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:

• Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Use privacy-focused browsers or extensions
• Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser settings

Ad Personalization

Control advertising cookies:

• Visit Google Ad Settings to manage ad personalization
• Use ad blockers to prevent advertising cookies
• Opt out of interest-based advertising

Impact of Disabling Cookies

Essential Functionality

Disabling local storage will affect core AdvTimer features:

• Timer settings will not be saved between sessions
• Session history and statistics will be lost
• Theme and preference choices will reset
• Custom timer presets will not persist

Analytics and Improvements

Blocking analytics cookies:

• Reduces our ability to improve AdvTimer
• May affect bug identification and fixing
• Won't impact core timer functionality

Advertising

Blocking advertising cookies:

• May result in less relevant ads
• Won't remove ads entirely
• Doesn't affect AdvTimer's core features

Third-Party Services

Google Analytics

Provides website analytics and performance insights:

• Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
• Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out

Google AdSense

Delivers relevant advertisements to support the free service:

• Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
• Ad Settings: Google Ad Settings

Data Retention

Different types of data have different retention periods:

• Local Storage: Retained until manually cleared by user
• Session Storage: Cleared when browser tab closes
• Analytics Cookies: Expire after 24 hours to 2 years
• Advertising Cookies: Managed by Google's retention policies

International Users

This cookie policy applies to all users of AdvTimer regardless of location:

• GDPR Compliance: We respect EU cookie consent requirements
• CCPA Compliance: California users have additional privacy rights
• Other Jurisdictions: We strive to comply with local privacy laws

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in:

• Cookie usage practices
• Third-party service integrations
• Legal requirements
• Technology improvements

Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or AdvTimer's use of cookies and storage, please contact us through our contact page.