How to start and stop the timer automatically via the extension
The extension can start the stopwatch when you return to the computer and stop it when you go idle or a clock time arrives. Both options start off.
First install and authorize the extension: How to use the browser extension.
Where to set them
Right-click the extension icon and choose Options. The page opens in a Chrome tab.
Auto start
Automatic stopwatch start in the extension
Start stopwatch automatically starts the stopwatch when you return to the computer. Return means mouse, keyboard, unlocking the screen, or opening the browser. It only counts after 15 consecutive seconds of that activity.
When to start
- Only the first time each day is the default. If an automatic start already happened today, it does not start again.
- On every activity resume starts every time you come back. A break can stop the stopwatch and, after 15 seconds of work again, start it once more.
Days and hours
The default is Monday to Friday, from 07:00 to 18:00. Outside that window the stopwatch does not start on its own. End time must be after start time. If no day is selected, auto start does not run.
Project and task
- Last project and task from history is the default. It uses your most recent time entry.
- Project and task set below uses what you pick. If the project requires a task, that task must be chosen too.
Without a resolved project, the stopwatch does not start. If a stopwatch is already running, it does not open another.
Description
Append note to description on start starts checked. The description gains the text "Started automatically".
Auto stop
Automatic stopwatch stop in the extension
Stop stopwatch automatically applies to any running stopwatch, including one you started by hand.
When to stop
- When inactive on the computer is the default.
- Only at end-of-day time stops when the clock arrives. The default is 18:00.
Inactivity
Chrome only notices a pause with no mouse or keyboard, or with the screen locked. Reading or thinking without moving the mouse counts as idle.
How to detect
- Screen locked or no mouse/keyboard is the default. It stops on whichever comes first.
- No mouse or keyboard waits for the minutes in the field.
- Screen locked stops as soon as the Windows screen locks.
The minutes field accepts 1 to 30. The shortcuts are 5, 15, and 30. The default is 15, which is the recommended value: a low number stops the stopwatch during a short pause to think or read. The longest idle step the extension asks Chrome for is 15 minutes, so 30 min is noticed at 15.
Description
Append note to description on stop starts unchecked. If you check it, the description gains the text "Stopped automatically".