This guide is for Gradescope users wishing to understand session timeout. For security, Gradescope automatically logs users out after 25 minutes of inactivity.
How the timeout works
- After 20 minutes of inactivity, a warning appears with a 5-minute countdown.
- Select Continue Session to remain logged in.
- If you do not continue, Gradescope logs you out when the 25-minute limit is reached.
Before the warning appears, actions such as clicking, scrolling, typing, uploading files, or focusing a Gradescope browser tab reset the timer.
What happens after I’m logged out?
- Password or SSO users: The standard Gradescope login window appears.
- LMS users: Gradescope prompts you to relaunch from your learning management system.
Frequently asked questions
Do timeouts affect students and instructors?
Yes. All users—including students, readers, TAs, instructors, and administrators—are logged out after 25 minutes of inactivity.
Do I need to select “Continue Session” every 25 minutes?
No. If you perform an action within 20 minutes, the warning will not appear.
What actions reset the timer?
Any minimal activity resets the timer, including:
- Clicking
- Scrolling
- Typing text
- Uploading files
- Focusing a browser tab or window with Gradescope open
What if Gradescope is open in multiple tabs or windows?
Activity in at least one Gradescope tab or window keeps your session active across that browser.
Sessions in different browsers or on different devices are managed separately. For example, activity in Chrome does not keep a Safari or mobile session active.
If I’m logged out while working on an assignment, can I still submit?
Yes. Logging out does not change the assignment’s status or availability. After logging back in, you can submit or resubmit your work if the due date and any personal time limit have not expired.
Does a session timeout pause a timed assignment?
No. A session timeout only logs you out of Gradescope. It does not pause or extend an assignment’s timer. Log back in immediately to continue and submit before the time expires.
Is my work saved automatically?
Most Gradescope workflows save as you work, but some areas require you to select a save button. A session timeout does not change the existing save behavior.
Rule of thumb: Always select the designated save button before stepping away when one is available. If there is no save button, your work is saved automatically.
Students
- Saved automatically: Answers for timed online assignments.
- Not saved automatically: Answers for untimed online assignments. Select the save option before stepping away.
Instructors and TAs
- Saved automatically: Rubric item updates and applications, text annotations, and submission-specific comments.
- Not saved automatically: Course and assignment settings, and assignment outline setup.
How does this affect users accessing Gradescope through an LMS?
LMS users are subject to the same 25-minute inactivity limit. If the session times out, Gradescope prompts you to relaunch from your LMS instead of requesting a Gradescope password.
Can my institution customize or disable the timeout?
No. The 25-minute timeout is a standardized security measure applied to all Gradescope accounts.