Idle Detection

idle

Low RiskCategory: System & PerformanceView Official Docs↗

Technical Context

Grants access to the chrome.idle API to detect when the user is active, idle, or has locked their screen. This allows extensions to adjust behavior based on user presence without tracking specific activities.

What This Means For You

The extension can tell if you are actively using your computer or have stepped away. This helps it avoid interrupting you or save resources when you are not at your desk.

Related APIs

This permission enables access to these Chrome APIs:

chrome.idle

Common Use Cases

✓Productivity trackers
✓Auto-pause features
✓Security tools

How to Declare in manifest.json

Add the "idle" permission to your extension manifest:

{
  "manifest_version": 3,
  "name": "My Extension",
  "permissions": [
    "idle"
  ]
}

Related Permissions

Storage

storage

This acts as a digital filing cabinet where the extension saves your personal settings and preferences. It ensures your custom configurations stay the same every time you open Chrome without slowing down your computer.

low

Unlimited Storage

unlimitedStorage

The extension can save more data on your computer than the usual limit allows. This is useful for tools that need to work offline or save lots of information locally.

low

Alarms

alarms

The extension can set timers to perform tasks at specific times or on a regular schedule. This allows features like periodic sync, reminders, or scheduled updates to work reliably.

low

Power Management

power

The extension can keep your screen awake and prevent your computer from going to sleep. This is helpful when watching videos or during presentations.

low

System CPU Info

system.cpu

The extension can see basic information about your computer's processor, like how many cores it has. This helps it optimize its performance based on your hardware.

low