram of silent token refresh showing a 401 Unauthorized intercept, token exchange with auth server, and retried API request.
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What it shows

  • Short token TTLs (e.g., 15 mins) minimize damage from leaked credentials.
  • App intercepts 401 responses and triggers background refresh requests.
  • Refresh token rotation issues a new refresh token on every usage.

The takeaway

Silent token refresh pairs short access token lifetimes with rotating refresh tokens for seamless security.

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