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Real-world workflow

Use Case

Debug Expired JWT from API Response

Paste an access token into JWT Decoder to confirm exp/nbf claims when an API returns 401 Unauthorized.

16 August 2026 By Tools.Town Team 5 min read

Steps

  1. Copy the Bearer token from the failing request (DevTools → Network → Authorization header). Prefer a non-production token when possible.
  2. Open JWT Decoder.
  3. Paste the token; inspect payload exp / nbf / iat against current time.
  4. If expired, refresh the token with your auth flow — don’t “fix” by editing claims without re-signing.
  5. For architecture context, read JWT vs session cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is decoding a JWT the same as verifying it?

No. Decoding reads Base64URL segments. Signature verification needs the correct key/algorithm on a trusted verifier.