Timeback is the platform your child opens every day to access their lessons and track their progress. It needs to be installed on their computer before they can begin. The process is the same whether you're on a Mac or a PC, and it starts in the same place.
Watch the Install Video
Step 1: Go to app.timeback.com
On your child's computer, open a browser and go to: Timeback App
You'll see two options: Mac App Store or Windows Store. Choose the one that matches your computer.
If you're in a country where the app isn't in the App Store yet, you'll see a direct install link instead. Follow that, and you'll end up in the same place.
Step 2: Download Timeback
Click through to the App or Windows Store and select Download (or Get).
The download and automatic installation typically takes a minute.
If you used the direct download:
Navigate to the downloaded file, double-click, and follow the prompts to install the app.
Step 3: Open the App
Once the installation is complete, click Open. You should see a screen that says Welcome to Timeback with a Sign in with Google button. If you're seeing this screen, the installation worked.
You do not need to log in yet. Login credentials will be provided on your child's start date.
If you already have your credentials, enter your child's student email and their password. See: How to Find Your Child's email and password
Step 4: Grant Permissions
After opening the app, Timeback will walk you through enabling a few permissions. Enabling these permissions helps us observe students' learning patterns and gain academic insights to support them better.
Here's what to expect:
Camera:
Timeback uses the built-in camera to support learning insights: whether your child is at the computer, facing the screen, and focused on their work. Parents can turn this on or off for regular skill sessions. However, the camera must remain on during mastery tests and MAP Growth testing to protect test integrity.
Microphone:
The ambient microphone helps capture learning insights, such as whether your child is reading aloud or distracted. Like the camera, parents can toggle this on or off for skills sessions. It must remain on during testing.
Screen Recording:
This permission is required in all cases. It tracks basic activity data: keyboard use, active window changes, and button presses. This is what allows Timeback to deliver accurate, data-driven learning insights - and is one of the key things that sets it apart from a standard web-based learning program.
Enable all three permissions to complete setup, and click "Got the email, and signed," to proceed into the application
Step 5: You're Done
Once permissions are granted, you'll land on the Timeback App home screen and be redirected automatically to the Timeback Anywhere Dash. Setup is complete.
If you just started with us, your child's login credentials and first-day instructions will be sent to you on their start date.
Good to Know
Timeback can be installed on more than one computer, but your child should only be using one at a time.
A dedicated learning computer is preferred - it keeps distractions low and data capture clean.
Timeback only records activity while the app is running.
Troubleshooting
The app won't open after installation:
Restart the computer and try again. If it still won't open, uninstall Timeback, restart, and reinstall from app.timeback.com.
I don't see a download option at app.timeback.com:
Make sure you're on the computer your child will use for learning. Visit app.timeback.com directly on that device in an incognito session.
I'm getting an error during installation:
Make sure you have administrator access on the computer. If the error persists, contact us with a screenshot of the exact error message.