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Troubleshooting

This guide helps you resolve common issues with the Timesheet app. Issues are organized by category for quick reference.

If you can't find a solution here, contact support at support@timesheet.io with details about your issue.

Timer & Tracking Issues​

Timer won't start​

Symptoms: Tapping START button does nothing or timer immediately stops

Solutions:

  1. Select a project first - You must select a project before starting the timer
  2. Check for running timer - Stop any currently running timer first
  3. Restart the app - Force close and reopen the app
  4. Clear app cache - Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Clear Cache
  5. Update the app - Check Google Play for latest version

Timer stops unexpectedly​

Symptoms: Timer stops on its own without user action

Possible Causes:

Battery Optimization:

  1. Go to Android Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Battery
  2. Select "Unrestricted" or "Optimized" (not "Restricted")
  3. Some manufacturers require additional steps (see manufacturer-specific settings below)

Automation Interference:

  • Check Automation screen for unwanted automations
  • Temporarily disable Automation Service toggle to test
  • Review geofence radius (might be triggering exit)

Background Restrictions:

  • Ensure notifications are enabled
  • Grant "Display over other apps" permission if prompted
  • Some Android versions aggressively kill background apps

Manufacturer-Specific Settings:

Samsung:

  • Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Battery → Allow background activity
  • Settings → Device care → Battery → App power management → Add Timesheet to "Apps that won't be put to sleep"

Huawei/Honor:

  • Settings → Battery → App launch → Timesheet → Manage manually
  • Enable all options (Auto-launch, Secondary launch, Run in background)

Xiaomi/MIUI:

  • Settings → Apps → Manage apps → Timesheet → Battery saver → No restrictions
  • Settings → Battery & performance → App battery saver → Timesheet → No restrictions

OnePlus:

  • Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → Timesheet → Don't optimize

Timer shows wrong time​

Symptoms: Duration doesn't match expected work time

Solutions:

  1. Check for automatic breaks - Settings → Breaks → Automatic breaks (might be enabled)
  2. Review break history - Open task → Breaks tab to see all pauses
  3. Verify start/end times - Tap task to check actual timestamps
  4. Check timezone - Ensure device timezone is correct
  5. Rounding settings - Settings → Timer → Rounding (might be rounding time)

Can't edit or delete tasks​

Symptoms: Edit button disabled or changes don't save

Solutions:

  1. Check sync status - Wait for sync to complete (spinning icon)
  2. Verify permissions - Team projects may restrict editing
  3. Check task status - Billed/Paid tasks may have edit restrictions
  4. Update app - Older versions may have bugs
  5. Try editing on web - my.timesheet.io as alternative

Automation Issues​

Geofence automation not triggering​

Symptoms: Timer doesn't start/stop when entering/leaving location

Critical Requirements:

1. Location Permission (MUST be "Allow all the time")

  • Android Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Permissions → Location
  • Select "Allow all the time" (NOT "Allow only while using the app")
  • Enable "Use precise location"

2. Battery Optimization

  • Exempt Timesheet from battery restrictions (see Battery Optimization section above)

3. Location Services Enabled

  • Quick Settings → Enable Location/GPS
  • Settings → Location → On

Common Issues:

Geofence Too Small:

  • Open automation → Edit geofence
  • Increase radius to 100-200m for testing
  • Reduce once working reliably

GPS Signal Poor:

  • Geofencing works better outdoors
  • Indoor locations may have delayed triggering
  • Tall buildings can interfere with GPS

Background App Restrictions:

  • Check manufacturer-specific battery settings (see above)
  • Some Android versions limit background location updates

Testing Geofence:

  1. Create test geofence with 200m radius
  2. Walk completely outside the radius (300m+ away)
  3. Wait 2-3 minutes
  4. Walk back into the radius
  5. Check if timer starts (may take 1-2 minutes)

WLAN (Wi-Fi) automation unreliable​

Symptoms: Timer starts/stops randomly, creates multiple short tasks

Root Cause: Many Android devices disconnect Wi-Fi when screen locks to save battery

Solutions:

1. Keep Wi-Fi Connected During Sleep

  • Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep → Always
  • Samsung: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep → Always

2. Disable Wi-Fi Optimization

  • Settings → Battery → Wi-Fi optimization → Disable
  • Some devices: Settings → Developer options → Wi-Fi scan throttling → Disable

3. Switch to Geofence Automation

NFC tag not detected​

Symptoms: Tapping phone to NFC tag does nothing

Solutions:

1. Enable NFC

  • Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → NFC → On
  • Quick Settings → NFC toggle → On

2. Find NFC Reader Location

  • Usually on back of phone near camera
  • Try different positions/angles
  • Hold steady for 2-3 seconds

3. Tag Issues

  • Verify tag is writable and not damaged
  • Try writing automation to tag again
  • Test with different NFC tag if available
  • Remove phone case (may block NFC signal)

4. Phone Compatibility

  • Not all phones have NFC capability
  • Check device specifications
  • Settings → About phone → Look for NFC in specs

Synchronization Issues​

Data not syncing between devices​

Symptoms: Changes on one device don't appear on another

Requirements for Sync:

  1. Timesheet Pro subscription (required for cloud sync)
  2. Same account logged in on both devices
  3. Internet connection on both devices
  4. Account sync enabled in Android

Solutions:

1. Verify Account Login

  • Menu → Account → Check logged in email
  • Must be identical on all devices
  • Sign out and sign in again if uncertain

2. Enable Account Synchronization Android Settings → Accounts → Timesheet → Enable synchronization toggle

3. Force Manual Sync

  • Menu → Account → Pull down to refresh
  • Or: Menu → Settings → Sync now

4. Check Sync Settings

  • Settings → Accounts → Timesheet → Account sync
  • Ensure "Timesheet" toggle is enabled

5. Network Issues

  • Verify internet connection is active
  • Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data
  • Check firewall/VPN isn't blocking sync

6. Clear Sync Cache

  • Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Clear cache (NOT clear data)
  • Restart app
  • Allow time for full sync

Wait Time: Initial sync can take several minutes depending on data volume

Sync conflicts or duplicate data​

Symptoms: Same tasks appear multiple times, data inconsistencies

Solutions:

  1. Don't use backup/restore with sync - Choose cloud sync OR local backup, not both
  2. Wait for sync to complete before making changes on second device
  3. Contact support - support@timesheet.io with account details for manual conflict resolution
  4. Last resort: Export data, delete account, recreate account, import data

Data & Backup Issues​

Lost data after phone reset​

Prevention:

  • Enable cloud sync (Timesheet Pro) for automatic backups
  • Regularly export data (Export screen → All time → Save to cloud storage)
  • Create manual backups before major changes

Recovery Options:

If you had Timesheet Pro:

  1. Reinstall app from Google Play
  2. Sign in with same account
  3. Wait for cloud sync to restore data

If you created XML backups:

  1. Reinstall app
  2. Locate backup file (usually in /Timesheet/Backups/)
  3. Menu → Backup & Restore → Restore
  4. Select TimesheetBackup_xxxxxxx.xml file

If no backup exists:

  • Unfortunately, local data cannot be recovered after factory reset
  • Contact support@timesheet.io in case recent data is in cloud

Backup & Restore​

If you change phones you can transfer data as follows:

Create XML Backup:

  1. Menu → Backup & Restore → Press "Backup"
  2. Creates file at: /sdcard/Timesheet/Backups/TimesheetBackup_xxxxxxx.xml
  3. Transfer file to new device (email, cloud storage, USB)

Restore Backup:

  1. Install Timesheet on new device
  2. Menu → Backup & Restore → Press "Restore"
  3. Select TimesheetBackup_xxxxxxx.xml file
  4. Wait for restore to complete

Note: You need a file browser app to locate .xml files (Files, Solid Explorer, etc.)

Recommended: Use Timesheet Pro for automatic cloud sync instead of manual backups. Register at Menu → Account, then log in on both devices. 30-day free trial available.

Cannot find backup file​

Solutions:

  1. Check Timesheet folder

    • Open file manager
    • Navigate to /Timesheet/Backups/
    • Look for TimesheetBackup_xxxxxxx.xml

  2. Check Downloads or Documents

    • Some devices save to different locations
    • Search for "TimesheetBackup" in file manager

  3. Grant storage permission

    • Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Permissions → Storage → Allow

  4. Create new backup

    • Ensure you have write access to storage
    • Try backup again

Export Problems​

Export not working or fails​

Symptoms: Export button does nothing, error message appears

Solutions:

1. Grant Storage Permission

  • Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Permissions → Storage → Allow
  • Required for saving export files

2. Set Export Folder

  • Settings → Export → Export Folder → Select Folder
  • Choose accessible location (Documents, Downloads)

3. Check Available Storage

  • Ensure device has sufficient free space
  • Large exports (many years) need more space

4. Try Different Format

  • If Excel fails, try CSV
  • CSV files are smaller and more compatible

5. Reduce Export Size

  • Narrow time period (month instead of all time)
  • Reduce number of exported fields
  • Filter to specific projects

6. Clear App Cache

  • Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Clear Cache
  • Restart app and try again

Exported file is empty or corrupted​

Solutions:

  1. Verify data exists - Check tasks screen has data for selected period
  2. Check filters - Ensure export filters aren't excluding all data
  3. Try CSV format - More reliable than Excel for large exports
  4. Update app - Export bugs may be fixed in newer versions
  5. Export in smaller chunks - One month at a time instead of all time

Excel file won't open properly​

Symptoms: Excel shows errors, formatting issues, or wrong separators

Solutions:

1. CSV Separator Settings

  • Settings → Export → CSV separator
  • Use Comma (,) for US/UK Excel
  • Use Semicolon (;) for European Excel

2. Try Different App

  • Google Sheets (cloud)
  • Microsoft Excel (official app)
  • LibreOffice (desktop)

3. Open CSV in Excel Properly

  • Excel → Data → From Text/CSV
  • Choose file, set delimiter
  • Proper import instead of double-click

Performance Issues​

App is slow or laggy​

Solutions:

  1. Clear cache - Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Clear Cache
  2. Archive old projects - Reduces data load
  3. Export and delete old data - Keep last 1-2 years active
  4. Restart device - Clears memory
  5. Update app - Performance improvements in newer versions
  6. Check device storage - Ensure sufficient free space (1GB+)

App crashes or freezes​

Solutions:

1. Update to Latest Version

  • Google Play → Timesheet → Update
  • Bug fixes in newer releases

2. Clear App Cache

  • Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Clear Cache
  • Does NOT delete your data

3. Restart Device

  • Power off completely
  • Wait 30 seconds
  • Power on

4. Reinstall App (Last Resort)

  • IMPORTANT: Export or sync data first
  • Uninstall app
  • Reinstall from Google Play
  • Sign in with same account (Pro users)
  • Or restore from backup

5. Report to Support

  • Email support@timesheet.io with:
    • Android version
    • App version (Settings → About)
    • What you were doing when crash occurred
    • Device model

Permission Issues​

Location permission problems​

Symptoms: Geofence not working, location tracking disabled

Solution:

  1. Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Permissions → Location
  2. Select "Allow all the time" (required for geofencing)
  3. Enable "Use precise location"
  4. Restart app

Notification permission issues​

Symptoms: Timer notification not showing, no alerts

Solution:

  1. Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Permissions → Notifications → Allow
  2. Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Notifications → Ensure all categories enabled
  3. Check Do Not Disturb mode isn't blocking notifications

Storage permission problems​

Symptoms: Cannot export, backup fails, photos won't attach

Solution:

  1. Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Permissions → Storage → Allow
  2. Android 11+: May need "All files access" for some operations
  3. Restart app after granting permission

Web Application Issues​

Sign-in popup closes immediately​

Symptoms: Cannot sign in at my.timesheet.io, popup disappears

Solutions:

1. Enable Third-Party Cookies Chrome:

  • Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
  • Select "Allow all cookies" or add [*.timesheet.io] to allowed sites

Firefox:

  • Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection → Custom
  • Uncheck "Cookies" or add exception for timesheet.io

Safari:

  • Settings → Privacy → Uncheck "Prevent cross-site tracking"

2. Disable Ad Blockers

  • Temporarily disable AdBlock, uBlock Origin, etc.
  • Add timesheet.io to whitelist
  • Try signing in again

3. Disable Pop-up Blockers

  • Browser settings → Allow pop-ups for timesheet.io
  • Check browser toolbar for blocked pop-up icon

4. Try Different Browser

  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Incognito/Private mode to test without extensions

5. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

  • Clear browsing data
  • Restart browser
  • Try signing in again

Common Error Messages​

"No internet connection"​

Even with working internet:

Solutions:

  1. Toggle Airplane mode on/off
  2. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
  3. Check VPN isn't interfering
  4. Restart device
  5. Check firewall settings

"Sync failed"​

Solutions:

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Verify Timesheet Pro subscription is active
  3. Sign out and sign in again
  4. Wait 5 minutes and try manual sync
  5. Contact support if persists

"Permission denied"​

Solutions:

  1. Review all app permissions (Settings → Apps → Timesheet → Permissions)
  2. Grant all requested permissions
  3. Restart app
  4. Check Android version compatibility (minimum required)

Getting Additional Help​

Before Contacting Support​

Please try:

  1. Restart the app
  2. Clear app cache
  3. Update to latest version
  4. Review this troubleshooting guide
  5. Check FAQ for common questions

Contact Support​

Email: support@timesheet.io

Include in your message:

  • Device model and manufacturer
  • Android version (Settings → About phone)
  • App version (Timesheet → Settings → About)
  • Timesheet Pro subscription status
  • Clear description of the issue
  • Steps to reproduce the problem
  • Screenshots if applicable
  • What you've already tried

Response Time: Typically within 24 hours (business days)

Community Resources​

Known Issues & Limitations​

Current Limitations​

Android Version:

  • Minimum: Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
  • Some features require Android 8.0+
  • Background restrictions vary by Android version

Battery Optimization:

  • Some manufacturers aggressively kill background apps
  • Geofencing may be delayed on some devices
  • Keep app exempt from battery optimization

Sync Limitations:

  • Requires Timesheet Pro subscription
  • Large data sets may take time for initial sync
  • Poor internet connection can delay sync

Export File Size:

  • Very large exports (10+ years) may be slow
  • Excel has 1 million row limit
  • Use CSV for extremely large datasets

Known Bugs:

  • Check release notes in Google Play for current issues
  • Updates are released regularly with fixes

Reporting Bugs​

Found a bug not listed here?

  1. Document steps to reproduce
  2. Take screenshots
  3. Note device and app version
  4. Email support@timesheet.io with details

Your feedback helps improve Timesheet for everyone!