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Chrona

Connecting Chrona to your firm

Pair a Chrona device to your firm: generate a code in the dashboard, enter it in the app, and manage syncing.

Pairing is the bridge between the Chrona desktop app and your firm's CPAAutomation dashboard. Once a device is paired, its timeline cards sync to the firm so managers can see tracked hours. This page covers both sides — generating a code (for managers) and entering it (for staff) — plus the sync controls in the app.

What syncs (and what doesn't)

Note: Only timeline cards sync to your firm — titles, summaries, categories, and start/end times. Your screenshots, timelapse videos, and local database never leave your machine. Pairing does not give your firm access to your screen.

For managers: generate a pairing code

  1. In CPAAutomation, open Chrona Devices (/dashboard/analytics/chrona/devices).
  2. Click Generate pairing code.
  3. Enter a Device name that identifies who'll use it — for example, "Dana's MacBook." This name labels the device throughout the dashboard.
  4. Click Generate code. Chrona shows a short code (for example ABCD2345).
  5. Click Copy code and share it with the staff member.

Note: Pairing codes are single-use and expire 15 minutes after they're generated. If a code expires before it's used, just generate a new one. You'll need a role of admin, manager, analyst, or reviewer to generate codes.

For staff: enter the code in Chrona

  1. In the Chrona desktop app, open Settings → Sync.
  2. In the Pairing code field, type the code your manager sent you (it auto-capitalizes; the placeholder shows the ABCD2345 format).
  3. Click Pair.

Your device pairs to the firm and begins syncing on a schedule. If the code has expired or is wrong, you'll see an error — ask your manager for a fresh one and try again within 15 minutes.

Manage syncing (Settings → Sync)

Once paired, the Sync settings show your device's status and let you control how it syncs:

  • Status line — shows the device name, the last sync time, and how many cards are pending. It reads Syncing… during a sync, Paired when idle, or Paired (sync paused) when syncing is turned off.
  • Sync enabled — turn syncing on or off without unpairing.
  • Sync now — push pending cards to the firm immediately.
  • Sync interval (seconds) — how often Chrona syncs automatically (default 300, minimum 30). Click Save after changing it.

Unpair a device

To disconnect a device from the firm, click Unpair… in Sync settings, then confirm.

Note: Unpairing removes the device's sync token from your keychain and stops syncing. Cards that already synced stay on the firm's dashboard until a manager revokes the device — see Managing devices.

With a device paired, managers can read the results on the firm Time Tracking dashboard and handle ongoing device administration in Managing devices.