7

What is the default lockout time for Ethereum accounts? I know that we can mention the time until which we need the account in unlocked state:

personal.unlockAccount(addr, pswd, duration)

This command will keep the account unlocked for the specified duration (seconds).

But, if I don't mention the time and unlock an account like this: 

personal.UnlockAccount(addr, pswd)

After how much time will it be locked?

Improve this question
5

From the documentation:

The unencrypted key will be held in memory until the unlock duration expires. If the unlock duration defaults to 300 seconds. An explicit duration of zero seconds unlocks the key until geth exits.

Edit:

Note that there appears to be a stray "if" in there. The second sentence should read "The unlock duration defaults to "300 seconds".

Improve this answer
4
  • If the unlock duration defaults to 300 seconds. --> I don't understand. Are we supposed to configure this somewhere?
    – galahad
    Aug 30 '16 at 18:43
  • Hmm, it looks like there's a stray "if" in there. It should just read: "The unlock duration defaults to 300 seconds."
    – Richard Horrocks
    Aug 30 '16 at 18:50
  • Also, what does the second sentence mean? An explicit duration of zero seconds unlocks the key until geth exits.
    – galahad
    Aug 30 '16 at 18:54
  • That means if you put 0 as the third argument, then it will stay unlocked until the programme ends. i.e. It prevents the default 300 seconds from kicking in.
    – Richard Horrocks
    Aug 30 '16 at 18:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.