Chrome extension guide · 4 min read
Pomodoro timer Chrome extension setup with PomodoroTab.
A phone timer forces you to pick up the device that contains every distraction you're trying to avoid. PomodoroTab lives in your browser — next to your work — with the countdown visible in your tab title so you never have to switch context to check the time.
Why the extension
Extension vs phone timer — why it matters.
The tool you use to track time shapes how you use it. A phone timer means picking up a device that has social media, messaging, and every other distraction you're working against. Most people check at least one other app before putting the phone back down.
| Feature | Phone timer | PomodoroTab extension |
|---|---|---|
| See time remaining | Pick up phone | Glance at tab title |
| Task list | Separate app | Built-in, same window |
| Break notifications | Phone sound | Browser notification |
| Distraction risk when checking | High | None |
| Works while browsing | No | Yes — side panel mode |
The side panel mode is especially useful: it pins PomodoroTab next to whatever page you're working on so the timer and task list stay visible without taking up a full tab.
Install
Install PomodoroTab in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
Chrome
- Open the Chrome Web Store link above and click Add to Chrome.
- Confirm the permissions prompt — PomodoroTab only requests access to display notifications and manage tabs.
- Click the puzzle icon (Extensions) in the toolbar and pin PomodoroTab so it's always visible.
- Click the tomato icon to open your first session.
Edge
- Edge supports Chrome extensions directly. Use the same Chrome Web Store link and click Add to Edge.
- If prompted, allow extensions from other stores — this is safe and standard for Chromium-based browsers.
- Pin via the Extensions icon in the Edge toolbar.
Firefox
- Open the Firefox Add-ons link (separate from the Chrome Web Store link) and click Add to Firefox.
- Note: the side panel feature is only available in Chrome and Edge. Firefox users can use PomodoroTab via the toolbar popup or as a pinned tab.
Enable the side panel in Chrome or Edge
Right-click the PomodoroTab icon in your toolbar and choose Open side panel. This keeps your timer and task list visible next to whatever page you're working on — without taking up a full tab. This is the setup most power users prefer.
Recommended settings
Configure PomodoroTab for focus-heavy work.
The default settings work fine, but these three adjustments make a noticeable difference if you're using PomodoroTab as your primary focus tool.
- Tab title countdown — turn it on. The countdown shows in the tab title as "[23:45] Your Tab Name." Your brain picks up peripheral numbers without needing to consciously check, which keeps you aware of time without breaking focus.
- Session alerts — use the subtle sound. A gentle audio cue at the end of a session is more effective than a visual notification, which can get missed. Choose the quietest sound option and keep your volume low enough that it's noticeable but not jarring.
- Auto-start — decide based on your work type. Enable it for deep solo work where you want to stay in a rhythm. Disable it for work that involves reviewing tasks or handoffs between sessions — the manual pause gives you a moment to check what comes next.
Ready to upgrade?
Start with the free tier. When you find yourself wanting longer session history, Zen Mode, or productivity charts, PomodoroTab Plus adds all of that without changing how the core timer works.
Power user
Keyboard shortcuts and advanced tips.
Once PomodoroTab is part of your daily routine, these tips help you use it faster without touching the mouse.
- Open PomodoroTab with a keyboard shortcut. In Chrome, go to
chrome://extensions/shortcutsand assign a custom shortcut to PomodoroTab — like Alt+P. This means you never need to reach for the toolbar. - Use the new tab page integration. PomodoroTab can replace your new tab page so the timer is the first thing you see when you open a new tab — which makes it much harder to accidentally open Twitter or Reddit.
- Add tasks from any page. Click the PomodoroTab icon on any tab to quickly add a task to your list without navigating away from your work.
- Combine with a focus playlist. Start your playlist, open PomodoroTab in the side panel, and you have a complete focus environment inside the browser — no separate apps needed.