RescueTime for Android

Getting started with RescueTime for Android

RescueTime for Android helps you understand how you spend time on your phone and reduce distractions. Setting it up only takes a few minutes, but there are a few important permissions to enable to get the full experience.

Step 1: Create your account

1. Open the RescueTime app
2. Tap Create account
3. Enter your name, email, and password
4. Tap Create account to continue
5. Choose your preferred language

You can also create your account using Google or Apple sign-in if you prefer.

Step 2: Enable required permissions

After creating your account, RescueTime will guide you through enabling the permissions it needs to track your time and support features like Focus Sessions.

These permissions allow RescueTime to:

• Track which apps you use and for how long
• Identify distractions
• Block selected apps during Focus Sessions

App usage access (required)

RescueTime needs access to your app usage data to track activity. When prompted, tap Allow.

Use the toggle to enable Track App Activity.

Note: This permission is required for RescueTime to track your activity.

Additional permissions (required for full functionality)

In order to block distracting apps during Focus Sessions, you will be asked to enable additional permissions.

• Toggle on Mobile App Blocking
• Choose the distractions you'd like to block

To use distraction blocking during Focus Sessions, all required permissions must be enabled.

Step 3: Turn on activity tracking

Once permissions are enabled:

1. Open Settings in the app
2. Find Track App Activity
3. Toggle it on

This allows RescueTime to begin tracking your activity automatically.

Step 4: Configure app blocking (optional)

If you plan to use Focus Sessions, you can choose which apps to block.

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Configure App Blocking
3. Select the apps you want to block during Focus Sessions

You can update this list anytime.

Note: App blocking requires all necessary permissions to be enabled.

Step 5: (Optional) Adjust preferences

You can customize your experience in Settings, including:

• Language
• Theme
• Data and privacy options

Tips

• If RescueTime isn’t tracking activity, double-check that all permissions are enabled
• Some Android devices may restrict background activity. Make sure RescueTime is allowed to run in the background
• You can return to Settings at any time to review or update permissions