Where to find the time adjustment in Hubstaff
Hubstaff lets you manually add time to your tracked hours through the desktop app or web dashboard. On the desktop app, open Hubstaff and look for the timer display at the top of the window. Click the three-dot menu next to your name or in the app settings, then select "Add Time" or "Manual Time Entry" — the exact label depends on whether you're using Windows, Mac, or Linux.
On the web version, log into your Hubstaff account, go to the "Time" or "Timesheets" section, and look for a button labeled "Add Time" or a plus icon. This opens a form where you enter the date, start time, end time, and which project or task the time belongs to.
Key Takeaways
- Manual time entry in Hubstaff requires you to specify the exact date, start time, end time, and project before saving.
- The desktop app's Add Time button is usually in the menu next to your username or in Settings, while the web version has it in the Timesheets section.
- Hubstaff records who added the time and when, so managers can see manual entries separately from automatically tracked time.
- If your system time was wrong when you tracked hours, correcting your device's clock and then adding the time manually ensures accurate records.
Filling in the manual time entry form
When you click Add Time, a form appears asking for four pieces of information. First, select the date the work happened — this can be today or any day in the past. Next, enter the start time in hours and minutes (for example, 9:00 AM). Then enter the end time the same way (for example, 12:30 PM). Hubstaff calculates the duration automatically.
Finally, choose which project and task the time belongs to from the dropdown menus. If you worked on multiple tasks during that block of time, you will need to create separate entries for each one. Once all fields are filled, click Save or Submit. The time now appears in your timesheet as a manual entry.
Why manual entries show up differently in reports
Hubstaff marks manual time entries with a label or icon so that you, your manager, and anyone reviewing timesheets can tell them apart from automatically tracked time. This matters because automatic tracking captures screenshots and activity data, while manual entries do not. Managers use this distinction to understand where the gaps are in your tracked data.
If you notice your device's time was wrong during a work session — for example, your clock was set 30 minutes fast — you should correct the device time first, then add the time manually with the correct times. This keeps your records honest and makes it clear to your manager that the discrepancy came from a system issue, not from guessing at hours.
Adding time when the app was closed
If Hubstaff was not running during a work session, you cannot retroactively track that time automatically. Manual entry is the only way to record it. Open the app or web dashboard, go to Add Time, and enter the date and hours you worked. Be specific about start and end times rather than rounding — if you worked from 2:15 PM to 4:45 PM, enter those exact times.
Some workplaces have policies about how far back you can add time. Check with your manager or your company's Hubstaff settings before adding time from more than a few days ago. Many organizations limit manual entries to the current week or require manager approval for older dates.
Correcting time after you have already tracked it
If Hubstaff was running but your device time was wrong, you have two options. The first is to delete the incorrectly tracked time and add it manually with the correct times. To delete, find the tracked session in your timesheet, click it, and select Delete or Remove. Then use Add Time to create a new entry with the right start and end times.
The second option is to leave the tracked time as-is and add a separate manual entry for the difference. For example, if your clock was 15 minutes slow and Hubstaff recorded 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, you could add a manual 15-minute entry to account for the gap. This approach keeps a record of what the app actually captured while correcting the total hours.
What happens after you submit manual time
Once you save a manual entry, it appears when ready in your timesheet. If your manager has approval enabled for manual time, the entry may show as "Pending" until they review and accept it. You will see a notification or email letting you know whether it was approved or sent back for changes.
Manual entries are included in your total hours, invoices, and reports the same way tracked time is — the only difference is the label showing it was added manually. If you need to change a manual entry after submitting it, you can usually edit it by clicking on the entry and selecting Edit, then saving the new information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add time for work I did last month?
Technically yes, but most organizations restrict how far back you can add time. Check your company's Hubstaff settings or ask your manager — many allow manual entries only within the current week or current pay period. Adding time from months ago may require manager approval or may not be allowed at all.
What if I add the wrong amount of time by mistake?
You can edit the entry by clicking on it in your timesheet and selecting Edit. Change the start time, end time, or project as needed, then save. If the entry is already approved by your manager, you may need to ask them to unapprove it first before you can make changes.
Does my manager see that I added time manually?
Yes. Hubstaff labels manual entries clearly so managers can see which hours were tracked automatically and which were added by hand. The entry also shows your name and the date you added it, so there is a full record of when the time was submitted.
Can I add time if I forgot to start the timer?
Yes, that is one of the main reasons to use manual time entry. If Hubstaff was not running or you forgot to start the timer, use Add Time to record the hours you worked. Be as accurate as possible with the start and end times so your timesheet reflects the actual work.