diff --git a/r2/r2/controllers/reddit_base.py b/r2/r2/controllers/reddit_base.py
index 30144e628..cb9d65d50 100644
--- a/r2/r2/controllers/reddit_base.py
+++ b/r2/r2/controllers/reddit_base.py
@@ -1065,6 +1065,8 @@ class RedditController(MinimalController):
             if not isinstance(c.site, FakeSubreddit) and not g.disallow_db_writes:
                 c.user.update_sr_activity(c.site)
 
+        c.request_timer.intermediate("base-auth")
+
         c.over18 = over18()
         set_obey_over18()