Session store not set on request

Error Message

RuntimeException: Session store not set on request.

Cause

Trying to access session data without a session driver configured or without the web middleware applied to the route.

Solution

Ensure the web middleware is applied to routes that need sessions. Configure SESSION_DRIVER in .env. For API routes, use token-based auth instead.

Code Example

Fix

// Ensure web middleware for session routes
Route::middleware(['web'])->group(function () {
    Route::get('/dashboard', [DashboardController::class, 'index']);
});

// .env
SESSION_DRIVER=file
SESSION_LIFETIME=120

// For API routes, use Sanctum
Route::middleware(['auth:sanctum'])->group(function () {
    Route::get('/user', fn (Request $r) => $r->user());
});

Debugging Steps

Check SESSION_DRIVER in .env
Verify web middleware is applied
Check if the session file/directory exists
Verify session permissions (storage/framework/sessions)

Prevention

Always apply the web middleware for routes using sessions. Configure session driver appropriately for each environment.