RescueTime for iOS

Getting started with RescueTime for iOS

RescueTime on iOS helps you understand how you spend your time, reduce distractions, and stay focused. Setting up only takes a few minutes, but enabling the right permissions is key to getting the full experience.

Step 1: Create your account

1. Open the RescueTime app
2. Enter your name, email, and password
3. Tap Create Account to continue
4. Choose a monthly or annual plan: Focus or Focus + Timesheets. RescueTime for iOS does not currently offer a free Lite version.

You can also sign up using Google or Apple.

Step 2: Enable required permissions

After signing up, RescueTime will guide you through enabling permissions. These allow the app to track your activity and power features like Focus Sessions and app blocking.

Screen Time access (required)

RescueTime uses Screen Time data to understand how you use your device and to block apps during Focus Sessions.

1. Tap Continue on the Screen Time prompt
2. Follow the iOS steps to grant access

Note: This permission is required for both activity tracking and app blocking.

Location access (required)

Location helps RescueTime label your Focus Sessions (for example, home or office). Adding these labels is optional.

1. Tap Continue on the location prompt
2. Choose your preferred access level

Your GPS data stays on your device and is not viewable by RescueTime. Only location labels are synced.

Notifications (required)

Notifications help you stay on track and alert you when Focus Sessions begin and end, as well as when you have reached a goal.

1. Tap Continue on the notifications prompt
2. Allow notifications when prompted

Step 3: Start using RescueTime

Once setup is complete, RescueTime will begin tracking your activity automatically.

You can now:

• View your iOS and desktop activity on the Dashboard (iOS activity is only available on the iOS Dashboard and cannot be sent to your desktop)
• Log time with Offline Activity
• Start a Focus Session or Timer
• Customize your experience in Settings

Tips

• If activity isn’t being tracked, double-check Screen Time access
• App blocking will not work unless Screen Time permission is enabled
• You can update permissions anytime in Settings
• Focus Sessions are most effective when app blocking is configured