Frequently asked Questions
Help & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about setting up your TimeSpin device, using the portal, and solving common issues.
What is TimeSpin?
TimeSpin is a haptic time-tracking system consisting of a physical dodecahedron (12-sided die) and cloud-based software. Each of the 12 sides can be assigned to an activity — simply rotate the device to the desired side and time tracking starts automatically.
Tracked data is stored directly on the device and synced to the TimeSpin portal whenever needed. There you can review, annotate, export, and report on your time. The portal is available as an app on all operating systems and devices.
The TimeSpin portal includes the following sections:
Device Setup
What is included in the package?
The package contains: the TimeSpin dodecahedron (12-sided device), a booklet with stickers for the device faces, and a quick-start guide. The booklet also includes a QR code linking to the setup instructions and the MAC address of your device — which you will need during setup.
How do I activate the device?
Pull out the transparent zip strip from the device. It will start blinking, indicating it is ready to connect. Make sure your computer is turned on and Bluetooth is enabled.
What does the blinking mean?
Blinking signals that the device is in connection mode and waiting for a Bluetooth connection.
How do I register?
Open www.my.timespin.net in your browser or scan the QR code in the included booklet. Register with your email address and confirm your registration via the link in the confirmation email.
I haven’t received a confirmation email — what should I do?
Please check your spam folder first. If the email is not there, try registering again or contact our support team at hello@timespin.net.
When does the free trial period begin?
The free trial starts only when you connect your device for the first time — not when you create your account. You can take your time setting everything up without the trial clock ticking.
Can I use my account on multiple devices?
Yes, you can log into the TimeSpin portal on any device using your credentials. The app is available on all operating systems and platforms.
How do I install the TimeSpin software?
After your first login, the setup wizard will start automatically. Follow the instructions, download the service, and install it. You will need your www.my.timespin.net credentials during installation.
My browser is blocking the download — what should I do?
Some browsers flag the download as unsafe and cancel it automatically. The file is safe. Restart the download and confirm the security warning. The exact wording varies by browser:
- Chrome: Click the download icon in the status bar and select “Keep”.
- Edge: Click “More options” and then “Keep”.
- Firefox: Confirm the download in the warning dialog.
Where do I find the software after installation?
After installation, the TimeSpin service runs in the background and connects to the portal automatically. You do not need to launch it manually.
The service stopped working after a Windows update — what should I do?
After Windows updates, the Bluetooth adapter may restart and cause the TimeSpin service to stop. Restart it manually: open Windows > Services, find TimeSpin Dice Connector, and click Start or Restart.
How do I connect the device to the portal?
After installation, the setup wizard will search for nearby devices automatically. Select your device using its MAC address — found on the back of the included booklet or on the order confirmation that came with your delivery.
The wizard can’t find my device — what can I do?
The search may take a moment. Please wait before retrying. Make sure the device is blinking and Bluetooth is enabled on your computer.
Alternatively, you can cancel the wizard and enter the MAC address manually: go to Settings > Profile in the portal and enter it in the Device ID field.
Where do I find the MAC address of my device?
- On the back of the included booklet
- On the order confirmation included with your delivery
How do I know the connection was successful?
Once connected, the device stops blinking. Click Sync to clear the device and load the initial configuration.
How do I assign activities to the device faces?
Each of the 12 faces can be assigned an activity, colour, and description. Go to the Activity section in the portal and configure each face — for example “Meeting”, “Project A”, “Research”, or “Break”. Save your changes by clicking Sync.
How do I set up a break face?
We recommend dedicating one face to breaks. Give it any name and check the “Pause” option. Time tracked on this face will automatically be marked as break time and excluded from working time calculations.
What does the “Ignore” option do?
You can assign a face and activate the “Ignore” option. Activities with this setting will not be tracked at all — no time is recorded when this face is on top.
Can I rename or change faces later?
Yes, you can update face assignments at any time in the portal. Remember to click Sync afterwards to transfer the changes to the device.
What are the stickers in the booklet for?
The included stickers let you label the faces directly on the device so you can see at a glance which activity each face represents. You can also create and print stickers from the portal under Settings > Print Stickers.
When do I need to replace the batteries?
The batteries have a very long lifespan. You will need to replace them when the blinking becomes noticeably weaker and the device can no longer connect to the portal.
What batteries do I need?
Use batteries with at least 1.5 volts. We strongly advise against rechargeable batteries (NiMH), as they typically deliver lower voltage and may cause the device to malfunction.
How do I replace the batteries?
- The two halves of the device are held together by magnets. Pull them apart carefully — you can spot a small gap between some faces if you look closely.
- Inside, you will find a circuit board holding a battery on each side. Lift it out carefully.
- Replace both batteries and reinsert the board. It has a small notch so it only fits in one orientation.
- Reassemble the two halves. Both halves have a small triangle — align these triangles when putting them back together.
Portal Setup & Usage
How do I start tracking time?
Rotate the device so the desired face is on top and readable — tracking starts automatically. No manual confirmation in the portal is required.
How do I switch activities?
Simply rotate the device to another face. The new activity is detected automatically and the previous one is stopped.
Where can I see my current activity in the portal?
In the Activity section you can see your current activity in real time, your time log, the current face assignment, and all recorded entries.
Does the device need to stay connected to my computer?
No. The device stores tracked time autonomously. Data is only transferred to the portal when you sync. You can work without an active connection at any time.
What if I don’t have the device with me or it’s not working?
No problem — you can track time directly in the portal using the Manual Timer or by adding a past time period via Add Interval. See section 2.6 Manual Timer & Intervals for more details.
What does the table view show?
The table view displays all tracked entries for a selected day. You can switch dates using the date selector in the top left. To view multiple days at once, switch to the Chart view — see section 2.3 Charts & Reports.
What can I do with entries in the table view?
- Edit — update entries after the fact
- Merge (Fuse) — combine two entries into one
- Split — divide one entry into two
- Comments — add notes to individual entries
- Attachments — link internal file references or project identifiers
- Export — download entries as PDF or Excel
How does filtering work in the table view?
You can filter entries using drag and drop: drag a column name to the filter area above the table to narrow down entries by activity, project, or other criteria.
What are attachments and how do I add them?
Attachments are internal file references or project identifiers that can be uploaded to TimeSpin via Excel. Once uploaded, they can be linked to individual time entries — useful for complete documentation of billable time.
What does the calendar view show?
The calendar view displays your tracked time in a classic calendar layout, giving you a quick overview of your activities and workload.
What does the chart view show?
The chart view provides a visual breakdown of your tracked time over a freely selectable period. Unlike the table view, you can analyse multiple days, weeks, or months at once.
How do I select the time period?
Use the date range selector at the top of the chart view to define any period you like — a week, a month, or a custom range.
How do I use filters in the chart view?
The filter function lets you isolate individual activities and view their tracked time separately. This is especially useful for quickly generating proof of work for a specific project or client.
Can I export the reports?
Yes, your data can be exported as an Excel or PDF file at any time. See section 2.7 Export & Reporting for more details.
What is the group view?
The group view is the chart view for all members of a group. Team leads get a central overview of the tracked time and activities of all assigned team members.
How do I create a group and add members?
Create a new group in the Groups section and enter the email addresses of the team members you want to invite. They will receive an invitation email and must confirm their participation by clicking the link. Once all members have confirmed, the group is active.
What happens if a member doesn’t confirm the invitation?
Until the invitation is confirmed, the member is not active in the group and their data is not visible. Ask them to check their inbox — and their spam folder.
Who can see team members’ data?
Only authorised users — typically the team lead as group owner — have access to the data of group members. Individual members can only see their own tracked time.
What does the Activity section show?
The Activity section shows your current tracking in real time — which activity is running, your time log, the current face assignment, and all entries for the day. You can also create templates, delete entries, or add new activities here.
What is the Satisfaction section?
The Satisfaction section lets you define a minimum and maximum time for each activity. This helps you see at a glance when a task is running over time — whether due to budget overruns or workload.
How do minimum and maximum times help me?
- Minimum time — shows when an activity hasn’t received enough attention yet
- Maximum time — warns when an activity is taking too long or exceeding its budget
- Overload detection — helps identify where workload relief is needed before it becomes a problem
How do team leads use the satisfaction feature?
Team leads can view satisfaction data for all group members via the group view, allowing them to spot overload early and take action — based on transparent time data rather than micromanagement.
What is the manual timer?
The manual timer lets you track time directly in the portal — without the physical device. Unlike the device, which is limited to 12 faces, the manual timer gives you access to all your activities and projects, letting you switch between an unlimited number of them.
When should I use the manual timer?
- When you don’t have the device with you
- When you need to track more than 12 different activities
- When you want to log a task that isn’t assigned to a face
What is the difference between the manual timer and Add Interval?
The manual timer tracks time in real time — you start and stop it as you work. Add Interval lets you log a time period that has already passed — for example, if you forgot to start tracking.
Can manual timer entries and device trackings be combined?
Yes, both methods complement each other seamlessly. Manual timer entries and device trackings are stored together and appear side by side in the calendar view — giving you a complete and unbroken overview of your working day.
What export formats are available?
Your data can be exported as an Excel or PDF file at any time. Exports are available in both the table view (single day) and the chart view (custom date range).
How do I export my data?
First click Sync to make sure all device data has been transferred to the portal. Then choose the export function in your preferred view and select your format.
How do I create a report for a specific activity or project?
Use the filter function in the chart view to isolate a specific activity or project. The filtered data can then be exported directly as PDF or Excel — ideal for client billing, project documentation, or internal records.
How do I export data for my entire team?
As a group owner, you can view and export data for all group members from the group view — convenient for team-wide project billing or working time documentation.
What can I find in Settings?
- Profile — manage your personal details and account information
- Download/Upload — download the software or import data via Excel
- Print Stickers — create and print stickers for your device faces
- Language — change the portal language
- API — access the TimeSpin API for custom integrations
- Device ID — enter or update the MAC address of your device
How do I enter my device’s MAC address manually?
If the setup wizard didn’t find your device automatically, go to Settings > Profile > Device ID and enter the MAC address manually. You’ll find it on the back of the included booklet or on your order confirmation.
How do I print stickers for my device?
Go to Settings > Print Stickers to create and print labels for your configured faces. This makes it easy to see at a glance which activity each face represents.
What is the API and what can I use it for?
The API lets you connect TimeSpin with other systems — for example, to automatically pass time data to an external billing or project management tool. For more information, contact our support team at hello@timespin.net.
Troubleshooting
The device isn’t blinking after I pulled out the zip strip — what should I do?
Check whether the zip strip has been fully removed. It may still be partially inside and interrupting the power supply. Pull it out completely.
The device won’t stop blinking — what does that mean?
Continuous blinking means the device hasn’t established a connection yet. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer and the TimeSpin service is running. See section 3.2 Bluetooth Connection Fails for further steps.
The blinking is very faint or irregular — why?
Weak or irregular blinking usually indicates low batteries. Replace them and make sure to use batteries with at least 1.5 volts. See section 1.6 Replacing the Batteries for instructions.
The device isn’t blinking at all — what can I do?
If the device shows no reaction, the batteries are likely fully drained. Replace them as described in section 1.6 Replacing the Batteries. If the problem persists, contact our support team at hello@timespin.net.
The device is blinking but isn’t being found — what should I do?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer and the TimeSpin service is running in the background. The search may take a moment — please wait before retrying.
Bluetooth is on but the connection still fails — what now?
- Turn Bluetooth off and back on again.
- Restart the TimeSpin service.
- Make sure the device is close to your computer.
- Restart the setup wizard and wait for the device to appear in the list.
The wizard can’t find the device — is there an alternative?
Yes, you can connect manually by entering the MAC address in the portal under Settings > Profile > Device ID. See section 1.4 Connecting the Device for more details.
The connection keeps dropping — what could cause this?
- The device is too far from the computer
- The batteries are low — check them as described in section 1.6 Replacing the Batteries
- Other Bluetooth devices nearby may be causing interference
The device is connected but doesn’t appear in the portal — what should I do?
Make sure the TimeSpin service is running in the background and you are logged in to the portal. Then click Sync to refresh the connection.
The device has never been recognised in the portal — what can I do?
Check whether the MAC address is correctly entered in the portal. Go to Settings > Profile > Device ID and compare the value with the one on your booklet or order confirmation.
The device shows up in the wizard but not in the portal — why?
Make sure you have selected your computer under Activity > Activate Service in the portal and checked the box next to your service. You can find your computer’s system name under Windows key > System Information > Device name.
What exactly happens when I sync?
Syncing transfers all time data stored on the device to the portal and pushes your current configuration (e.g. face assignments) to the device. The device must be connected and within range.
Sync won’t start — what should I do?
- Is the device connected and no longer blinking?
- Is the TimeSpin service running in the background?
- Are you correctly connected under Activity > Activate Service in the portal?
My new face configurations aren’t being transferred — why?
Make sure you have saved the changes in the portal and then clicked Sync. Without syncing, changes remain in the portal only.
How often should I sync?
We recommend syncing at the end of each working day to make sure all tracked time is transferred to the portal and available for reports and exports.
The device is tracking the wrong activity — why?
Check the face assignments in the portal under Activity. Adjust them if needed and click Sync to transfer the updated configuration to the device.
The tracked times don’t match my actual working time — what should I do?
You can correct entries in the table view. Select the relevant day using the date selector and edit the entry. You can edit, merge (Fuse), or split entries as needed.
Some entries are missing — what now?
Missing entries are usually caused by a pending sync. Click Sync to transfer the data. See section 3.4 Sync Not Working for further help.
I forgot to rotate the device in time — can I add the time manually?
Yes, use Add Interval to log a past time period manually. See section 2.6 Manual Timer & Intervals for more details.
Break times are being counted as working time — what should I do?
Make sure you have configured a face as a break face and that the “Pause” option is checked. See section 1.5 Configuring the Faces for instructions.
The software won’t start after installation — what should I do?
Check whether the TimeSpin service is running in the background. If not, start it manually: open Windows > Services, find TimeSpin Dice Connector, and click Start or Restart.
My browser cancelled the download — what should I do?
Restart the download and confirm the security warning. The file is safe. The exact wording varies by browser:
- Chrome: Click the download icon in the status bar → “Keep”
- Edge: “More options” → “Keep”
- Firefox: Confirm in the warning dialog
The installation fails — what can I do?
Make sure you have sufficient administrator rights. In some corporate environments, installations require IT approval. Contact your IT department and ask them to whitelist the TimeSpin software.
The service is running but the portal doesn’t respond — what now?
Check your internet connection and reload the portal at www.my.timespin.net. Try clearing your browser cache or switching to a different browser.
The device is glowing continuously — what’s causing this?
This is most likely caused by an inactivity timer that has been triggered. If any of the timer values are set to “0”, the device will glow continuously once the duration elapses. Go to Settings > Advanced Device Settings in the portal and review the values.
How do I configure the inactivity timer correctly?
Under Settings > Advanced Device Settings you will find the following fields in the Duration section:
- Duration — time in seconds before the timer triggers
- Blink on — how long the device lights up per blink (in milliseconds)
- Blink off — pause between blinks (in milliseconds)
- Blink count — how many times the device blinks
What settings do you recommend for a Pomodoro timer?
For a classic 25-minute Pomodoro timer, we recommend the following values:
- Duration: 1500
- Blink on: 60
- Blink off: 30
- Blink count: 6
I don’t want to use the inactivity timer — what should I set?
If you want to effectively disable the timer, we recommend these values so the device almost never triggers:
- Duration: 600000
- Blink on: 60
- Blink off: 60
- Blink count: 1
The browser shows “All TimeSpin Services offline. Please start at least one of your services.” — what should I do?
The TimeSpin Dice Connector is no longer running in the background. This can happen after a Windows update or a computer restart. Restart the service manually:
- Open Windows > Services (type “Services” in the search bar and open the app).
- Find TimeSpin Dice Connector in the list.
- Right-click it and select “Start” or “Restart”.
- Reload the portal at www.my.timespin.net.