Getting started with Idle Pilot

What does Idle Pilot do?

Idle Pilot keeps your chosen Slack workspace or Microsoft Teams account available during the work hours you choose. After you connect it once, you can close your laptop, put it to sleep, or turn it off. You do not need to keep a browser or the setup extension open.

It manages the availability indicator, not your work: it does not write messages, answer coworkers, make calls, move your mouse, or track what you do. Choose hours that reflect when you intend to be reachable and follow your workplace rules.

How do I get started with Idle Pilot?

1. Open https://app.idlepilot.com on a computer.
2. Choose Sign in with Google. To use email instead, choose Email me a magic link, enter your email, choose Send magic link, and open the link in the email to finish signing in.
3. Choose Slack or Microsoft Teams on the connection screen.
4. Follow the connection steps for the platform you selected. Use desktop Chrome or Edge for the browser-extension method.
5. Wait for the app to confirm that the workplace account is connected.
6. On Dashboard, find Work Hours. Check the time zone, enabled days, start/end times, and optional lunch break.
7. Turn on the switch beside Work Hours. Check the status above your connected workspace.

The free trial starts when the first workplace connection succeeds. Creating an account or just opening a connection screen does not start it. No credit card is required to start the trial.

Which email should I use to sign in?

Use the email address for the Idle Pilot account you want to use. Your Idle Pilot sign-in and the workplace account you connect are separate choices. If you have already subscribed, return using the same Idle Pilot email so you see the correct subscription and schedule.

What do I need before I connect?

Have access to the Slack workspace or Teams account you want to keep available. For extension setup, sign in to that platform in desktop Chrome or Edge first. Use that same browser to open Idle Pilot. If your organization blocks extensions or account connections, check its rules rather than trying to bypass them.

Do I have to choose Slack or Teams before connecting?

Yes. Choose the platform you intend to use. The app starts with neither selected. You can go Back and change your choice before finishing. Only the account whose connection succeeds becomes the linked workplace account.

Can I start from my phone?

You can sign in and begin on your phone, but the workplace connection must finish on a computer. On the Continue setup on desktop screen, choose Email me the setup link, then open that email on your computer. If it does not arrive, choose Resend and check spam. Once connected, you can manage your schedule from your phone.

What if I do not use Chrome?

For the extension connection, use desktop Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If the app shows Finish setup in Chrome or Edge, choose Copy secure link, open Chrome or Edge on that computer, paste the link, and continue. The transfer link lasts one hour; if it expires, sign in again. Keep it private. After connection, you can manage Idle Pilot from your preferred browser.

Can I use Windows without installing an extension?

For Slack on Windows, onboarding can offer Slack desktop on Windows. Choose Use the script and follow the instructions shown in your own Idle Pilot screen. The extension method remains available. If a different method is not offered for your platform or device, use the browser-extension option shown by the app.

How long does setup take?

The usual path is a short one-time connection followed by your work-hour choices. Actual time depends on whether you are already signed in to Slack or Teams and whether you need to install the setup extension.

How do I know setup is complete?

Wait for the app's connected confirmation and your connected workplace card on Dashboard. Seeing Slack or Teams open, installing the extension, or receiving a setup email is not the same as completing the connection. Review Work Hours, turn it on, and check the displayed status.

What should I do immediately after connecting?

Check the correct workplace name and account, your Work Hours time zone, the days you want enabled, your hours, and lunch breaks. Then turn the Work Hours switch on. If it is outside your hours, the dashboard can show when it will resume rather than Active immediately.

Can I connect Slack and Microsoft Teams at the same time?

No. One Idle Pilot account supports one Slack workspace or one Teams account at a time. A successful switch replaces the previous connection. To change it on a computer, use Dashboard → Switch → Connect another workspace. Review the new connection and hours afterward.

Do I need separate plans for Slack and Teams?

No. Freedom Pass is the one plan for either supported platform, one at a time. Monthly and yearly are payment choices for the same plan. Switching platforms does not cancel your subscription or normally restart your trial.

What if I am asked where I heard about Idle Pilot?

That question is optional. You can skip it and finish setup. If you answer, use a short source such as a search engine or recommendation; do not include private workplace information.

Do I need to keep my laptop on?

No. After the workplace connection succeeds, you can close your laptop, put it to sleep, go offline, or turn it off. Idle Pilot follows your saved Work Hours without an open tab. Check that Work Hours is on, the current time is included, and no access or Re-link warning needs attention before relying on the schedule.

Does Idle Pilot work when my laptop is closed?

After the workplace connection succeeds, yes: you can close your laptop, put it to sleep, go offline, or turn it off. Idle Pilot follows your saved Work Hours without an open tab. Check that Work Hours is on, the current time is included, and no access or Re-link warning needs attention before relying on the schedule.

Does Idle Pilot work with Slack and Microsoft Teams?

Yes. Freedom Pass supports one Slack workspace or one Microsoft Teams account at a time. Choose either during setup. To change later on a computer, open Dashboard → Switch → Connect another workspace, choose the other platform, and finish connecting. The same plan covers either choice. Work Hours, lunch breaks, and Activity are available for both; Vacation Mode is Slack-only.

What do I need for setup?

For the browser method, use Chrome or Edge on a computer, access to your intended Slack/Teams account in that same browser profile, and the Idle Pilot setup extension. Open Idle Pilot, choose the platform, and follow its connection steps. Some Windows screens offer a desktop-app method instead. A phone can start the handoff but cannot finish workplace linking. After a successful connection, remove the extension if you want and manage your hours from your phone or preferred browser.

Can I use Slack or Microsoft Teams?

Yes. Freedom Pass supports one Slack workspace or one Microsoft Teams account at a time. Choose either during setup. To change later on a computer, open Dashboard → Switch → Connect another workspace, choose the other platform, and finish connecting. The same plan covers either choice. Work Hours, lunch breaks, and Activity are available for both; Vacation Mode is Slack-only.

Does Idle Pilot work if my laptop is off?

After the workplace connection succeeds, yes: you can close your laptop, put it to sleep, go offline, or turn it off. Idle Pilot follows your saved Work Hours without an open tab. Check that Work Hours is on, the current time is included, and no access or Re-link warning needs attention before relying on the schedule.

Does Freedom Pass support Slack and Microsoft Teams?

Yes. Freedom Pass supports one Slack workspace or one Microsoft Teams account at a time. Choose either during setup. To change later on a computer, open Dashboard → Switch → Connect another workspace, choose the other platform, and finish connecting. The same plan covers either choice. Work Hours, lunch breaks, and Activity are available for both; Vacation Mode is Slack-only.

Does Freedom Pass include Slack and Microsoft Teams?

Yes. Freedom Pass supports one Slack workspace or one Microsoft Teams account at a time. Choose either during setup. To change later on a computer, open Dashboard → Switch → Connect another workspace, choose the other platform, and finish connecting. The same plan covers either choice. Work Hours, lunch breaks, and Activity are available for both; Vacation Mode is Slack-only.

What do I need to set up Idle Pilot?

For the browser method, use Chrome or Edge on a computer, access to your intended Slack/Teams account in that same browser profile, and the Idle Pilot setup extension. Open Idle Pilot, choose the platform, and follow its connection steps. Some Windows screens offer a desktop-app method instead. A phone can start the handoff but cannot finish workplace linking. After a successful connection, remove the extension if you want and manage your hours from your phone or preferred browser.

Where can I compare tools that schedule Slack availability?

The Idle Pilot website has a comparison at https://idlepilot.com/slack-presence-scheduler-alternative/ and a practical guide at https://idlepilot.com/keep-slack-active/. For Idle Pilot itself, check that its supported platform, one-account limit, schedule controls, desktop setup, price, and your workplace rules match your needs. You can test the actual setup during the no-card trial. This support knowledge does not verify another product’s current features or pricing.

What is a mouse jiggler alternative for Slack or Microsoft Teams?

If your goal is a scheduled active indicator rather than moving the pointer, Idle Pilot lets you choose when one connected Slack or Teams account should stay available. Finish the one-time connection, set Dashboard → Work Hours, and turn it on. It does not keep your screen awake, prevent a computer lock, simulate typing, or do tasks for you.

Will a mouse jiggler alternative work if I am offline?

Idle Pilot can continue scheduled Slack/Teams availability while your laptop is offline, asleep, closed, or off, after connection has succeeded. It does not require a running mouse tool or open tab. You do need an internet connection to sign in, change settings, or reconnect. Before leaving, check Dashboard, Work Hours, the time zone, and any access/connection warning.

Does a Slack presence scheduler work when my laptop is closed?

Idle Pilot can continue scheduled Slack/Teams availability while your laptop is offline, asleep, closed, or off, after connection has succeeded. It does not require a running mouse tool or open tab. You do need an internet connection to sign in, change settings, or reconnect. Before leaving, check Dashboard, Work Hours, the time zone, and any access/connection warning.

What should I check in a Slack presence scheduler alternative?

Start with your needs: Slack or Teams, one account at a time, which days/hours you need, a lunch break, whether the laptop can be off, and how easily you can pause. Check the supported desktop setup method, current checkout price, workplace permissions, and privacy policy. Use Idle Pilot’s no-card trial to connect your intended account, set Work Hours, and check availability from another account. This knowledge does not confirm another tool’s current price or capabilities.

Does a presence scheduler alternative work if my laptop is off?

Idle Pilot can continue scheduled Slack/Teams availability while your laptop is offline, asleep, closed, or off, after connection has succeeded. It does not require a running mouse tool or open tab. You do need an internet connection to sign in, change settings, or reconnect. Before leaving, check Dashboard, Work Hours, the time zone, and any access/connection warning.

How do I choose the right presence scheduler alternative?

Start with your needs: Slack or Teams, one account at a time, which days/hours you need, a lunch break, whether the laptop can be off, and how easily you can pause. Check the supported desktop setup method, current checkout price, workplace permissions, and privacy policy. Use Idle Pilot’s no-card trial to connect your intended account, set Work Hours, and check availability from another account. This knowledge does not confirm another tool’s current price or capabilities.

Can I keep Slack green when my laptop is closed?

Idle Pilot can continue scheduled Slack/Teams availability while your laptop is offline, asleep, closed, or off, after connection has succeeded. It does not require a running mouse tool or open tab. You do need an internet connection to sign in, change settings, or reconnect. Before leaving, check Dashboard, Work Hours, the time zone, and any access/connection warning.

What if my laptop sleeps frequently during work hours?

Idle Pilot can continue scheduled Slack/Teams availability while your laptop is offline, asleep, closed, or off, after connection has succeeded. It does not require a running mouse tool or open tab. You do need an internet connection to sign in, change settings, or reconnect. Before leaving, check Dashboard, Work Hours, the time zone, and any access/connection warning.

Does Caffeine work when my laptop is off?

You do not need a keep-awake utility for Idle Pilot. After a successful workplace connection, your saved Work Hours can continue when the laptop is closed, asleep, offline, or off. Check the utility’s own documentation if you need to know its requirements; this support knowledge covers Idle Pilot.

Is this the same as every app named Caffeine?

No. Similar utility names do not identify the same product. Check the publisher before following instructions for another app. Idle Pilot is the service at https://idlepilot.com and https://app.idlepilot.com; its setup and subscription are separate from any keep-awake utility.

Can I use Caffeine for a download while Idle Pilot runs?

Idle Pilot manages your workplace availability schedule; it does not keep your computer awake for downloads. A keep-awake utility has a separate purpose. You do not need one for Idle Pilot to run after the computer sleeps. Follow your computer’s and the utility publisher’s instructions for the download itself.

What macOS version does this Caffeine app need?

That is a requirement of another app, so check its publisher’s current download page. Idle Pilot does not require Caffeine. For Idle Pilot, the general workplace-connection method uses desktop Chrome or Edge and its setup extension; after a successful connection, you can manage your schedule from your preferred browser.

What is the main difference between Idle Pilot and slack.green?

For Idle Pilot, Freedom Pass supports one Slack workspace or one Teams account at a time. It runs your chosen Work Hours with the laptop closed, and you can switch the linked workplace from Dashboard. This support knowledge does not verify another product’s current capabilities; check its publisher directly rather than treating an old comparison as a current support promise.

Can I connect more than one workspace?

Idle Pilot supports one Slack workspace or one Teams account at a time. To replace it on a computer, open Dashboard → Switch → Connect another workspace and finish the new connection. The old connection is replaced only when the new one succeeds. There is no promise of a multi-workspace or team plan.

Do I need to keep my computer on?

No, after Idle Pilot confirms the workplace connection. Turn on your saved Work Hours, review the time zone and status, and follow any access or Re-link warning. Your laptop can then be closed, asleep, offline, or powered off during those hours. You do not need a running tab or setup extension.

Does a mouse jiggler app work when my laptop is closed?

A tool that needs your computer running cannot keep working when that computer is off or asleep. Idle Pilot does not require a mouse jiggler: after you connect your workplace account, its saved Work Hours can continue while the laptop is closed or off. You still need to be reachable and follow workplace rules.

Does Idle Pilot keep my builds or development server running?

No. Idle Pilot maintains Slack or Teams availability during Work Hours; it does not keep your computer awake or run local builds, terminals, or development servers. Those processes have their own power and runtime requirements. A green workplace indicator does not confirm that a local process is running.

Is this a shared product for my whole sales team?

No. Freedom Pass is for one person’s Slack workspace or Microsoft Teams account at a time. It does not provide shared team administration, team scheduling, ticket routing, or a manager’s activity dashboard. Review the connected account on Dashboard; availability is not proof of team coverage.

Does it send prospect replies or update my CRM?

No. Idle Pilot maintains availability; it does not read conversations, send prospect replies, or update your CRM. Handle replies, sales records, and handoffs in your own tools. Availability is not evidence that a message was read, answered, or acted on.