> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sandywp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Lifespan and permanence

> Choose when a SandyWP sandbox expires, make it permanent, and understand retention after expiry.

Sandboxes are disposable by design. Choose a lifespan when creating one, then make an account-owned sandbox permanent when it needs to remain available.

## Default lifespans

| Creator | Default | Available choices               |
| ------- | ------- | ------------------------------- |
| Guest   | 7 hours | Fixed at 7 hours                |
| Account | 1 week  | 1 hour to 1 month, or permanent |

Use the **Site lifespan** field in **Advanced settings** when you create the sandbox. See [Create a sandbox](/guides/create-a-sandbox) for the full form.

## Make a sandbox permanent

On the dashboard, click the open lock on the sandbox row. You can also open the detail page and select **Make permanent**.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/sandy-wp/QrIaogrIPttSMHEN/images/docs/lock-icon.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QrIaogrIPttSMHEN&q=85&s=e65c307ea63449efee44ccb634edccd2" alt="The Expires value and Make permanent control on a sandbox" width="600" height="450" data-path="images/docs/lock-icon.png" />

A permanent sandbox shows an expiry of **Never**. You can change this while the sandbox is `creating` or `ready`.

<Note>
  Permanent sandboxes require a paid plan. Click the lock again, or select **Make temporary**, when you want the normal expiry behavior back.
</Note>

## After a sandbox expires

An expired sandbox moves to the **Expired** tab and is no longer running. You cannot use its tools or sign in while it is retained.

| Plan         | Retention before deletion |
| ------------ | ------------------------- |
| Guest        | 6 hours                   |
| Free account | 12 hours                  |
| Paid account | 7 days                    |

After retention ends, SandyWP permanently removes the container, database, files, and route. Save a [Template](/guides/templates) before expiry when you need a reusable copy.

## Find a sandbox by state

The dashboard's **Active** view shows creating, ready, and failed sandboxes. **Expired** shows items in their retention window, while **All** includes both groups.

See [Plans and limits](/guides/plans) for permanent-sandbox eligibility.