Support
Questions, bugs, or feedback about StartWatch.
duncanfondren@icloud.com
Include your iPhone model, iOS version, and what happened. Screenshots help.
Getting Started
How do I track time?
Tap a category to start. Tap a different category to switch. Stop when you're done. Only one category runs at a time. See the tutorial for more.
Does the timer keep running if I close the app?
Yes. Locking your phone, leaving the app, or closing it doesn't affect the timer. Time is counted from when you started.
What if a timer runs past midnight?
It keeps running. Day and week totals split the time between the two days automatically.
How many categories can I have?
Up to 10 at a time. Deleting a category doesn't remove its past time from your history or stats.
Lock Screen and Screen Time
The Live Activity isn't showing on my Lock Screen
Make sure Live Activities are on in iPhone Settings > StartWatch, and that Lock Screen is on in StartWatch Settings. Then start a timer.
Screen Time features aren't working
They need Screen Time permission. Turn them on in StartWatch Settings and allow access when asked. If you declined before, check iPhone Settings > Screen Time.
Backup and Data
Do I need an account?
No. Everything works without signing in. Sign in with Apple only adds cloud backup.
How does cloud backup work?
While you're signed in, completed sessions from previous days back up automatically. Today's sessions back up after the day ends. You can see the last backup in StartWatch Settings.
How do I restore a backup?
Sign in with the same Apple ID, then tap Restore in StartWatch Settings. Restore only adds missing sessions. It never deletes anything on your iPhone.
Does StartWatch work offline?
Yes. Tracking, history, and stats all work without internet. Backup catches up the next time you're online.
How do I export my data?
In StartWatch Settings, tap Export Data, pick a range, and choose JSON or CSV.
How do I import data?
In StartWatch Settings, use Import and paste a StartWatch JSON export. Nothing is added until you review the preview and confirm. Sessions already on your iPhone are skipped.
Account
What happens if I sign out?
Backup stops. Your timer, history, and categories stay on your iPhone.
How do I delete my account?
In StartWatch Settings, tap Delete Account. This deletes your account and your cloud backup. Data on your iPhone is not deleted.
Is there an iPad version?
No. StartWatch is iPhone only for now.