Intervals - Support & FAQ

Last Updated: January 2025

Welcome to Intervals support! Find answers to common questions and get help using the app.


📱 Getting Started

What is Intervals?

Intervals is a focus timer app that helps you work in structured sessions with scheduled breaks. It features a beautiful retro flip-clock design and tracks your productivity progress.

How do I start my first session?

  1. Open the app (it opens to the Home screen in portrait mode)
  2. Swipe left or right to browse timer presets
  3. Tap the big "START FOCUS SESSION" button
  4. Rotate your device to landscape
  5. The timer starts automatically!

Which timer preset should I use?

  • Beginners: Start with Classic Pomodoro (25 min work, 5 min break)
  • Experienced: Try DeskTime Optimal (52/17) for maximum productivity
  • Deep Work: Use Ultradian Rhythm (90/20) for complex tasks
  • Studying: Choose Quick Bursts (15/5) for intense focus

Do I need an account?

No! Intervals works immediately without any account, login, or registration. All your data stays on your device.

⏱️ Using the Timer

How do I pause or stop a session?

During Work Period:

  • Tap the ⏸ pause button on the timer screen
  • Tap ⏹ stop to end the session early
  • Stopped sessions are saved as incomplete

During Break:

  • Tap "Skip" to end the break early and return to work

What happens when a work period ends?

  1. Timer plays a sound and vibrates (if enabled)
  2. Automatically transitions to break mode
  3. Screen shows break tips and a countdown
  4. Ad may appear after a few seconds (dismissible)

Can I use the timer with my phone locked?

The timer continues running when your phone is locked, but you won't see the flip-clock animation. Notifications will alert you when periods complete.

📊 Progress & Statistics

Where can I see my progress?

Tap the bar chart icon (📊) on the Home screen to view your progress, including:

  • Current streak (consecutive days)
  • Total focus time
  • Sessions completed
  • Weekly charts
  • Session history

How are streaks calculated?

You earn a streak by completing at least one full work session per day. The streak breaks if you skip a day.

  • Complete 1+ sessions today → Streak continues
  • Skip a day → Streak resets to 0
  • Streak counts calendar days (midnight to midnight)

How do I reset my statistics?

  1. Go to Progress screen (📊 icon)
  2. Tap the trash icon (🗑️) in the top-right
  3. Confirm "Reset Progress Data"

Warning: This cannot be undone!

📱 Technical Issues

The app won't rotate to landscape

Troubleshooting:

  1. Check that rotation lock is OFF on your device
    • iOS: Swipe up for Control Center → Check rotation lock icon
    • Android: Swipe down → Check auto-rotate setting
  2. Close and reopen the app
  3. Restart your device

Timer is not counting down

Possible causes:

  1. App is paused (tap ▶️ to resume)
  2. Device is in low power mode (may affect timers)
  3. App was force-closed

Solution: Restart the session

App crashes or freezes

  1. Force close the app
  2. Clear app cache (device settings)
  3. Restart your device
  4. Reinstall the app (note: this deletes all local data)

🔒 Privacy & Data

What data does Intervals collect?

We collect:

  • ✅ Anonymous usage analytics (Firebase)
  • ✅ Ad interaction data (AdMob)

We DO NOT collect:

  • ❌ Personal information (name, email)
  • ❌ Location data
  • ❌ Photos or contacts
  • ❌ Login credentials

See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Where is my data stored?

All your productivity data (sessions, stats, settings) is stored locally on your device only. We cannot access it.

Can I use the app offline?

Yes! Intervals works completely offline. Internet is only needed for:

  • Loading ads during breaks
  • Sending anonymous analytics

💰 Pricing & Ads

Is Intervals free?

Yes, Intervals is completely free to download and use.

Why are there ads?

Ads during break periods help support ongoing development and keep the app free for everyone.

When do ads appear?

Ads only appear during break periods, never during work sessions. They can be dismissed after a few seconds.

🏆 Tips & Best Practices

How can I maximize my productivity?

Best Practices:

  1. Eliminate distractions - Turn off notifications during work periods
  2. Take breaks seriously - Don't skip breaks; rest is essential
  3. Track progress - Check stats weekly to stay motivated
  4. Build streaks - Aim for 7+ consecutive days
  5. Find your rhythm - Try different presets to find what works
  6. Use landscape mode - Fullscreen timer is more immersive

What should I do during breaks?

Our break tips suggest:

  • Physical: Stretch, walk, desk exercises
  • Eyes: Look at distant objects (20-20-20 rule)
  • Hydration: Drink water
  • Mental: Deep breathing, meditation
  • Organization: Tidy workspace

How long should I focus each day?

Research suggests:

  • Beginners: 2-4 hours of focused work
  • Experienced: 4-6 hours
  • Maximum: 8 hours (with breaks)

Quality beats quantity - better to do 2 hours of deep focus than 8 hours of distracted work.

⚖️ Legal

Where can I find the Privacy Policy?

Privacy Policy

Where can I find the Terms of Service?

Terms of Service


📞 Still Need Help?

If you can't find the answer to your question here, we're here to help!

For bug reports, feature requests, or general support inquiries, please reach out through:

  • Check the app's App Store or Google Play listing for support contact information
  • Leave a review with your feedback (we read them all!)

Response Time: Within 7 business days


Thank you for using Intervals! 🎯

We're committed to helping you achieve peak productivity through focused work sessions.


Last Updated: January 2025