Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about RescueTime.
Click a question to expand the answer. For more details, follow the links in each answer.
How do I know if RescueTime is running?
Look for the RescueTime icon in your menu bar (macOS) or system tray (Windows). If you don't see it, the app isn't running and you'll need to download and install it, or open it from your Applications folder or Start menu.
What does RescueTime do when I'm away from my computer?
RescueTime tracks based on mouse and keyboard activity. After 5 minutes of inactivity, it stops the current record and subtracts those 5 minutes, so your reports reflect active time rather than idle time. This is also why an hour rarely shows as a full 60 minutes: short pauses around that 5-minute mark aren't counted, which keeps your numbers focused on real, active work rather than simple clock time.
How does RescueTime handle multiple computers, monitors, or open apps?
You can install RescueTime on as many computers as you'd like. All your time will appear together in your reports, though you can't separate it by computer. The number of monitors doesn't matter since RescueTime only tracks whichever window is currently active.
Similarly, if you have many apps or browser tabs open at once, RescueTime only logs time for the one you're actively using, switching what it tracks as you move between them.
What operating systems does RescueTime support?
Windows 10 and 11, macOS Big Sur (11.0) or later, iOS 17.0 or later, and Android 8.0 or later. A browser extension is also available for Firefox, which is required on macOS.
What happens to my data if I lose my internet connection?
Nothing is lost. RescueTime keeps tracking your activity locally and syncs with the servers once your connection is restored. If you're seeing a persistent "no internet" or "proxy" status instead of a brief outage, see RescueTime Can't Connect to the Internet.
What if I don't have a set work schedule?
Your work schedule settings let you set the same hours every day, different hours per day, or select "All day" for days with no predictable schedule. This is a good option for gig work, irregular shifts, or freelancing.
Where can I change when I receive my End of Day Report?
Go to Account Settings → Work Schedule and use the edit icon next to Delivery Time of Daily Report to choose when it's sent.
What's the difference between Lite, Solo Focus, and Solo+?
Lite (free) offers basic tracking and reporting. Solo Focus adds Focus Sessions, alerts, offline tracking, and unlimited report history. Solo+ includes everything in Solo Focus, plus Timesheets and project tracking. See the full plan comparison for the complete feature breakdown.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Go to Account Settings → Billing and click Cancel your subscription. This stops billing but keeps your account and data. If you'd rather delete your account entirely, see How do I delete my account? If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, you'll also need to cancel through Apple.
How do I choose which apps and websites get blocked during a Focus Session?
RescueTime blocks anything rated as Distracting. Go to your Activities page, hover over an app or site, and use the arrow to move it into the Personal/Distracting column. To unblock something, move it back to Focus Work, Other Work, or Neutral the same way.
What is a "shift"?
A shift is when your dominant activity in a 5-minute block changes productivity category, like moving from Focus Work to a distraction or to a communication app. Shifts are calculated in 5-minute blocks based on whichever category you spent the most time in during that block, and are only counted when the category actually changes between blocks.
Can I limit what information RescueTime collects?
Yes. Go to Account Settings → Data & Privacy, disable Monitor all websites, and add only the sites you want tracked to your whitelist. Everything else is logged as generic browser time with no detail.
How is my Productivity Pulse calculated, and what's a "good" score?
Your Pulse is a 0 to 100 score based on the productivity level of everything you've logged: Focus Work counts as 100%, Other Work as 75%, Neutral as 50%, Personal as 25%, and Distracting as 0%, weighted by how much time you spent in each.
There's no universal "good" number. Your Pulse depends on whether you track only work hours or your whole day, how well your activities are categorized, and how you personally rate things like email. Use it to spot your own patterns over time rather than comparing it to anyone else's.
What languages does RescueTime support?
RescueTime is currently only available in English on desktop. On mobile, RescueTime is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian.
How does RescueTime handle Daylight Saving Time?
Time is based on your device's clock. In the fall, the repeated 1 to 2 AM hour can show extra logged time. In the spring, the skipped 2 AM hour shows no logged time, and that activity appears at 3 AM instead.
Where can I make a feature request?
Share your ideas on the RescueTime Community Forum or submit them directly to the Feature Request Board. Our product team reviews requests regularly.
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