Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 1, 2024. We use only the cookies we genuinely need. Here's exactly what they are and why.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website places in your browser when you visit. They are stored on your device and sent back to the originating website each time you return. Cookies cannot run code, carry viruses, or access other files on your computer - they simply hold small pieces of text.
Cookies are often misunderstood because of their association with advertising and tracking. Many large websites use hundreds of cookies from dozens of companies to build detailed profiles of your browsing behaviour. Stopwatch.now takes a different approach: we use only the cookies we need to make the site work, and nothing else.
There is also a related browser feature called localStorage - it works similarly to cookies but the data never leaves your browser. We use localStorage for your preferences (like dark mode) because it's more privacy-friendly than cookies for that purpose. See our full Privacy Policy for context on how all of this fits into our data practices.
Cookies We Use
The table below lists every cookie that Stopwatch.now may place in your browser, along with its exact name, category, purpose, and how long it lasts. If you don't see a cookie listed here, we don't set it.
| Cookie name | Type | Purpose | Duration | First or third party? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
session |
Essential | Keeps you logged in to your Stopwatch.now account between page loads. Without this cookie you would be logged out every time you navigate to a new page. | 30 days, or until you click "Log out" | First party |
csrf_token |
Essential | A random security token attached to every form submission. It prevents cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks, where a malicious page could otherwise trick your browser into submitting forms on your behalf. | Session (deleted when you close the browser tab or window) | First party |
flash |
Essential | Temporarily stores one-time notification messages that should appear once after an action - for example "Settings saved!" or "Timer added to favourites." Once displayed, the message is deleted. | Session (deleted after the message is shown) | First party |
That's it - just three cookies, all first-party, all essential. We do not set any performance cookies, analytics cookies, advertising cookies, or social media pixels.
localStorage We Use
In addition to cookies, we use browser localStorage to save your preferences. Unlike cookies, localStorage data is never transmitted to our server - it stays entirely on your device. This makes it more privacy-friendly for storing settings that are personal to your device.
| Key name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
sw_theme |
Preference | Stores your chosen colour theme: light, dark, or system (follows your OS setting). Prevents a flash of the wrong theme on page load. | Permanent until you clear browser storage or change the setting |
sw_sound |
Preference | Stores your preferred alert sound for timers (e.g. bell, chime, beep). Loaded each time you open a timer page so you don't have to reselect it. | Permanent until cleared |
sw_prefs |
Preference | Stores a JSON object of timer display preferences: font size, colour accent, whether to show milliseconds, and similar display options. These are device-specific preferences that do not sync across devices. | Permanent until cleared |
sw_recent |
Preference | Keeps a short list (up to 10 items) of recently used timers so the "Recent" section on the homepage populates instantly without a server request. | Permanent until cleared |
Because localStorage data never leaves your device, it is not affected by cookie consent rules in most jurisdictions. However, we tell you about it here in the interest of full transparency.
Cookie Categories Explained
You may encounter references to different cookie "categories" on other websites. Here's what those terms mean and how they apply to us:
Essential (Strictly Necessary) Cookies
These are cookies without which the website cannot function as intended. All three of our cookies fall into this category. Under most privacy regulations (including GDPR and UK GDPR), strictly necessary cookies do not require consent, though we must still disclose them - which is what this page does. If you block or delete these cookies, the login system will not work, though all timer tools remain fully usable without an account.
Performance / Analytics Cookies
Performance cookies collect anonymous information about how visitors use a site - which pages are most visited, error messages encountered, and so on. We do not use performance cookies. We gather aggregate page-view counts at the server level from access logs, which does not require cookies and is discarded after 30 days.
Preference / Functionality Cookies
These remember choices you've made, like your language or region. We use localStorage (not cookies) for this purpose, as described above.
Advertising / Targeting Cookies
These build profiles of your interests for ad targeting. We use zero advertising cookies and have no plans to introduce them. We do not display advertisements.
Third-Party Cookies
We load fonts from Google's CDN (fonts.googleapis.com). When your browser requests a font file, Google may set its own cookies or log the request under Google's privacy policy. However, modern browsers cache font files aggressively, so after your first visit Google Fonts is typically loaded entirely from your local browser cache with no new request to Google's servers.
If you want to prevent any Google Fonts requests, you can block the domain in your browser or use a privacy extension such as uBlock Origin. The site degrades gracefully to system fonts (typically Helvetica or Arial) and remains fully functional.
We do not embed YouTube videos, Google Maps, social media widgets, or any other third-party content that would set additional cookies without your knowledge.
How to Manage Cookies
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Here are links to instructions for the most common browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
- Opera: Settings → Privacy & security → Cookies
Most browsers also offer a private/incognito mode that does not persist cookies or localStorage after you close the window - useful if you're using a shared computer.
What breaks if you disable cookies
If you block all cookies from Stopwatch.now:
- Login will not work - the session cookie is required to stay authenticated. You will not be able to save favourites or preferences to your account.
- Forms may fail CSRF validation - the contact form and other forms require the CSRF token cookie to submit securely. You may see an error when submitting forms.
- All timers still work perfectly - every timer tool, stopwatch, countdown, and clock functions entirely without cookies or an account. This is by design.
If you block only third-party cookies (a common browser default), Stopwatch.now is completely unaffected since we only use first-party cookies.
Opting Out of Analytics
We do not use cookie-based analytics, so there is no analytics opt-out to offer. Our only usage measurement is server-side aggregate page view counts derived from access logs, which do not involve cookies and cannot be opted out of at the browser level. These counts are anonymous and are deleted after 30 days.
If you have privacy concerns beyond what this policy addresses, you may also install a browser-level privacy tool such as uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger, which will block third-party requests (including Google Fonts) proactively.
Changes to This Policy
If we add new cookies or localStorage keys, or change how existing ones work, we will update this page and the "last updated" date at the top. Material changes will be communicated to registered users by email. We encourage you to review this page periodically alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Cookies and EU / UK Privacy Law
Under the EU's ePrivacy Directive (the "Cookie Law") and the UK's Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), websites must obtain informed consent before setting non-essential cookies. Because Stopwatch.now sets only essential cookies, consent is not legally required - but we disclose them here anyway so you know exactly what's happening in your browser.
For analytics, instead of setting analytics cookies we rely on anonymised server-side access logs that are purged after 30 days. This approach gives us the usage data we need to improve the site without requiring cookie consent banners or tracking your browser across sessions. We think this is a better balance between useful product insights and user privacy.
If you are based in California, our minimal data collection also means we have very little to disclose under the CCPA, and we do not "sell" personal information as defined by that law. For CCPA enquiries, please see our Privacy Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookies
Do I need to accept cookies to use Stopwatch.now?
For timer tools: no. Every stopwatch, countdown timer, clock, and tool on the site works with cookies entirely blocked. For the optional account system (saving favourites and preferences): yes, the session cookie is required to stay logged in between pages.
Will blocking cookies break anything?
Only the login feature depends on cookies. All timing tools work without any cookies. If you block third-party cookies specifically (which many browsers do by default), Stopwatch.now is completely unaffected since we only use first-party cookies.
Does Stopwatch.now use Google Analytics?
No. We do not use Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or any other cookie-based analytics platform. Our usage data comes from anonymised server access logs only.
Are there any cookies set by browser extensions or third parties I should know about?
Browser extensions (ad blockers, password managers, etc.) may set their own storage. These are controlled by the extension developer, not by us. Stopwatch.now itself sets only the first-party cookies listed in the table above.
Questions
If you have any questions about our use of cookies that this page doesn't answer, please use our contact form or email [email protected]. For general help using the site, visit the Help Centre.