~~NOTOC~~
====== Magento front-end session timing out too soon ======

====Problem====
The Magento site is timing out soon while **Cookie Lifetime** in Magento configuration set to default 3600 seconds.

====Cause====
PHP’s **session.gc_maxlifetime** was set to be a small number so PHP cleared the session data before Magento had the chance to access it.

====Solution====
Set **session.gc_maxlifetime** in the site's php.ini to a number larger than the **Cookie Lifetime**.

To check **Cookie Lifetime** in Magento: 
  -Log in to Magento Admin Panel
  -Navigate to System -> Configuration -> Web -> GENERAL
  -Look under **Session Cookie Management** for **Cookie Lifetime**
  -Make sure it is set as intended (in seconds).