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Managing Background Services for Time Doctor Mobile Apps (iOS and Android)

 

Note: Background Services for the Time Doctor Mobile App is available in all Time Doctor plans and can be configured by Owners and Admins.

 

TL;DR: 
 
Ensure uninterrupted mobile time tracking by granting app permissions and disabling background restrictions. On Android, set Battery to Unrestricted, allow Background activity, and turn off Remove permissions and free up space. On iOS, enable Background App Refresh and allow required Location/Notifications if prompted. Test by starting a timer, locking the device, and confirming tracking continues after 10–15 minutes.

Time Doctor mobile apps continue tracking in the background to capture accurate work hours without constant interaction. Background behavior depends on Android/iOS versions and device settings. Configure devices to prevent the OS from pausing or restricting tracking.
 
 

Pre‑requisites

  1. Grant Mobile App Access to applicable users. See: How to Enable Mobile App Access for Users.
  2. Install the mobile app on each device:

 

Configure Background Services on

Android

Applies to common Android 9+ builds; exact labels may differ slightly by device/skin.

A. Permissions
  1. Open Settings ▸ Apps ▸ Time Doctor.
  2. Tap Permissions.
    • Allow required items (e.g., Location, Notifications) when requested by the app.
    • Ensure no critical permissions are set to Don’t allow if the feature is used

      Android App Info
  3. Disable auto-revocation:
    • Find Remove permissions and free up space (older: Unused app settings / newer: Manage app if unused).
    • Toggle OFF to prevent Android from removing granted permissions.

      Android App Permissions
             Android battery-manage unused apps

 

 

B. Battery settings
  1. Settings ▸ Apps ▸ Time Doctor ▸ Battery (or App battery usage).
  2. Select Unrestricted (or Don’t optimize/Not optimized) to exclude the app from battery optimizations.
  3. Confirm Allow background activity/Run in background is ON (where available).


Android app battery optimization

 

C. Additional checks (if issues persist)
  1. Adaptive Battery / App Standby Buckets:
    • Settings ▸ Battery ▸ Adaptive preferences (or Adaptive Battery) ▸ ensure Time Doctor isn’t placed in a restricted bucket. Set to Active/Unrestricted where the OEM UI allows per‑app control.
  2. Doze mode impacts (Android 6.0+): Ensure the app is excluded from aggressive power‑saving modes via the steps above. Avoid task-killer or third‑party battery saver apps.

D. Quick validation
  1. Start a timer in the Time Doctor app.
  2. Lock the device for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Unlock and confirm elapsed time is recorded.

 

iOS

A. Background App Refresh
  1. Open Settings ▸ General ▸ Background App Refresh.
  2. Set Background App Refresh to On (Wi‑Fi & Cellular recommended).
  3. In the per‑app list, ensure Time Doctor is ON.

    iOS Background App Refresh
B. Notifications & Location (if prompted by features)
  • Allow Notifications and Location permissions when requested to enable expected behavior for reminders and location‑aware functions.
C. Quick validation
  1. Start a timer in the Time Doctor app.
  2. Lock the device for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Unlock and confirm elapsed time is recorded.

 

Background service challenges (Android)

Modern Android adds power‑saving features that may limit background activity:
Doze mode (Android 6.0+)
  • Conserves battery by restricting network and deferring jobs/alarms while the device is idle.
  • Mitigation: set Battery to Unrestricted for Time Doctor and keep Allow background activity enabled.

Adaptive Battery / App Standby Buckets (Android 9+)

  • Prioritizes resources based on app usage; rarely used apps may be restricted.
  • Mitigation: ensure Time Doctor is not placed in Restricted; open the app periodically; keep battery optimization Unrestricted.

Pixel/Nexus devices typically exhibit fewer OEM‑level restrictions, but confirm the settings above after OS updates.

 

Troubleshooting checklist

  • Timer pauses or stops when the device locks
    ▸ Re‑check Battery = Unrestricted and Allow background activity.
    ▸ Turn Remove permissions and free up space OFF.
    ▸ Re‑open the app once to re‑establish background privileges after OS updates.
  • Notifications are delayed
    ▸ Exclude Time Doctor from Do Not Disturb or Focus modes.
    ▸ Verify Notifications permission.
  • Tracking stops after a day or two
    ▸ Confirm auto‑revocation/unused‑app toggles are OFF.
    ▸ Check OEM battery savers (e.g., "Ultra power saving") and whitelist Time Doctor.
  • iOS tracking inconsistent
    ▸ Ensure Background App Refresh is ON for Time Doctor.
    ▸ Avoid force‑quitting the app from the app switcher.

 

 

 

 

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