Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how AdvTimer uses cookies and similar technologies to provide and improve our free timer web application. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and provide a better user experience.

AdvTimer primarily uses local storage instead of traditional cookies for most functionality, which provides better performance and privacy.

How AdvTimer Uses Cookies and Storage

Essential Local Storage

AdvTimer stores essential data locally in your browser to provide core functionality:

  • Timer Settings: Your preferred timer durations, presets, and configurations
  • Session Data: Timer history, productivity statistics, and completed sessions
  • App Preferences: Theme choice (light/dark), notification settings, and UI preferences
  • Custom Configurations: Webhook URLs, focus mode settings, and custom timer presets

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest - necessary for providing the timer functionality you expect.

Analytics Cookies (Google Analytics)

We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with AdvTimer:

  • _ga: Distinguishes unique users (expires after 2 years)
  • _ga_[container_id]: Used to persist session state (expires after 2 years)
  • _gid: Distinguishes unique users (expires after 24 hours)

These cookies collect anonymous data about:

  • Pages visited and features used
  • Browser type and device information
  • General geographic location (country/city level)
  • Usage patterns and performance metrics

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest - helps us improve AdvTimer's performance and user experience.

Advertising Cookies (Google AdSense)

Google AdSense may use cookies to display relevant advertisements:

  • IDE: Used by Google DoubleClick to register and report website user actions
  • test_cookie: Used to check if the user's browser supports cookies
  • NID: Contains a unique ID Google uses to remember your preferences

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest - supports the free nature of AdvTimer through advertising revenue.

Types of Data Storage Used

Local Storage

Primary storage method for AdvTimer user data:

  • Purpose: Store timer settings, session history, and preferences
  • Duration: Persists until manually cleared by user
  • Scope: Limited to AdvTimer domain
  • Control: Fully controlled by user through browser settings

Session Storage

Temporary storage for active timer states:

  • Purpose: Maintain timer state during browser session
  • Duration: Cleared when browser tab is closed
  • Scope: Single browser tab only
  • Control: Automatically managed

Cookies

Limited use for third-party services:

  • Purpose: Analytics and advertising functionality
  • Duration: Varies by cookie type (24 hours to 2 years)
  • Scope: May be shared with Google services
  • Control: Can be managed through browser settings

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block All Cookies: May affect AdvTimer's functionality
  • Block Third-Party Cookies: Prevents analytics and advertising cookies
  • Clear Existing Cookies: Removes stored preferences and data
  • Private/Incognito Mode: Prevents most data storage

Google Analytics Opt-Out

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking:

Google AdSense Opt-Out

You can control advertising cookies:

  • Visit Google Ad Settings to customize ad preferences
  • Use ad blockers to prevent advertising cookies
  • Enable "Limit Ad Tracking" on mobile devices

Impact of Disabling Cookies

Essential Local Storage

Disabling local storage will affect AdvTimer's functionality:

  • Timer settings and presets won't be saved between sessions
  • Session history and productivity statistics will be lost
  • Theme and notification preferences won't be remembered
  • Custom configurations will need to be re-entered each visit

Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies won't affect functionality but will:

  • Prevent us from understanding how users interact with AdvTimer
  • Limit our ability to identify and fix usability issues
  • Reduce our insights for improving the application

Advertising Cookies

Disabling advertising cookies will:

  • Show less relevant advertisements
  • Not reduce the number of ads displayed
  • Have no impact on AdvTimer's core functionality

Third-Party Services

AdvTimer uses the following third-party services that may set cookies:

These services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices that govern their use.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last updated" date and may notify users through the application.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our cookie practices.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or need help managing your cookie preferences, please contact us: