> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.ellieplanner.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.ellieplanner.com/features/tasks/task-timer.md).

# Task timer and Pomodoro

Track actual time with a normal timer or focused Pomodoro sessions.

Ellie can track how long you spend on a task and add that time to the task's **Actual time**. You can use a normal count-up timer or a Pomodoro focus session.

## Start a normal task timer

You can start a timer in two places:

1. Open the estimated-time menu on a task card and choose **Start timer**.
2. Open the task and choose **Start timer** next to the estimated time.

When you stop the timer, Ellie adds the elapsed time to the task's Actual time. You can edit Actual time afterward if you need to correct it.

## Start a Pomodoro

Pomodoro splits your work into a focused block followed by a short break.

1. Go to **Settings → Power Features** and turn on **Pomodoro Timer**.
2. Open a task and choose **Start Pomodoro** from the timer menu.
3. Pause, resume, finish the focus block, start or skip the break, or stop the session from the floating timer.

![An authentic active Pomodoro focus session in Ellie with the complete browser frame and all timer controls visible.](https://3852134662-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnmZdEkTM0SErtqWxGTII%2Fuploads%2Fcjm2z8KkJd52ngD29a1y%2Fellie-web-pomodoro-focus-green-light-v1-16x9.jpg?alt=media)

You can change the focus length, break length, end sound, and phase notifications in **Settings → General → Timer → Pomodoro**.

![Choosing a 25-minute Pomodoro focus block for an Ellie task on iPhone](https://3852134662-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnmZdEkTM0SErtqWxGTII%2Fuploads%2F8UopbnN8mdhOOeBZIxIT%2Fellie-ios-pomodoro-mode-halogen-green-v13-16x9.jpg?alt=media)

{% hint style="info" %}
Ellie restores an active Pomodoro after a reload or brief disconnect. If you use the desktop app, you can also control it from the floating timer or the menu bar on Mac.
{% endhint %}

## Timers on iPhone and iPad

Turn on **Pomodoro Timer** in **Settings → Power Features**. Then open a task, choose **Start a timer**, select **Pomodoro**, and press **Start**. On iPhone, you can choose a one-off focus length for that block; iPad uses the default from Pomodoro settings.

The mobile timer bar shows the current focus or break countdown. Expand it to pause or resume, end a focus block early, start or skip a break, or stop the session. On supported iPhones, both a normal timer and a Pomodoro can stay visible as a Live Activity; Pomodoro controls include pause, resume, and stop.

![An active task-bound Pomodoro focus session with its countdown and pause control](https://3852134662-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnmZdEkTM0SErtqWxGTII%2Fuploads%2FZ6C8SX76ZLjUu3Kihim6%2Fellie-ios-pomodoro-focus-halogen-green-v13-16x9.jpg?alt=media)

## Floating timer on desktop

The desktop app can keep the active timer above your other windows and across desktops. Turn it on in **Settings → General → Timer**. You can also choose whether Ellie automatically starts the next task after you complete the current one.

In the same settings area, you can change the floating timer's background image.


---

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