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Using RoomTimers on Multiple Devices

Use RoomTimers across multiple devices

Using RoomTimers on Multiple Devices

RoomTimers is designed for multi-device usage, allowing your entire team to stay synchronized in real-time. This guide covers everything you need to know about using RoomTimers across phones, tablets, and computers.

Supported Devices & Browsers

✅ Fully Supported

  • Desktop/Laptop: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
  • Tablets: iPad (Safari), Android tablets (Chrome)
  • Phones: iPhone (Safari), Android (Chrome)

⚠️ Minimum Requirements

  • Modern browser (updated within last 2 years)
  • Stable internet connection
  • JavaScript enabled
  • Cookies enabled (for authentication)

How Real-Time Sync Works

RoomTimers uses WebSocket technology for instant synchronization:

🚀 What This Means

  • ✅ Changes appear on all devices instantly (no page refresh needed)
  • ✅ Create a timer on your phone → See it immediately on your tablet
  • ✅ Someone else clears a timer → It disappears for everyone in real-time
  • ✅ Timer countdown updates live on all screens

🔄 Connection Modes

RoomTimers automatically switches between connection modes for reliability:

  1. WebSocket (Primary) - Instant real-time updates
  2. Smart Polling (Fallback) - Updates every 1-5 seconds if WebSocket unavailable

You don't need to do anything - the system handles this automatically!

Setting Up Multiple Devices

Adding a New Device

  1. Open a web browser on your device
  2. Navigate to https://app.roomtimers.com
  3. Sign in with your Google account
  4. That's it! The device is now synced

Note: You must use the same Google account on all devices to see your organization's timers.

Recommended Device Setup

Front Desk:

  • Desktop computer or tablet in always-on mode
  • Large screen for easy viewing
  • Used for creating new timers and monitoring all rooms

Treatment Rooms:

  • Tablet mounted on wall or door
  • Quick access for providers to check timers
  • Can pause/resume as needed

Mobile Staff:

  • Phone in pocket for on-the-go access
  • Check timer status while moving between rooms
  • Get notifications when timers expire

Connection Status Indicator

Look for the connection indicator in the top-right corner:

🟢 Green - Connected

Perfect! You have a stable WebSocket connection. All changes sync instantly.

🟡 Yellow - Polling

You're using the fallback polling mode. Changes sync every 1-5 seconds. Performance is slightly slower but still functional.

🔴 Red - Disconnected

No connection to the server. Changes won't sync until connection is restored.

If you see red:

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Refresh the page
  3. Try reloading the browser
  4. Check if your firewall is blocking WebSocket connections

Best Practices for Multi-Device Usage

✅ DO

  • Keep devices on the same page - Everyone should be viewing the dashboard
  • Use dedicated devices - Set up tablets specifically for RoomTimers
  • Add to home screen - On mobile, add RoomTimers to your home screen for quick access
  • Check connection status - Glance at the indicator before important actions
  • Stay logged in - No need to log out between uses on dedicated devices

❌ DON'T

  • Don't mix accounts - Always use your work Google account
  • Don't use on public WiFi - Use secure, private networks only
  • Don't leave logged in on shared devices - Log out after use on public computers
  • Don't rely on old browsers - Keep browsers updated for best performance

Mobile-Specific Tips

Adding to iPhone Home Screen

  1. Open Safari and navigate to https://app.roomtimers.com
  2. Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
  3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen
  4. Name it "RoomTimers" and tap Add

Adding to Android Home Screen

  1. Open Chrome and navigate to https://app.roomtimers.com
  2. Tap the menu (three dots)
  3. Tap Add to Home screen
  4. Name it "RoomTimers" and tap Add

Benefit: Launches like a native app with no browser UI!

Mobile Display Optimization

RoomTimers automatically adjusts for mobile screens:

  • 📱 Timer cards stack vertically for easy scrolling
  • 👆 Larger touch targets for easier tapping
  • 🔍 Simplified layout removes clutter
  • 📊 Most important info (time remaining) is prominent

Tablet-Specific Tips

Wall Mount Setup

  1. Use a tablet wall mount or stand
  2. Keep tablet plugged in (prevent battery drain)
  3. Enable "Keep screen awake" in device settings
  4. Adjust brightness for visibility
  5. Lock rotation to landscape or portrait (your preference)

Kiosk Mode (Optional)

For dedicated tablet stations:

  • Use browser kiosk mode to prevent navigation away
  • Disable notifications to prevent interruptions
  • Set RoomTimers as the default homepage

Network & Performance

Internet Speed Requirements

  • Minimum: 1 Mbps down / 512 Kbps up
  • Recommended: 5 Mbps down / 1 Mbps up
  • Optimal: 10+ Mbps down / 2+ Mbps up

Reducing Lag

  1. Use wired connections when possible (desktop at front desk)
  2. Stay on 5GHz WiFi instead of 2.4GHz for faster speeds
  3. Close other tabs/apps that use bandwidth
  4. Position WiFi router centrally for better coverage

Offline Behavior

⚠️ Important: RoomTimers requires an active internet connection to function.

What Happens Offline?

  • ❌ Cannot create new timers
  • ❌ Cannot pause/resume/clear timers
  • ❌ Timer countdown may stop updating
  • ❌ Changes from other devices won't appear

When Connection Restores

  • ✅ Page automatically reconnects
  • ✅ Timers sync to latest state
  • ✅ Any conflicts are resolved automatically

Troubleshooting Multi-Device Issues

Timer Appears on One Device But Not Others

Causes:

  • Disconnected device (check connection status)
  • Using different accounts on different devices
  • Viewing different organizations (if you have access to multiple)

Solution:

  1. Verify connection status is green on all devices
  2. Confirm same Google account is used everywhere
  3. Check organization selector (top of page)
  4. Refresh the page on the device missing the timer

Timer Countdown Not Updating

Causes:

  • Browser tab is backgrounded (mobile browser conserves resources)
  • Device is in sleep mode
  • Connection issue

Solution:

  1. Bring the browser tab to foreground
  2. Wake device from sleep
  3. Check connection indicator
  4. Refresh the page

Different Devices Show Different Timer States

Rare but possible causes:

  • Network latency (changes in transit)
  • One device is offline/disconnected
  • Browser cache issue

Solution:

  1. Wait 2-3 seconds for sync to complete
  2. Refresh all devices
  3. Clear browser cache if issue persists

Security Considerations

Device Security

  • 🔒 Use device lock screens - Protect against unauthorized access
  • 🔒 Log out on shared computers - Click profile icon → Sign Out
  • 🔒 Use secure WiFi - Avoid public/guest networks
  • 🔒 Enable 2FA on Google - Protects your login credentials

Need Help?

If you're experiencing issues with multi-device synchronization, contact support at roomtimers.com/contact-us with details about:

  • Which devices you're using
  • Connection status indicators
  • Specific behavior you're seeing