Why doesn't my cube timer stop when I tap?

Timers that need a small button, or that stop when you lift your finger, can register late. In Cubetick the whole screen is the stop area while timing, and the time is taken the moment your finger touches down, not when you lift it.

How is ao5 calculated?

Take your last 5 solves, drop the fastest and the slowest, and average the middle 3. ao12 drops best and worst of 12 and averages 10; ao50 and ao100 drop 5% from each end. A DNF counts as the slowest time.

Is there a free stackmat timer app?

Cubetick works like a stackmat on your phone: hold, release to start, touch to stop. All events and sessions are open from the start, and the app is supported by a small banner and occasional ads that never appear while you time.

Are events other than 3x3 locked?

No. 2x2 to 7x7, OH, BLD, Pyraminx, Skewb, Megaminx, Square-1 and Clock (all 13 WCA events) are unlocked from the start, and you can create unlimited sessions.

How does the 15-second inspection work?

Turn it on in settings to get 15 seconds before each solve. You get alerts at 8s and 12s; starting after 15s adds +2 and going past 17s records a DNF.

Will an ad pop up during a solve?

No. There is a small banner at the bottom and an occasional ad elsewhere, but never a full-screen ad while you time or right after a solve.

Where are my times saved, and can I back them up?

On your phone only, with no account. Each solve is saved immediately, and you can export to CSV and import it back.

Can I turn the cube during inspection?

You can pick it up and rotate the whole puzzle, but you may not turn any face.

Is going over 15 seconds an instant DNF?

No. Starting after 15 seconds but within 17 is a +2 penalty; past 17 seconds is a DNF.

Should I use inspection when practicing?

Yes if you plan to compete. It builds the habit of planning within 15 seconds and makes your practice averages closer to competition ones.

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WCA inspection rules explained: 15 seconds, +2 and DNF

At WCA competitions you may look at the puzzle for up to 15 seconds before you start solving. This is called inspection. Start after 15 seconds and you get a +2 penalty; go past 17 seconds and the solve is a DNF. Here are the rules and how to use inspection in practice.

Inspection time and penalties

Inspection starts when the judge uncovers the puzzle. You can pick it up and rotate it, but you may not turn any face. The judge calls out 8 seconds and 12 seconds.

Inspection elapsed	Result
8 s	Warning called
12 s	Warning called
Start within 15 s	No penalty
Start after 15 s, within 17 s	+2 seconds
Past 17 s	DNF

Blindfolded events are different

Blindfolded events such as 3x3 BLD have no separate inspection; memorization time counts toward your result. Keep inspection off when you practice BLD.

How to use your 15 seconds

Beginners only need to plan the cross. As you improve, try to spot the first F2L pair as well. Practicing with inspection on means you won't feel rushed at a competition.

0–8 s: find the cross pieces and their order
8–12 s: look for your first F2L pair
12–15 s: set your grip and get ready to start

Turning on inspection in Cubetick

Turn on inspection in Cubetick's settings to get a 15-second countdown before each solve, with alerts at 8 and 12 seconds. Starting after 15 seconds records a +2 automatically, past 17 seconds records a DNF, and you can still fix +2 or DNF on any solve later.

FAQ

Can I turn the cube during inspection?: You can pick it up and rotate the whole puzzle, but you may not turn any face.
Is going over 15 seconds an instant DNF?: No. Starting after 15 seconds but within 17 is a +2 penalty; past 17 seconds is a DNF.
Should I use inspection when practicing?: Yes if you plan to compete. It builds the habit of planning within 15 seconds and makes your practice averages closer to competition ones.

Turn on 15s inspection and practice like a competition

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