Can I work on an iPhone or iPad?

[e_fockler]

I'm new to Upwork and still learning my way around. Much of my day is spent on a train where I have an iPhone or iPad (with the Upwork app), without a computer. I'm a freelancer in writing and editing so I can easily do my work on those divices and plan to, but does that mean I can't bill hourly? Or is there a way to use the Upwork desktop billing app on one of those devices?

Thanks.

[jcullinan · Accepted solution]

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undefined:

I'm new to Upwork and still learning my way around. Much of my day is spent on a train where I have an iPhone or iPad (with the Upwork app), without a computer. I'm a freelancer in writing and editing so I can easily do my work on those divices and plan to, but does that mean I can't bill hourly? Or is there a way to use the Upwork desktop billing app on one of those devices?

Thanks.

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The desktop time tracker does not work on iOS. You can enter manual time, but that means you will not be eligible for hourly payment protection.

https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211068288-Hourly-Protection-for-Freelancers

[e_fockler]

Darn. Thanks for the help!

[gilbert-phyllis]

It's true that manually logged hours are not eligible for payment protection. It's also true that hours logged through the desktop app are not protected, either, unless you enter a "meaningful memo" for every screenshot (I think that's right) and there is an acceptable activity level. (These are issues I hear discussed when an hourly payment is disputed by a client.) It is also true that fixed-price payments are not necessarily protected very well if a client is determined not to pay.

All of that is by way of putting the whole "payment protection" issue into perspective. When push comes to shove, the situation is the same inside UW as outside: your best protection is choosing and managing clients and projects effectively. I work both hourly and fixed-price contracts. I never use the time tracker because I move back and forth between two different monitors, a credenza, a whiteboard, and staring at the neighbor's pecan tree. All of that is legimate work and my clients are happy to pay for it and know they are getting good value.

Vet clients carefully so that hopefully, you don't wind up entangled with a cheat. Also, have very clear and specific understanding on each project about the scope of work, expected deliverables, timing, etc. -- all the Freelance 101 stuff. AND be sure the client understands you log hours manually and sets a weekly cap that accommodates the amount of work to be done each week. 

[datasciencewonk]

unless you enter a "meaningful memo" for every screenshot (I think that's right) 

No. That's incorrect. Let me clarify (I'm ALL hourly using the Time Tracker):

FL'ers should enter detailed memos, but as the Time Tracker runs, it will use the same memo for each screenshot. Unless they are completely switching tasks during that particular project, they do not need to enter a new memo for every screenshot. 

Maybe what you're referring to is if the FL'er switch tasks? My projects happen in several phases. While I'm tracking time for the first phase, I'll make detailed memos (as detailed as the word limit will allow) about what I'm working on during that phase. Phase 1: Structural editing of section X, rewriting section Y, first pass copy-edit for grammar and syntax. Merging data from file Z the client provided. 

But, I don't enter memos for every new screenshot the Time Tracker takes. I only do so if I'm on to a new phase of the project. 

[jcullinan]

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@Kat C wrote:

unless you enter a "meaningful memo" for every screenshot (I think that's right) 

No. That's incorrect. Let me clarify (I'm ALL hourly using the Time Tracker):

FL'ers should enter detailed memos, but as the Time Tracker runs, it will use the same memo for each screenshot. Unless they are completely switching tasks during that particular project, they do not need to enter a new memo for every screenshot. 

Maybe what you're referring to is if the FL'er switch tasks? My projects happen in several phases. While I'm tracking time for the first phase, I'll make detailed memos (as detailed as the word limit will allow) about what I'm working on during that phase. Phase 1: Structural editing of section X, rewriting section Y, first pass copy-edit for grammar and syntax. Merging data from file Z the client provided. 

But, I don't enter memos for every new screenshot the Time Tracker takes. I only do so if I'm on to a new phase of the project. 

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Yes, that's also the way I do it. You can also turn off the nag screen reminding you to change the memo in the tracker, so you don't have to interact with it for every segment and can just keep working. I often clean up the memos in the work diary after I'm done for that session.

[cynthiafranks]

That stinks because I also often work on a iPad. 

Does it work on a Mac at all? I work exclusively on Apple products.

[cylver1z]

Hello Cynthia,

Upwork Desktop App also runs on Mac OS. Here's a link to help you know how to install Upwork Desktop app on your Mac.

[bobafett999]

If you can chug a laptop, you can always teether it to your phone.

If lightweight is of importantce you can buy Microsoft Surface and teether that.  A writer using iphone to write is nonsense.  Your buyer would be happy with your productivity of a device with keyboard.

[abrietzke]

Been trying to discover why I'm getting glitches and no app download on Apple iPad except mobile app, which doesn't offer everything as desktop. Is there a workaround to get the app on the iPad? I too am IOS. What about a Chrome book? Does anyone know if that will work? Doing this as a mobile pursuit; don't want to be tied to my desktop.

Also, if need to read substantial amount of material to complete the project, is that time billabe or only when working on writing project?

Thanks. 

ABrietzke

[aocumen]

Hi Adrienne, 

I'd just like to clarify that the Upwork Desktop App is not the same as the Upwork Mobile App. The Desktop App allows you to log and track time, and allows you to send messages to your client even without logging in to a website.

The Upwork Mobile App allows you to go access your Upwork account, but will not be able to track time on your mobile device. 

Unfortunately, the Upwork Desktop App is not compatible with the Chromebook at this time, and we'll make sure to inform the Community if this is already possible.

[abrietzke]

It seems rather counterproductive to not allow the time sheets to work on ios. Since so many of us are wanting to be mobile to do our jobs. I understand there’s manual, but when I tried to use it, it wouldn’t allow me to fill in time becuase I’d started work at 10:33. The time scroll is in 5 minute increments. So it kept blocking me from completing anything. So how am I to track my time? Seems more blockades than assists. If chromebook won’t work, what portable device will?