Configure Settings
Set location permission to 'Always' for automatic tracking. Configure your default mail app to send timesheets and invoices.
Settings
Location Access
Always allow
Notifications
Timesheet reminders
Mail App
Configure default
Why Proper Settings Configuration is Critical for Automatic Time Tracking
For tradesmen, contractors, and small teams who rely on automatic time tracking, having the correct settings configured is essential. Without proper location permissions, Timewire can't track your time when you arrive at job sites. Without a configured mail app, you can't easily send timesheets and invoices to clients. These settings form the foundation of a smooth, automated workflow.
This guide walks you through each critical setting, explaining why it matters and how to configure it correctly for your specific needs as a tradesman or contractor.
Setting Location Permissions to "Always"
The most important setting for automatic time tracking is location permissions. Timewire needs "Always" location access to track your time when you enter and exit geofenced locations, even when the app is running in the background.
Why "Always" is Required
Unlike "While Using App" permission, "Always" allows Timewire to monitor your location even when you're not actively using the app. This is crucial because:
- You might arrive at a job site before opening the app
- The app needs to track your location in the background
- Automatic clock-in/out requires continuous location monitoring
How to Set Location Permission to "Always"
- Open Timewire Settings in the app
- Tap on "Location Access"
- Toggle the switch to enable location tracking
- When iOS prompts you, select "Allow While Using App" first
- Then go to iOS Settings → Timewire → Location → Select "Always"
Configuring Your Default Mail App
Timewire integrates with your device's default mail app to send timesheets and invoices directly to clients. Configuring this setting streamlines your invoicing workflow, allowing you to send professional documents with just a few taps.
Setting Up Mail Integration
- Open Timewire Settings
- Navigate to "Mail App" or "Email Settings"
- Select your preferred mail app (Mail, Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
- Ensure your email account is properly configured in that app
- Test by sending a sample timesheet or invoice
Pro Tip: If you use multiple email accounts, make sure your business email is set as the default account in your mail app. This ensures all Timewire documents are sent from your professional email address.
Enabling Notifications for Timesheet Reminders
Timesheet reminders help ensure you never forget to review or send your timesheets. For tradesmen and contractors who work across multiple job sites, these reminders can be invaluable for maintaining accurate records and timely client invoicing.
Notification Settings
- Enable notifications in Timewire Settings
- Set your preferred reminder time (e.g., end of day, end of week)
- Choose notification types: timesheet reminders, location alerts, etc.
Best Practice: Set reminders for the end of each work day or week. This helps you catch any missing time entries while the details are still fresh in your mind, ensuring accurate billing for your clients.
Additional Settings for Tradesmen and Contractors
Time Rounding
Configure how Timewire rounds your time entries. Common options include rounding to 15-minute intervals, which is standard for many trades and helps simplify invoicing.
Break Deductions
Set automatic break deductions for work sessions longer than a specified duration. This ensures accurate billing while accounting for standard break times.
Default Rates
Set your default hourly rate. This rate will be used for new Work Site locations unless you specify a different rate, saving time when adding new job sites. Note that this default rate applies to hourly billing. If you want to use day rate billing for a location, you'll configure that per location when adding or editing work sites (see the Add Locations guide for day rate setup instructions).
Troubleshooting Common Settings Issues
Location tracking not working
If automatic tracking isn't working, check that location permissions are set to "Always" in iOS Settings, not just in the Timewire app. Also ensure you've enabled the "Start Button" toggle in Timewire settings, as automatic tracking requires this to be enabled.
Can't send emails
Verify that your mail app is properly configured with an active email account. If using a third-party mail app, ensure it's set as your default mail app in iOS Settings. Some mail apps may require additional permissions.
Not receiving notifications
Check that notifications are enabled both in Timewire settings and in iOS Settings → Timewire → Notifications. Ensure "Allow Notifications" is turned on and your preferred notification styles are selected.
Next Steps: Start Tracking Your Time
Once your settings are properly configured, you're ready to start tracking time automatically. With location permissions set to "Always" and your mail app configured, Timewire will handle the rest, automatically clocking you in when you arrive at job sites and clocking you out when you leave.
For tradesmen and contractors who work across multiple locations, having these settings configured correctly ensures accurate time tracking and seamless invoice generation, saving you hours of manual work each week.
Pro Tip
Enable notifications for timesheet reminders