Inactivity Timeout
Set what happens when a conversation goes quiet.
The Idle Timeout setting in the Communication section controls how long your companion waits during a silence before checking in with the user.
How it works
When a user stops talking or typing, a timer starts. If the silence lasts longer than the timeout you have set, the companion will gently prompt the user - for example, asking if they are still there or if they need help with anything else.
The Slider
The idle timeout slider ranges from 15 seconds to 120 seconds, with 30 seconds as the default. You can adjust in increments of 5 seconds.
| Timeout | Best For |
|---|---|
| 15–20 seconds | Quick, high-energy interactions where long silences feel awkward. The companion checks in fast. |
| 25–30 seconds | A balanced setting that gives users a moment but does not wait too long. 30 seconds is the default. |
| 35–60 seconds | More patience for users who may need time to process information or type longer responses. |
| 75–120 seconds | Maximum patience. Good for complex topics, long-form thinking, or situations where a check-in would feel intrusive. The companion waits a long time before saying anything. |
How to Adjust
- Go to the Behaviour tab
- Find the Idle Timeout slider in the Communication card
- Drag the slider left (shorter timeout) or right (longer timeout)
- The current timeout value is shown next to the label (e.g., "Idle Timeout (30s)")
Marks appear below the slider every 15 seconds - 15s, 30s, 45s, 60s, 75s, 90s, 105s, 120s - to help you orient.
If users are telling you the companion checks in too soon, increase the timeout. If conversations are going quiet with no follow-up, try reducing it.
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