What is the next-auth.session-token Cookie?
Set by NextAuth.js (Auth.js) (NextAuth.js / Auth.js (Open Source)). Expires after 30 days.
Purpose
Encrypted session token issued by NextAuth.js after successful authentication. Identifies the logged-in user.
The secure variant is named __Secure-next-auth.session-token (HTTPS-only). Strictly necessary for authentication — no consent required.
Cookie Details
| Cookie Name | next-auth.session-token |
| Service | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) |
| Provider | NextAuth.js / Auth.js (Open Source) |
| Category | Strictly Necessary |
| Duration | 30 days |
| Consent Required | No — strictly necessary |
Category: Strictly Necessary
Strictly necessary cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are set only in response to actions made by you — such as logging in or filling forms. No consent is required.
GDPR Requirements
The next-auth.session-token cookie is strictly necessary and does not require user consent under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive. It may be set when the user first visits your site.
However, you must still disclose this cookie in your cookie policy, explaining what it does and why it is necessary.
How to Handle This Cookie
- It can load freely — no need to block NextAuth.js (Auth.js) behind a consent gate for this specific cookie.
- Disclose it — list it in your cookie policy explaining it is strictly necessary for nextauth.js (auth.js) functionality.
- Don't add a checkbox for it — strictly necessary cookies should not be listed as toggleable in your consent UI.
Other NextAuth.js (Auth.js) Cookies
| Cookie | Category | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| next-auth.csrf-token | Strictly Necessary | Session |
| next-auth.callback-url | Strictly Necessary | Session |
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