Automatic time tracking should keep working even when your internet connection does not.
ManicTime tracks locally and syncs later, so your timeline stays complete.
Why offline tracking matters
Travel, client sites, and field work often have unreliable connections.- Work continues even when VPNs or servers are unavailable.
- Your timeline stays consistent for end-of-day reporting.
If tracking stops when the internet drops, you lose the benefit of automatic time tracking. Offline support is what keeps the record complete.
How offline tracking works
ManicTime records activity locally on the device and syncs when the connection returns. You can still review your timeline and tag time while offline. The data is reconciled during sync so reports remain consistent.
This workflow is especially useful for consultants, remote workers, and teams that travel frequently.
Best practices for offline tracking
- Encourage daily reviews even when offline.
- Tag work locally so you do not need to remember later.
- Sync when available to keep reports up to date.
A consistent daily review is the simplest way to keep offline work organized.
Common scenarios
Offline tracking is helpful for client site visits, conferences, travel days, and remote locations with unstable connectivity. It also prevents data gaps during VPN or server maintenance.
Even in fully connected offices, offline support is a safeguard for unexpected outages.
Get started
Install ManicTime, let it record activity locally, and tag time as you work. When you reconnect, the data syncs automatically so your reports stay complete.
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What happens when you reconnect
When the connection returns, ManicTime syncs the locally stored timeline. This ensures that reports in the server or cloud are complete and match what was recorded on the device.
If you tagged time while offline, those tags sync as well, so your reporting does not require extra cleanup.
Avoiding gaps in offline workflows
The simplest way to avoid gaps is a short daily review. Tag work while it is still fresh, and add manual entries for meetings or travel that are not captured by device activity.
This keeps the timeline accurate even when you are away from your main workstation.
FAQ
Like any tracking system, it depends on the app running. Keeping the client active ensures a complete timeline.
You can review and tag time locally. Exporting reports is typically done after sync to keep data centralized.
Long offline periods are supported, but it is still a good idea to sync regularly to avoid delays in reporting.
No. The timeline is recorded locally, so accuracy is maintained even without a network connection.
Field work checklist
- Verify the client is running before travel.
- Tag work at the end of each day while it is still fresh.
- Sync as soon as a stable connection is available.
Example offline day
You travel to a client site with no Wi-Fi. ManicTime records local activity as you work through documents and presentations. At the end of the day you review the timeline, tag client work, and add a manual entry for a two-hour onsite meeting.
When you reconnect, the full timeline syncs and your report is complete without extra cleanup.
When to add manual entries
Automatic tracking is device-based, so some activities still need manual entries: phone calls, in-person meetings, travel time, or whiteboard sessions. The timeline gives you the surrounding context so these entries are easy to place.
A quick end-of-day review is usually enough to capture those offline activities accurately.
Key takeaways
Offline tracking keeps the record complete when the network is unreliable. A short daily review and occasional manual entries for meetings are usually enough to keep reports accurate. Sync when you can and the rest of the workflow stays the same.
Next step
If your team travels or works in unstable environments, make offline tracking part of the standard workflow. That simple expectation keeps records complete and avoids surprises when billing or reporting at the end of the month.
Small habit, big impact
A five minute daily review keeps offline timelines accurate and prevents end-of-week cleanup. It is the simplest habit to protect data quality.
Once this routine is set, offline days look no different in your reports.
