Time Keeper guide
Track
Track is where you run a session. Use the switch at the top to choose Focus or Timer.
Focus
Focus counts up from zero. Tap Start, work, then Stop to save the elapsed time. Pause freezes the clock; Resume continues from there.
Timer
Timer counts down. Set a length with the presets, the dial, or the hour / minute / second wheels (from 1 second up to 23 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds). Start, Pause, Resume, and Stop work the same way as Focus. Reset restarts the countdown without saving. When time is up, the system can alert you on the Lock Screen.
Sessions shorter than one second are not saved.
Categories and sub-categories
A category is a workspace (for example Personal or Work), with its own icon and color. A sub-category is a tag on a session (for example Writing or Deep work), with its own color.
- Tap the category chip on Track to switch, create, or long-press to edit.
- You can change category while a session is running. The session moves with you.
- Pick a sub-category before or during a session so Dashboard can group that time.
- Free accounts can have up to 5 categories and 5 sub-categories per category. Premium is unlimited categories and unlimited sub-categories.
Dashboard
Dashboard shows how you spent time. The category chip at the top is only for browsing — it does not change the category on Track.
- The category chip includes All, which shows time by category for Day, Week, or all-time. Track does not have this option.
- Day, Week, and All under the chip are date ranges. Use the arrows on Day and Week to move earlier.
- On Week, tap a sub-category — or a category in All — to highlight it on the stacked daily bars. Heights stay the same; others dim. Tap again to show all.
- Switch between bars and pie with the icons on Time breakdown.
- Session history lists saved blocks. Tap + to add a session you forgot. You can retag or delete a session from the list.
Lock Screen and alerts
Focus can show a Live Activity on the Lock Screen (and Dynamic Island on iPhone) with Pause and Stop. Timer uses a system countdown alarm when AlarmKit is available (iOS 26+); otherwise a notification fires at zero.
Allow Live Activities, notifications, and Timer (AlarmKit) for Time Keeper in iOS Settings if the Lock Screen stays blank or the countdown does not alert.
Account and sync
- You can use Time Keeper without an account. Data stays on that device until you sign in.
- Sign in with Apple, Google, or phone in Settings to sync projects, categories, and history to the cloud.
- To delete your account and cloud data, use Delete account in Settings, or email from the address on the account.
Premium
Premium unlocks unlimited categories and unlimited sub-categories.
- Subscribe in the app. Monthly is $2.99; Yearly is $19.99 (or local equivalent). Payment is charged to your Apple ID and auto-renews.
- Tap the Premium badge in Settings. If you are on Monthly, the button is Upgrade to annual. If you are on Yearly, it is Manage subscription and opens Apple’s subscription sheet.
- You can also manage or cancel in iOS Settings → [your name] → Subscriptions. Cancel at least 24 hours before the period ends. After you cancel, Premium stays on until that period ends. Apple handles refunds.
- If you paid but the app still shows Free, use Restore purchases while signed in.
Settings
- Choose System, Light, or Dark appearance.
- Edit your display name, bio, and profile photo.
- The plan badge shows Free, or Premium · Monthly / Yearly.
- Sign out, clear history, or delete the account from Account actions.
Contact
For account or Premium issues, email support@halfbrainresearch.com.