ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch 0.13.2 is an open-source local time tracker for Windows, macOS and Linux that records application activity, away time and optional browser data for a private local timeline.
What ActivityWatch provides
ActivityWatch stores activity records in a local service and presents timelines, categories and summaries in a local web interface. The default watchers may capture application names, window titles and away status; an optional browser watcher can capture tab titles and URLs, so configuration matters when work or personal data is sensitive.
Privacy and backup boundaries
Exclusion rules can prevent sensitive titles or sites from entering the record. The local database is controlled by the device owner, but synchronization, shared folders and custom watchers change where data can travel. Keep a protected export or database backup and do not expose the local service to a public interface.
Stable and test releases
Version 0.13.2 is treated as the stable build in this entry. A test release should use a separate database and backup rather than replacing the only long-term record. Review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave ActivityWatch to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save ActivityWatch to this cloud drive
ActivityWatch 0.13.2 installation and privacy guide
Run a one-day test of application and away records, inspect the local timeline for sensitive values and then configure exclusions, categories and exports before long-term use.
Before you start
- Confirm that recording application names, titles and activity status is appropriate for the device and policy.
- Use a supported Windows, macOS or Linux x86_64 build and keep the system time and timezone correct.
- Prepare a protected backup location; activity records can expose filenames, customer names and browsing history.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the stable build
Use the installer or archive for the platform, start the local service and confirm that the default watcher appears in the local interface.
- 02
Check window and away records
Open a few non-sensitive test applications, work and step away for several minutes, then inspect the timeline and timezone.
- 03
Configure exclusions and optional watchers
Exclude sensitive titles or sites before enabling the browser watcher, and only add a custom watcher after reviewing its data fields.
Quick start
- 01
Create useful categories
Assign a few applications to work, communication or break categories and compare the timeline with the raw records before relying on summaries.
- 02
Export a test record
Export a small JSON sample, inspect the fields and store it in a protected directory; do not put raw records in a public sync folder.
- 03
Review a retention routine
Set a review or cleanup schedule and keep only the level of history needed for personal analysis.
Usage tips
- Browser titles and URLs may include sensitive search terms, file names or private sites.
- A local database is not automatically a cloud backup or a multi-device sync system.
- Keep the local service bound to the device or trusted network and review custom watchers.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why are records missing from the timeline?
Check that the watcher and local service are running, the time and timezone are correct and an exclusion rule has not filtered the item.
Why is a private title visible in the data?
Add a precise exclusion for the application, title or site, verify it with a new test record and remove or rotate any export that already contains the value.
- Export or back up required recordsStop watchers, export the needed history and copy the database to protected storage before uninstalling.
- Remove the application and local dataUninstall through the operating system and delete the local database only after confirming that the selected backup opens and contains the required records.
Frequently asked questions
Does ActivityWatch automatically upload records to the cloud?
Its core desktop setup stores and queries records locally. Sync or custom watchers are separate choices and should be reviewed for data destinations.
What can a browser watcher record?
Depending on its configuration it can record active tab titles and URLs, which may include private terms. Use exclusions and restrict access before enabling it.
Does the download require an extraction code?
The Quark entry does not require one; the four-character code for the Baidu entry is shown beside its download entry.