> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://aftercaredocs.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating and Managing Your AfterCare Account

> Register with email and password, sign in, sign out, and understand how AfterCare's session tokens keep your recovery guide secure.

AfterCare uses email and password authentication to protect your recovery data. When you sign in, AfterCare issues a short-lived access token (valid for 15 minutes) and a longer-lived refresh token (valid for 7 days). The app silently exchanges the refresh token for a new access token in the background, so your session stays active without asking you to sign in again every quarter-hour. When the refresh token itself expires — or when you explicitly sign out — you will need to enter your credentials again.

<Note>
  An account is only required if you want your recovery guide to sync across devices. If you prefer to keep everything in your browser with no account, use **Local mode** — you can upload documents and view your guide without signing in at all. See [Offline Mode](/account/offline-mode) for details.
</Note>

## Create an account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the sign-in screen">
    Navigate to the AfterCare web app. If no session is active, the authentication card appears automatically. Select the **Create account** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your email address">
    Type the email address you want to associate with your account. AfterCare uses this address only for authentication and password resets — it is never shared with third parties.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a password">
    Enter a password of **at least 12 characters**. Longer passwords are stronger; consider using a short phrase rather than a single word.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the form">
    Select **Create account**. AfterCare creates your account, records the timestamp, and signs you in immediately. You will land directly on your Dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Sign in to an existing account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the authentication card">
    If you are not signed in, the sign-in screen appears when you open AfterCare. Make sure the **Sign in** tab is selected (it is the default).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your credentials">
    Type your registered email address and password, then select **Sign in**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for the session to load">
    AfterCare verifies your credentials and fetches your recovery data. The Dashboard appears as soon as the session is ready. If you see an error, check the message — common causes include a mistyped email, a wrong password, or a temporary network issue.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Session tokens explained

AfterCare manages two tokens behind the scenes so you do not have to think about them:

| Token | Lifetime | Purpose |
| - | - | - |
| Access token | 15 minutes | Authorises each request to the AfterCare service |
| Refresh token | 7 days | Obtains a new access token automatically |

You will only be asked to sign in again after 7 days of inactivity, or after you explicitly sign out. If the app tells you your **session has expired**, simply sign in again with your email and password.

## Reset your password

If you forget your password, select **Forgot password?** on the sign-in screen and enter your email address. AfterCare sends a password-reset link to that address. Follow the link to choose a new password, then sign in as normal.

## Sign out

<Tip>
  Sign out from the **Dashboard** by selecting your account menu in the top corner, or from the **Accessibility** screen via the settings panel. Either path ends your session and removes the local token immediately.
</Tip>

Signing out clears your session tokens from the browser. Your recovery data remains stored in the cloud and will be available the next time you sign in. If you are on a shared device, always sign out when you are done.


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