Does manual time include screenshots?

No. Screenshots are only taken when you're using Upwork Time Tracker for hourly contracts. Manual time entries don't include screenshots.

Do screenshots happen if there's no activity?

Yes. Upwork Time Tracker takes screenshots even if there's no keyboard or mouse activity, as long as the tracker is running. This is part of Upwork's verification system.

Can clients see screenshots immediately?

Clients can review screenshots in your Work Diary, but the exact timing of when they view them depends on when they check the diary. Screenshots are stored in your Work Diary for client review.

Is it really one screenshot per 10-minute segment?

Yes. Upwork Time Tracker takes exactly one screenshot per 10-minute billing segment. The timing within that segment is random, but there's only one screenshot per segment.

What if I pause tracking mid-segment?

If you pause tracking, no screenshot will be taken for that segment. When you resume tracking, a new 10-minute segment begins, and a screenshot will be taken at a random time within that new segment.

How Often Does Upwork Screenshot?

Upwork Time Tracker takes one screenshot per 10-minute segment while you're tracking time. That's up to 6 screenshots per hour (one per segment).

The exact timing within each 10-minute segment is random. Expect one screenshot sometime inside each segment while tracking, but you won't know exactly when it will happen.

SneakTime notifies you right after Upwork Time Tracker takes a screenshot, so you don't have to guess—you'll know exactly when it happened and can use the remaining time in that segment confidently.

Upwork screenshot frequency breakdown

Upwork's screenshot frequency is tied to your billing segments. Each 10-minute period (10:00–10:10, 10:10–10:20, 10:20–10:30, etc.) contains exactly one screenshot. The timing within that segment is unpredictable, which is why many freelancers feel anxious about taking breaks.

Once a screenshot is captured, you have a guaranteed safe period until the segment ends. This is the ideal time to check email, stretch, or take a quick break without risk.

Screenshot Frequency by Time Period

Per 10-minute segment:

1 screenshot (random timing)

Per hour (60 minutes):

Up to 6 screenshots

Per 8-hour workday:

Up to 48 screenshots

Segment boundaries:

:00, :10, :20, :30, :40, :50

Why screenshot frequency matters

Understanding that Upwork takes one screenshot per 10-minute segment helps you plan your work and breaks more effectively. Instead of constantly worrying about when the next screenshot might happen, you can:

• Work confidently knowing there's only one screenshot per segment.
• Use the remaining time after a screenshot for quick breaks or personal tasks.
• Reduce anxiety about unpredictable screenshot timing.

The challenge is that without knowing when a screenshot happened, every moment feels equally risky. That's where SneakTime helps.

How SneakTime helps you know when screenshots happen

SneakTime detects when Upwork Time Tracker takes a screenshot and sends you an immediate post-screenshot notification. You don't have to guess when it happened—you'll know right away.

✓ Instant awareness: know exactly when a screenshot just happened.
✓ Confident breaks: use the remaining time in the segment after a screenshot for quick breaks.
✓ Fewer deleted segments: reduce accidental awkward screenshots that lead to losing paid time.

SneakTime does not block screenshots or manipulate Upwork Time Tracker. It only provides post-screenshot notifications to improve your awareness.

Install SneakTime

Get instant notifications when Upwork Time Tracker takes screenshots and know exactly when you're in a safe window.

Install Chrome Extension Get Desktop Companion (GitHub)

SneakTime is an independent tool created by freelancers. Not affiliated with Upwork Inc.

Related Glossary Terms

10-minute segment — Understanding segment boundaries
Upwork screenshot interval — Definition and timing explained
Two screenshots close together — Boundary effect explained
Upwork Time Tracker screenshots — Definition and how they work

View all glossary terms →