How To Configure And Use Timeout After Settings

Note:

Timeout After is available in all Time Doctor plans and can be configured by Owners and Admins in Settings / Users.

TL;DR:

Set how long inactivity (no keyboard or mouse activity) must last before tracking automatically stops. Configure per user under Settings / Users in the Timeout After column. Default is 15 minutes; valid range is 3 minutes–6 hours. To understand the interaction with manual time and the Were you working? pop‑up, see How Do "Edit Time" and "Time Out After" Settings Interact?

What Is Timeout After?

Timeout After defines the period of no keyboard or mouse activity after which the desktop app stops tracking time automatically. A countdown warning appears before timing out on interactive apps; depending on company settings, a prompt may allow adding manual time afterward. Refer to How Do "Edit Time" and "Time Out After" Settings Interact? for full behavior details.

Who Can Configure It

Owners and Admins can configure Timeout After for one or multiple Users.

Where to Configure It

Go to Settings / Users. Use the Timeout After column in the Users table.

Set or Change Timeout After

Go to Settings / Users.
Locate the Timeout After column.
Choose a value from 3 minutes to 6 hours.
(Optional) Bulk‑apply a value by selecting multiple Users, then edit Timeout After for all selected.
Confirm the change.

Defaults, Limits, and Recommendations

Default value: 15 minutes for new Users.
Minimum: 3 minutes.
Maximum: 6 hours.
Recommendations: Select a more generous threshold for roles with long periods of low input (e.g., calls, reading, reviewing). Adjust over time based on feedback and idle metrics.

Behavior at Timeout (Summary)

A 60‑second warning countdown shows before timing out on interactive apps.
After timeout, behavior depends on whether manual time is allowed and company privacy settings.
See How Do "Edit Time" and "Time Out After" Settings Interact? for the “Were you working?” pop‑up and manual time scenarios.

Prevent Timing Out During Calls (Optional)

When frequent calls cause unintended timeouts, enable Don’t time out on calls.

Go to Settings / Company Settings → Don’t time out on calls under Configuration to apply globally.
Or manage per person via Settings / Users → Don’t time out on calls column.

Reporting Impact

Idle minutes and seconds in Activity reports depend on Timeout After thresholds.
Use Activity Summary report to review manual time and idle patterns and tune thresholds accordingly.
[Image placeholder – Activity Summary highlighting idle metrics]

Best‑Practice Tips

Start with 15–30 minutes for knowledge‑work roles; use shorter limits only for constant‑input roles (e.g., data entry).
Combine with Can edit time (Settings / Users) to allow manual time in legitimate cases after a timeout.
Review feedback from Users about the “Are you still working?” pop‑ups; increase the threshold if they appear too often.
Pair with Don’t time out on calls to reduce interruptions during meetings.

FAQs

What happens if the desktop app times out?

A warning appears, then tracking stops. Depending on company settings, a prompt may allow adding manual time for the idle period. Refer to How Do "Edit Time" and "Time Out After" Settings Interact?

Can different Users have different Timeout After values?

Yes. Set values per User in Settings / Users.

Does Timeout After apply to mobile or browser tracking?

Configuration is performed in the web app. The timeout behavior applies to desktop app tracking.

Should there be any inconsistencies or concerns regarding the article, contact support@timedoctor.com for prompt assistance.