What is AWS Multi-Session Support?

AWS Multi-Session Support allows users to manage multiple AWS accounts simultaneously in the same browser session. This feature enables DevOps engineers, cloud administrators, and developers to switch between AWS accounts without repeatedly logging in and out — significantly improving productivity when managing multi-account AWS environments.

How do I enable multi-session management in AWS?

AWS multi-session management is supported through AWS Organizations with SSO (IAM Identity Center), browser profile separation, and tools like aws-vault. AWS Console enables switching between accounts using IAM roles, and the AWS CLI supports named profiles for multi-account access in terminal workflows.

What are the best practices for AWS multi-account management?

Best practices include: using AWS Organizations for centralised account management, implementing IAM Identity Center (SSO) for unified access, applying Service Control Policies (SCPs) across accounts, using separate accounts for dev/staging/production environments, and maintaining a landing zone with AWS Control Tower.

Why should businesses use multiple AWS accounts?

Using multiple AWS accounts provides: clear separation of environments (dev, test, prod), stronger security boundaries, simplified cost tracking per team or project, blast radius reduction for security incidents, and easier compliance management — all managed centrally through AWS Organizations.

AWS Multi-Session Support: How to Enable & Manage Multiple Accounts

January 20, 2025 / Nirav Shah

AWS has made managing multiple accounts and roles easier with its new multi-session support in the AWS Management Console. This feature empowers users to sign in to up to 5 different AWS identities, such as IAM users, root accounts, or federated roles, all within the same browser. Whether you’re juggling development, testing, or production environments, multi-session support simplifies your workflow by eliminating the need to log in and out repeatedly.

Key Features of AWS Multi-Session Support

Concurrent Sessions: Sign in to up to five AWS identities simultaneously.
Session Isolation: Each session operates in a separate browser tab for added security and organization.
Unique Subdomains: Each session is accessed via a distinct URL, making it easy to manage and bookmark.

How to Enable Multi-Session Support in AWS Console

Opt-in to Multi-Session:
– Click your account name in the navigation bar.
– Select “Turn on multi-session support” from the dropdown.
Add a New Session:
– Choose “Add session” and select “Sign in”.
– A new tab opens where you can enter the credentials for another AWS account or role.
Switch Between Sessions:
– Each session runs in a unique tab with its own subdomain, allowing seamless switching.

Important Notes Before Enabling AWS Multi-Session Support

Multi-session support is currently available for a limited number of accounts.
A maximum of 5 concurrent sessions can be active.
The feature is browser-specific and needs to be enabled per browser.
Don’t forget to update your bookmarks with the unique session URLs.

Benefits of AWS Multi-Session Support for Cloud Users

Multi-session support significantly boosts productivity for users managing multiple AWS environments. Whether you’re working with IAM roles, root accounts, or federated roles, you can now handle everything without the hassle of constant logins. This feature ensures a smoother, more efficient AWS management experience while maintaining session security and isolation.

Enable AWS multi-session support today to simplify and supercharge your account management!

Step-by-Step: Turn On Multi-Session Support in AWS Management Console

Step 1: Sign in to the AWS Management Console

Go to AWS Management Console.
Log in with your AWS credentials.

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Step 2: Access the Account Menu

In the navigation bar at the top-right corner, click on your account name or avatar.

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Step 3: Enable Multi-Session Support

From the dropdown menu, select “Turn on multi-session support”.
A confirmation message will appear, and the feature will be enabled for your browser.

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Step 4: Add a New Session

Click “Add session” in the account menu.
A new tab will open. Enter the credentials for the additional AWS account or role.

step-4

Switch Between Sessions

Each session opens in its own tab with a unique subdomain
(e.g., https://123456789012-username.console.aws.amazon.com).
Switch tabs to navigate between sessions seamlessly.

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Nirav Shah

Nirav Shah is the Director of Eternal Web Pvt Ltd, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner and certified Odoo Partner based in the UK. With over a decade of experience in cloud computing, digital transformation, and ERP implementation, Nirav helps enterprises adopt the right technology to solve complex business challenges. He specialises in AWS infrastructure, Odoo ERP, and web development solutions for businesses across the UK and beyond.