What personal data does TimeRetain collect?
By default:
- Data is stored locally in your browser.
- Access and error logs are saved for 30 days. What you searched for or submitted is not logged.
Subsequently, what personal data is collected depends on what you do in the app.
When you enable Sync
With Sync on, TimeRetain stores an encrypted copy of your data on its servers. This enables you to use TimeRetain on multiple devices. Only you can access this data using a 24-word login key. If you lose this key, your data is unrecoverable—TimeRetain has no master key. Store your login key securely, e.g. in a password manager like Bitwarden (free).
When you provide feedback
If you submit feedback, you can optionally share personal details. Feedback is sent to and stored at Linear under Linear's Privacy Policy and retained unless you request deletion at hi@timeretain.com.
What other data does TimeRetain collect?
TimeRetain collects product analytics data, retained for 365 days for product research. None of this data is linked to you.
Analytics are handled by Plausible (Community Edition), self-hosted on TimeRetain's servers — no third parties involved.
The following product analytics are collected:
- Site metrics: page views, country/region, device/browser type, screen size, performance metrics.
- Usage events: non–personally identifiable button clicks and actions. For transparency, see a full list of events below (tap to expand).
Why collect this data? Most apps can do product research with data they already have: detailed endpoint logs, user profiles, database state, and more. TimeRetain has none of that—it doesn't know who you are or what you do in the app. Without this information, it's hard to tell whether the app works as intended, which features are actually used, where the app is popular, and other basics needed to build a good product. Collecting high-level, non-personally identifiable analytics fills that gap without compromising your privacy.
Every usage event that TimeRetain collects
| Event | Properties | Values collected |
|---|---|---|
| Demo ExitWhen you leave demo mode for the full app. | — | — |
| Terms AcceptedWhen you accept the terms of service. | — | — |
| Stopwatch ActionWhen you use the stopwatch; **start, pause, resume, and stop** are **not logged** separately. | — | — |
| Storage Mode ChangedWhen you change storage mode (demo, local, synced, or unknown). | Previous storage mode; Next storage mode | Demo, Local, Synced, Unknown; Demo, Local, Synced, Unknown |
| Data ExportWhen you export data (JSON backup vs CSV). | Export format | Backup, CSV |
| Data ImportWhen you import a TimeRetain backup successfully. | Import format | Backup |
| Data ResetWhen you reset or wipe app data; whether sync was on is logged. | Had sync | true, false |
| Tag ActionWhen you create, edit, or delete a tag; **what you changed** is **not logged**. | — | — |
| Preferences ChangedWhen you change a preference; **which toggle was changed** is **not logged**. | — | — |
| Time Period AppliedWhen you apply a reporting time period; **which period was applied** is **not logged**. | — | — |
| Filter AppliedWhen you apply or change workspace filters; only whether you use tag/description filters is logged. | Filter has tag; Filter has description | true, false; true, false |
| Workspace View ChangedWhen you switch workspace view between hours and earnings. | Analytics view mode | Hours, Earnings |
| Setup WizardYour choice on how to track time when setting up the app for the first time. | Setup tracking scope | Time-Only, Earnings |
| Theme ChangedWhen you switch between light and dark theme. | Theme | Dark, Light |
| In App Info OpenedWhen you open in-app help, about, or similar. | Surface | About, Changelog, Help |
On every event, the app also sends storage mode (how data is stored in the browser: demo, local-only, with sync).
Does TimeRetain use cookies?
No. TimeRetain does not use cookies. Your browser's local storage capabilities are used strictly as necessary to run the app and store your data/preferences locally.
Where is TimeRetain hosted?
- TimeRetain is hosted in Germany, on Hetzner Cloud servers.
- Feedback is handled through Linear and stored in a European Union data region. Unless you send feedback, no personal data reaches Linear.
How do I delete my data?
Visit Delete my Data to remove time data from your device. If you had Sync enabled, any encrypted data on TimeRetain's servers will be deleted as well.
What happens if this policy changes?
The date above reflects the latest update. You'll be notified in the app of any impactful changes.
In summary, for how long does TimeRetain retain data?
| Data Type | Purpose | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Access & error logs | Security and bug-fixing | 30 days |
| Product analytics (not linked to you) | Product research | 365 days |
| Encrypted user data (if you enable Sync) | Cross-device sync | Until deleted by you |
| Feedback (if submitted) | Support and feature requests | Until requested deletion |
How can I get in touch?
TimeRetain is built and operated by an independent developer. For privacy or data inquiries, contact hi@timeretain.com.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
March 29, 2026
- Rewrote privacy policy for clarity and conciseness.
- Added a full table of product usage events collected.
- Added this section.