How Refresh Tokens Improve API Session Management

When you use web apps or APIs, staying logged in securely without constant interruptions is key. But short-lived tokens, often expiring in 15 minutes, can disrupt this experience. Refresh tokens solve this problem by silently renewing access tokens, maintaining long sessions securely and conveniently.

Here’s how it works:

• Access tokens: Short-lived, verify identity for API requests.
• Refresh tokens: Long-lasting, stored securely server-side, used to get new access tokens.
• Session continuity: Refresh tokens keep users logged in without re-entering credentials.

Why it matters:

• Improves user experience by avoiding frequent logouts.
• Enhances security with token rotation and revocation.
• Ideal for background tasks like syncing data to CRMs or running API integrations.

Key takeaway: Refresh tokens balance security and usability, making them essential for modern APIs and user-friendly applications.

OAuth 2.0 - Refresh Token

How Refresh Tokens Improve API Session Management

Refresh tokens create a secure, two-layer credential system that balances security and user experience. Instead of choosing between short-lived tokens that inconvenience users and long-lived tokens that pose security risks, developers get the best of both worlds. Access tokens manage individual API calls, while refresh tokens work quietly in the background to maintain active sessions.

The Token Lifecycle in OAuth 2.0

In a typical OAuth 2.0 workflow, when a user logs in, the authorization server issues two credentials: a short-lived access token (valid for 5–30 minutes) and a longer-lasting refresh token (commonly 7–30 days for consumer apps). The access token is used in API requests, while the refresh token is securely stored and only used when a new access token is needed.

When the access token expires and an API call returns a 401 error, the client automatically contacts the authorization server's token endpoint using the refresh token. This process generates a new access token - often paired with a new refresh token - without requiring any action from the user.

To make this process even more secure, refresh token rotation is employed. When a refresh token is used, the server issues a fresh access–refresh token pair and invalidates the old refresh token. If an attacker tries to reuse an invalidated refresh token, the server detects it, revokes the session, and forces the user to re-authenticate.

For U.S.-based SaaS applications, a common setup includes access tokens lasting 10–15 minutes and refresh tokens valid for 7–30 days. In industries like finance and healthcare, where security is paramount, refresh tokens may have shorter lifespans, stricter revocation policies, and even require additional authentication for sensitive actions.

This automated renewal process not only enhances security but also ensures smooth, uninterrupted user experiences across various applications.

Maintaining Session Continuity and User Experience

Refresh tokens solve a major challenge in API session management: keeping users logged in without compromising security. By silently renewing short-lived access tokens upon expiration, applications maintain "remembered" sessions over longer periods. This eliminates frequent login prompts or consent requests, streamlining workflows and reducing user frustration. The result? Fewer abandoned sessions and higher retention rates, especially in scenarios where re-authentication disrupts critical tasks.

Take mobile banking and fintech apps, for example. These apps rely on refresh tokens to support long sessions while ensuring that access can be revoked immediately if a device is lost or stolen. Short-lived access tokens minimize potential damage from interception, while refresh tokens ensure the seamless continuity users expect.

For backend integrations, refresh tokens are indispensable. Consider a form platform like Reform, which uses OAuth 2.0 refresh tokens to maintain connections with systems like Salesforce or HubSpot. When a lead submits a form, the backend can silently renew the access token to push data into the CRM or marketing platform. This eliminates the need for administrators to frequently reconnect integrations, reduces the risk of failed API calls due to expired tokens, and keeps API traffic predictable for both the form platform and connected systems.

Beyond improving session management, refresh tokens also play a pivotal role in enhancing security and monitoring.

Improving Security and Monitoring with Refresh Tokens

Refresh tokens offer a range of security benefits compared to relying solely on long-lived access tokens. Since refresh tokens aren't sent with every API request, they are less exposed to interception and can be stored in more secure environments, such as HTTP-only cookies or system-level secure storage like Keychain.

They also provide servers with greater control. Tokens can be revoked or blacklisted on a per-user or per-device basis, allowing sessions to be terminated quickly in response to compromised credentials, password changes, or other security events. This level of control isn't possible with purely stateless JWT sessions.

Refresh tokens also enhance monitoring and logging capabilities. Every time a token is issued or refreshed, details such as IP address, device type, and client application can be logged and tied to specific user sessions. This data supports anomaly detection, such as identifying unusual refresh patterns, requests from unexpected locations, or concurrent refresh attempts with the same token - potential signs of a security breach. Audit logs can also track when tokens are revoked due to policy changes, administrative actions, or automated risk detection.

Refresh token rotation takes these protections further. Any attempt to reuse an already rotated token is flagged as suspicious, triggering alerts or the termination of all related sessions. Some systems even revoke all associated tokens and require re-authentication when such behavior is detected.

A great example of this approach is Passage by 1Password. It combines stateless JWT access tokens for quick verification with statefully stored refresh tokens secured by advanced algorithms. This setup allows for fast, database-free validation while maintaining robust security features like token revocation and rotation.

Designing Secure Refresh Token Flows

This section dives into practical strategies for creating secure refresh token workflows. By carefully determining when to use refresh tokens, applying protection methods, and preventing potential attacks, you can tailor these flows to suit your application's specific needs.

When to Use Refresh Tokens

Refresh tokens are most effective in environments where secure storage mechanisms are available, such as server-side applications, native mobile apps, and progressive web applications (PWAs). Here's how they fit into these scenarios:

• Server-side applications: Refresh tokens stay on the backend, keeping sensitive credentials out of the client-side environment.
• Native mobile apps: Secure storage options like iOS Keychain or Android Keystore ensure tokens remain protected.
• PWAs: Tokens can be secured using service workers and backend endpoints.

However, single-page applications (SPAs) without secure backends should avoid using refresh tokens. The OAuth 2.0 specification discourages issuing refresh tokens with the Implicit Flow. For SPAs needing long-lived sessions, use the Authorization Code Flow with PKCE alongside a secure backend to handle token storage and rotation.

Refresh tokens are also ideal for third-party integrations, such as "Sign in with Google" or "Sign in with Facebook", where continuous access to user data is required over extended periods.

Once you've identified the right use cases, it's time to focus on securing refresh tokens.

Security Best Practices for Refresh Tokens

Protecting refresh tokens is critical. Follow these best practices to keep them secure:

• Use the Authorization Code Flow with PKCE: This ensures the client can prove it initiated the authorization request.
• Avoid storing raw refresh tokens: Instead, store cryptographic hashes (e.g., using HMAC). This way, even if your database is compromised, attackers cannot directly use the stored values.
• Set expiration policies: Access tokens should expire within 15–30 minutes, while refresh tokens can last for several days. However, even refresh tokens should have an eventual expiration to limit misuse.
• Enable immediate token revocation: Provide mechanisms to revoke tokens instantly if they are compromised. Allow users to manually revoke sessions and set up automatic revocation for suspicious activities.
• Minimize token scopes: Only request permissions that are absolutely necessary. For instance, if your app only needs to write leads to a CRM, avoid asking for permissions to delete records or access sensitive data.
• Use a secure backend for SPAs: A backend proxy can handle token exchanges, keeping sensitive tokens out of the client-side environment.

Refresh Token Rotation and Preventing Replay Attacks

Refresh token rotation is a key strategy to defend against replay attacks. Here's how it works:

• Every time a refresh token is used to get a new access token, the server issues a new refresh token and invalidates the old one.
• If an attacker tries to reuse an old refresh token, the server detects it, revokes the session, and requires re-authentication.
• Some implementations go further by invalidating all tokens in the compromised chain, ensuring that no related tokens can be exploited.

When an access token expires, the client sends the current refresh token to the server. The server validates it, issues new tokens, and invalidates the previous refresh token. The client then stores the new refresh token for future use.

For example, Okta's implementation allows for flexible rotation timing. If the refresh token's lifetime hasn't expired, the server might only issue a new access token. Once the refresh token expires, both a new access token and refresh token are provided. This approach strikes a balance between security and the complexity of managing token rotation.

To maintain security, enable refresh token rotation by default. Incorporate this mechanism into your OAuth 2.0 implementation from the outset, ensuring that client applications always use the most recent refresh token issued by the server.

sbb-itb-5f36581

Implementing Refresh Tokens in an OAuth 2.0 Workflow

Refresh tokens are essential for maintaining secure, long-lasting sessions in an OAuth 2.0 workflow. This section explains how to integrate them effectively into your backend application, covering everything from initial setup to managing automated renewals to keep your API connections running without interruptions.

Setting Up OAuth Client and Token Scopes

Before using refresh tokens, you need to register your application with an authorization server. Whether you're working with platforms like Auth0, Okta, Google, or Microsoft, the process is generally similar.

Start by creating an application in your identity provider's dashboard. Choose the correct application type - usually "web application" or "server-side application" - as this determines whether your backend can securely store credentials. This step is critical because refresh tokens should only be issued to clients that can protect them from exposure.

During registration, you'll configure several key settings:

• Redirect URIs: Ensure these match to avoid authorization issues.
• Authorization Code Flow: Enable this flow, often with PKCE for added security, even for confidential clients.
• Refresh Token Settings: Allow refresh tokens by enabling settings like "Allow refresh tokens" or requesting the offline_access scope, depending on your provider.
• Token Lifetimes: Set access tokens to expire in 15–30 minutes to reduce risk if intercepted, while refresh tokens can last days or weeks. For example, Microsoft's platform allows refresh tokens to last longer but revokes them early if security conditions change, such as a password reset.

Your authorization server will generate a client ID and, for confidential clients, a client secret. These credentials are used by your backend to exchange authorization codes for tokens.

When defining scopes, request only the permissions your app truly needs. For instance, if your application syncs leads to a CRM, request write access to contacts but avoid permissions for deleting records or accessing sensitive data. This "least privilege" approach minimizes the impact of a compromised token. For background tasks requiring refresh tokens, include offline_access or any provider-specific scope that signals this need.

After the user signs in and consents, the authorization server redirects to your backend's URI with an authorization_code query parameter. Your backend then makes a POST request to the token endpoint, including the grant_type=authorization_code, authorization code, redirect URI, client ID, and client secret (or PKCE verifier for public clients).

The server responds with a JSON payload containing several elements: an access_token (JWT or opaque string), token_type (usually Bearer), expires_in (e.g., 1,800 seconds for a 30-minute lifetime), an optional id_token for identity data, and the critical refresh_token. Your backend should securely store the refresh token alongside metadata like user ID, scopes, and issuance timestamp.

With client registration complete, the next step is ensuring refresh tokens are securely stored and managed.

Storing and Managing Refresh Tokens Securely

Refresh tokens need strong protection to prevent misuse. Store them exclusively on the backend in a secure database, never in browser-accessible storage like localStorage or sessionStorage. Use encryption (e.g., AES-256) for tokens at rest and manage keys securely. Limit database access using least-privilege roles to ensure only authorized services and personnel can access token data.

Some systems store only cryptographic hashes of refresh tokens. When a token is presented, the server calculates its hash and compares it to the stored value, reducing the risk of misuse if the database is compromised.

Design your database to accommodate the token lifecycle. A typical table might include:

• Token ID (or hash)
• User ID
• Client ID
• Scopes
• Issued-at and expires-at timestamps
• Revoked-at timestamp (nullable)
• Parent token reference (for rotation)

This structure supports efficient lookups, token validation, and audit trails for security investigations.

When a refresh token is used, validate that it hasn't expired or been revoked. If you're using token rotation, issue a new access token and refresh token, invalidating the old one. This one-time-use pattern helps detect replay attacks; if a stolen token is reused, the session can be flagged as compromised and require reauthentication.

Set expiration policies that balance security with usability. Access tokens should expire quickly (e.g., within minutes), while refresh tokens can last longer - commonly up to 30 days. However, they shouldn't last indefinitely. Revocation mechanisms are also important. Provide tools or endpoints for forced logout and automatically revoke tokens when suspicious activity is detected, such as multiple refresh attempts from different locations in a short time. Soft-delete revoked tokens to retain metadata for compliance or security audits.

Avoid logging full token values to prevent accidental exposure. Use structured logging with redacted fields to ensure tokens never appear in plaintext. Control access to logs with strict permissions, separating token-related events from general application logs.

For SaaS platforms serving multiple tenants, organize tokens by tenant and provider (e.g., (tenant_id, provider, user_id)) and encrypt them. Enforce tenant isolation with field-level encryption and strict role-based access control.

Once tokens are securely managed, automation can streamline token renewals for long-running tasks.

Automating Token Renewal for Long-Running Integrations

Manual token management is impractical for applications with numerous integrations. Automate renewals to ensure uninterrupted API access for tasks like nightly data syncs.

Set up background jobs or scheduled tasks to monitor token expiration. When an access token nears expiration, your system should send a grant_type=refresh_token request to the authorization server, receive new tokens, update the token store, retry the original API call, and log the refresh event.

There are two approaches to automation:

• Proactive Renewal: Scheduled jobs refresh tokens before they expire, avoiding service interruptions.
• Reactive Renewal: The system waits for a 401 Unauthorized response, then refreshes the token and retries the request.

Centralize token logic in a dedicated service or module with methods like getAccessTokenFor(user, provider), refreshIfNeeded(), and revokeSession(). This prevents code duplication and ensures consistent security checks and rotation rules.

Handle errors gracefully with exponential backoff and circuit-breaking patterns. If a refresh fails with an invalid_grant error (indicating the token is expired or revoked), mark the integration as needing reauthentication and notify users or operators. Avoid retrying indefinitely; after three to five attempts, stop the job and provide a clear reconnect process.

Respect rate limits for token requests. Most authorization servers impose limits on how often you can request new tokens, even with valid refresh tokens. Ensure your renewal logic includes rate limiting to stay within these boundaries.

Using Refresh Tokens in Form-Based Lead Generation Workflows

Form platforms that integrate with CRMs and marketing tools need to ensure seamless data synchronization, often working quietly in the background after a visitor submits a form. Refresh tokens play a crucial role in maintaining secure, long-term API connections without requiring constant admin intervention to reauthorize integrations.

Connecting Forms with CRMs and APIs

When a form platform integrates with a CRM like HubSpot or Salesforce, it typically uses OAuth 2.0 to retrieve two key tokens: an access token and a refresh token. The access token handles immediate API calls - like sending a lead's name, email, and other details to the CRM - but it usually expires within 15–30 minutes. That's where the refresh token steps in. Stored securely on the platform's backend, the refresh token quietly requests a new access token when the old one expires. This process happens entirely server-to-server, requiring no action from the user.

For platforms like Reform, which focus on deep integrations with CRMs and marketing tools, this automated renewal process is essential. Imagine a form submission at 2:00 AM - before sending the lead data to the CRM, the system checks the access token and, if needed, uses the refresh token to get a new one. This ensures that whether a form processes hundreds of submissions daily or runs periodic batch jobs, the data pipeline stays smooth and uninterrupted.

Without refresh tokens, syncing could stop unexpectedly, creating delays or data loss. Automatic token renewal eliminates these risks, alerting admins only when the refresh token itself expires or is revoked. This streamlined approach ensures consistent data flow while reducing the need for frequent manual updates.

Reducing Admin Work in OAuth-Based Integrations

Refresh tokens don’t just keep integrations running - they also reduce the workload for administrators. Once a CRM or marketing tool is connected, the integration can remain active for extended periods without requiring manual fixes. No more scrambling to update expired tokens or troubleshoot failed API calls.

By handling token renewal on the backend, the system seamlessly replaces an expiring access token with a fresh one. Admins are only notified when significant events occur, like a CRM revoking access due to a password change or updated security policies. This "set it and forget it" model is especially helpful for U.S.-based marketing and sales teams that rely on continuous lead capture to maximize advertising ROI and prevent revenue gaps.

Some platforms go a step further with proactive monitoring. They periodically test the current access token with the CRM, and if a failure occurs, the refresh token restores the connection before admins even notice a problem.

Token Management Best Practices for Form Platforms

To ensure smooth session management, secure token rotation is a must. For form platforms, this means making sure every lead submission reaches the CRM without interruptions. Tokens should always be stored securely on the server side, using strong encryption. For platforms serving multiple clients, tenant-specific encryption keys and strict row-level access controls help maintain separation and security.

Rotating refresh tokens adds an extra layer of protection. Each time a refresh token is used to obtain a new access token, the authorization server issues a new refresh token and invalidates the old one. This one-time-use system prevents token reuse, so if an old token is compromised, the server detects and revokes the session. To handle potential race conditions in background jobs, platforms should serialize refresh operations or use a "compare-and-set" mechanism.

If an admin disconnects an integration or suspicious activity is detected, the platform should immediately call the CRM or identity provider's revocation endpoint to invalidate both tokens. After revocation, delete all associated tokens and stop any scheduled jobs that depend on them.

Logging token refresh events (with sensitive details redacted) can help troubleshoot issues quickly. Dashboards and alerts enable operations teams to spot patterns, such as repeated failures or unusual API activity, and respond promptly.

Limit token permissions to the bare minimum using the principle of least privilege. During the OAuth consent process, clearly explain to admins what the connection allows - like creating leads or reading lists - so they understand the implications of granting access. For platforms offering multiple workflows (e.g., lead capture or event registration), keep tokens and permissions separate for each integration. This reduces risk and simplifies audits.

For developers embedding forms in their own applications, avoid handling or storing refresh tokens in browser code or mobile apps. The form platform’s backend should manage all refresh-token logic, while client-side code only interacts with short-lived tokens or secure, HTTP-only cookies. Any server-side extensions (such as webhooks processing leads) should also avoid storing refresh tokens in logs or exposing them in client-facing data. This separation keeps sensitive credentials secure while enabling advanced automation for form submissions.

Conclusion

The Advantages of Refresh Tokens

Refresh tokens strike a balance between security and user convenience by pairing short-lived access tokens with long-lasting, securely stored refresh tokens. If an access token is ever compromised, its brief lifespan minimizes risk. Meanwhile, refresh tokens remain protected on the server, where they can be monitored, rotated, and revoked at the first sign of suspicious activity.

This setup reduces user friction while supporting seamless automation. Instead of requiring frequent logins, users can stay authenticated for longer periods - typically 7–30 days or until performing high-risk actions. For U.S.-based SaaS teams, this means fewer complaints about constant logouts and smoother workflows for critical processes like checkout, billing, and lead capture. For example, when a CRM sync happens overnight or a webhook processes data at 2:00 AM, the system can use a refresh token to generate a new access token without needing the user to intervene. Platforms like Reform benefit from this approach by maintaining uninterrupted data flow to CRMs and marketing tools, ensuring no leads are lost and campaigns run smoothly - even during high-traffic periods or advertising surges.

Refresh token rotation adds an extra layer of security. Each time a refresh token is used, the server issues a new one and invalidates the old one. If an attacker tries to reuse an expired token, the server detects it immediately and can terminate the session. Combined with detailed monitoring - such as tracking IP addresses, device changes, and unusual activity patterns - this approach gives teams visibility into token behavior and enables rapid responses to potential threats.

Best Practices for Secure OAuth Workflows

The primary risk in OAuth 2.0 lies in relying on long-lived access tokens or storing them insecurely. Refresh tokens, when managed properly, significantly reduce these risks. Think of it this way: short-lived access tokens safeguard your APIs, while refresh tokens maintain session continuity.

To fully leverage their benefits, follow these secure OAuth practices:

• Use access tokens with brief lifespans and rely on refresh tokens for extended sessions.
• Implement refresh token rotation, encrypt server-side storage, and enable token revocation.
• Choose the Authorization Code + PKCE flow for public clients like SPAs and mobile apps, avoiding refresh tokens in flows that can't securely store them, such as the Implicit Flow.
• Centralize token logging and monitoring to spot anomalies quickly, and regularly review token lifetimes and scopes to align with your organization's compliance and security needs.

For platforms focused on lead generation or forms, design OAuth workflows so administrators only need to authorize once. Let the system handle token management behind the scenes - automating tasks like form submissions, lead enrichment, and campaign triggers - without burdening non-technical users with complex configurations.

FAQs

How do refresh tokens improve security compared to long-lasting access tokens?

Refresh tokens play a key role in bolstering security by reducing the risks tied to long-lasting access tokens. Instead of granting access tokens that remain valid for extended durations - potentially increasing the chances of misuse if compromised - refresh tokens allow for the issuance of shorter-lived access tokens that can be renewed in a secure manner.

Here’s how it works: when a refresh token is presented, the system checks its validity and, if everything checks out, issues a fresh access token. This approach significantly limits the time an access token remains usable, ensuring that even if it’s intercepted, its lifespan is short. On top of that, refresh tokens are generally stored securely and can be revoked if any suspicious activity arises, providing an additional safeguard for sensitive information.

What are the best practices for securely storing and managing refresh tokens in a backend system?

To keep refresh tokens safe and well-managed in a backend system, here are some essential practices to consider:

• Secure storage: Always store refresh tokens in a secure, encrypted database. Encryption at rest ensures that even if the storage is breached, the data remains protected.
• Set token expiration: Assign a reasonable expiration period to refresh tokens. This limits the damage caused if a token falls into the wrong hands.
• Use HTTPS: Ensure all communications involving refresh tokens happen over HTTPS. This prevents tokens from being intercepted during transmission.
• Limit token permissions: Restrict the scope of refresh tokens to only the permissions necessary for their purpose. This reduces the risks if a token is compromised.
• Monitor and revoke when needed: Keep an eye out for suspicious activity. If a token is misused or compromised, revoke it immediately to prevent further issues.

Following these steps strengthens the security of your API session management, keeping your system and users protected.

What is refresh token rotation, and how does it help prevent replay attacks?

Refresh token rotation boosts security by generating a new refresh token each time the old one is used, while simultaneously invalidating the previous token. This approach significantly reduces the risk of attackers misusing stolen tokens, safeguarding user sessions against replay attacks.

To implement refresh token rotation effectively, developers need to prioritize secure token storage, enforce rigorous validation processes, and set short expiration periods for added protection. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure tokens are single-use and are reliably invalidated after rotation through thorough server-side checks.

Related Blog Posts

• OAuth 2.0 Authorization Code Flow Explained
• Choosing the Right OAuth 2.0 Flow
• Checklist for Facebook Lead Ads API Setup
• Fix Common OAuth Errors in Form Integrations