Best Time Tracking for Jira in 2025 (Focus Timer + Private Notes)

Jira doesn't have great time tracking. You either log work manually after the fact (inaccurate), or bolt on Toggl and toggle timers all day (annoying).

Locu takes a different approach: import your assigned Jira issues, work in focused sessions, and get accurate time tracking as a byproduct. No manual logging. No remembering to start timers. Just work naturally and let time data accumulate.

The bonus? You barely need to open Jira during your sprint. Import issues once, execute in Locu and let time tracking happen naturally.

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Why Jira's Built-in Time Tracking Falls Short

Jira has time tracking, but it's designed for reporting, not execution.

The problems:

• Manual logging after the fact — you work, then remember to log. Inaccurate.
• No focus structure — just a field to fill, no rhythm or sessions
• Public to team — your work log is visible to everyone
• No personal notes — context that doesn't belong in Jira has nowhere to go

For managers who need time estimates vs. actuals, Jira's tracking works. For individual contributors doing the work, it's friction.

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The Problem With Toggl + Jira

Many teams use Toggl or Clockify alongside Jira. Here's the reality:

1. Open Jira, find your issue (wait...)
2. Copy issue key
3. Open Toggl, create entry, paste issue key
4. Start timer
5. Actually work
6. Get interrupted → forget timer is running
7. Timer runs through lunch
8. Manually fix entries at month end

Two slow systems instead of one. You're context-switching between Jira (slow) and Toggl (another window), and still getting inaccurate data.

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How Locu Solves Jira Time Tracking

The core idea: time tracking as a byproduct of focused work, not a separate task.

1. Import Your Assigned Jira Issues

Connect your Jira workspace and import issues assigned to you. Your sprint backlog is now in Locu—ready to work on.

2. Work in Focus Sessions

Start a 60-90 minute focus session, select your Jira issue, and get to work. While you're in the session:

• Time tracks automatically to that specific issue
• Issue details visible (status, priority, description)
• Your private notes alongside the Jira description
• Task breakdown for complex issues

You're not "tracking time." You're just working on your task—time data accumulates naturally.

3. Switch Tasks, Time Follows

Working on multiple issues? Just switch tasks within your session. Time follows automatically—no manual logging, no timer toggling.

4. See Exactly Where Time Went

At day's end (or month's end for invoicing), you have accurate time per Jira issue. Export to CSV for billing, or review where your hours actually went.

The Bonus: Skip Jira During Execution

Once you've imported your issues, you barely need to open Jira during your sprint. Everything you need for execution is in Locu—task details, your notes, time tracking. Only touch Jira when you need to update status or check on team stuff.

For anyone who's suffered through Jira's slow interface, this is a relief.

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What Makes This Different

vs. Jira's Built-in Time Tracking

vs. Toggl + Jira

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Why This Approach Works

The problem with manual time tracking: you have to remember to do it.

• Toggl: remember to start timer, remember to stop timer, remember to switch tasks
• Jira: remember to log work after you finish (but how long did it actually take?)

With Locu, you're not tracking time—you're working in focus sessions. Time data is a byproduct:

1. Start session, select task
2. Work on task
3. Switch to next task when done
4. Session ends, time is logged per task

No separate action for "logging time." It just happens because you're using the app to focus.

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Key Features for Jira Users

Private Notes and To-Dos

Add notes that only you see—context that doesn't belong in the public Jira issue. "Ask Sarah about auth flow" or "Test on Firefox too" stays in your personal workspace.

Task Breakdown

Complex Jira epic? Break it into sub-steps directly in Locu. Track completion and stay focused on one piece at a time—without creating sub-issues in Jira.

Focus Timer

Native macOS timer that stays visible while you work. See remaining time, current task, and session progress without switching windows.

Focused Mode

Enter distraction-free deep work. The focused mode shows only what matters: your current task, notes, and timer. Block distracting apps and websites automatically during sessions.

Slack Status Sync

Optionally update your Slack status during focus sessions. Teammates see "Focusing 🟡" and know not to ping you with non-urgent messages.

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How to Set Up Jira + Locu

1. Download Locu from locu.app/download
2. Connect Jira in Preferences → Integrations → Jira
3. Import issues assigned to you
4. Start a focus session and select a Jira issue
5. Work — time tracks automatically as you go

That's it. Your sprint is now in Locu. Work in focus sessions, switch between tasks as needed, and let time data accumulate naturally.

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Who This Is For

Freelance developers billing clients on Jira:

• Accurate time per issue for invoicing
• Export time + task details for client reports
• Never lose billable hours to forgotten timers
• Time tracking happens naturally as you work

Remote engineers at companies using Jira:

• See how much deep work you actually did (vs. meetings and Slack)
• Build sustainable daily rhythms with session structure
• Personal notes for context your team doesn't need
• Focus on execution, not on Jira

Anyone who needs time tracking but hates the overhead:

• No more "remember to start timer" anxiety
• No more manual logging after the fact
• Just work in sessions, get time data automatically

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The Bottom Line

Jira is good at what it does: issue tracking for teams. But its time tracking is designed for reporting, not for the people doing the work.

If you need to track time on Jira issues—for billing, focus measurement, or self-awareness—you need something that fits into how you actually work.

Locu integrates directly with Jira to give you:

• Time tracking as a byproduct of focused work
• Private notes and task breakdowns alongside issues
• One unified view for execution
• Sustainable 60-90 minute focus structure

Import your issues once, work in focus sessions, and let time data accumulate naturally. You barely need to open Jira during your sprint.