Automate Pomodoro Timer with Telegram and Google Sheets in n8n

What this workflow does

This workflow runs a Pomodoro timer controlled through Telegram messages. It solves the problem of tracking work and break times manually and logging sessions. Users start and stop work cycles by chatting with a Telegram bot. The system sends reminders and stores session details in Google Sheets automatically.

It counts user Pomodoro cycles, handles short and long breaks, and keeps data per user. The goal is to help users keep focused with timed work intervals and have clear records for productivity review.

Who should use this workflow

Anyone who wants to manage Pomodoro sessions using Telegram without opening apps or timers.

It fits freelancers, remote workers, or teams needing easy session controls and automatic logging.

Tools and services used

• Telegram Bot API: Receives messages and sends session notifications.
• Google Sheets API: Logs session and break data into spreadsheets.
• n8n Workflow Automation: Runs timers, manages user session states, and links triggers to actions.

How this workflow works

Inputs

• Telegram chat commands, mainly ‘/start’ and ‘/stop’.
• Static data storage in n8n for tracking each user’s session state.
• Google Sheet ready to append new session rows.

Processing steps

• Listen for Telegram messages with Telegram Trigger node.
• Check if message is a command starting with ‘/’.
• Route commands to start or stop session management.
• When starting, send notification for 25 minutes deep work.
• Wait 25 minutes using a timer node.
• Increment Pomodoro count per user in static data.
• Send short break notification and log work session in Google Sheets.
• Run a 5-minute break timer.
• Notify user to resume work after break.
• Repeat cycles until 4 complete sessions.
• After 4 sessions, notify user of a long break and log it.
• Clear user session data on stop command or end of long break.
• Send instructions message for unknown commands.

Outputs

• Telegram messages indicating session steps and reminders.
• Google Sheet rows recording session type, timestamps, counts, and user ID.
• Updated static data tracking user session states.

Beginner step-by-step: How to build this in n8n

Import and configuration

1. Download the workflow file using the Download button on this page.
2. Open the n8n editor and click “Import from File” to add the workflow.
3. Add required credentials by setting up Telegram Bot API keys in the credentials manager.
4. Add Google Sheets API credentials with proper access to the target spreadsheet.
5. Update spreadsheet ID and sheet names in Google Sheets nodes to match your document.
6. Check the Initiate Static Data code node and run it once manually to create user session storage.
7. Test the workflow by sending ‘/start’ to your Telegram bot. Confirm notification messages arrive and Google Sheet logs a new session.
8. Send ‘/stop’ to verify the session ends properly and data clears.
9. When tests pass, activate the workflow to run continuously in production.
10. If self-hosting is desired, consider hosting options like self-host n8n for control over uptime.

Customization ideas

• Change timer durations in deep work and break wait nodes to fit preferences.
• Add new fields in Google Sheets logs, such as task names or project IDs.
• Edit notification messages in Telegram nodes for personal style.
• Add language detection to send messages in user’s preferred language.
• Expand commands to support pausing and resuming Pomodoro sessions.

Handling errors and edge cases

• If the Telegram bot does not respond, check the webhook URL and bot setup in Telegram BotFather.
• If Pomodoro counts do not update, ensure the Initiate Static Data node was run once before starting.
• If Google Sheets logging gives errors, verify API credentials and spreadsheet sharing settings.
• Unknown messages trigger a help message explaining valid commands.

Summary of outcomes

✓ Control Pomodoro timers via Telegram chat commands.

✓ Automated notifications for work and break periods.

✓ Session data stored in Google Sheets for easy review.

✓ Multi-user support using n8n’s static data.

→ Users gain hands-free timer management and clear productivity records.