diff --git a/.github/workflows/cd-release.yml b/.github/workflows/cd-release.yml
index 4de9b10c..5966dc7b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/cd-release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/cd-release.yml
@@ -1130,13 +1130,44 @@ jobs:
           if-no-files-found: error
           retention-days: 90
 
+  # ============================================================================
+  # Build Browser Extension
+  # ============================================================================
+  build-browser-extension:
+    name: Build Browser Extension
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    needs: [determine-version]
+    continue-on-error: true
+    timeout-minutes: 5
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Setup Node.js
+        uses: actions/setup-node@v4
+        with:
+          node-version: ${{ env.NODE_VERSION }}
+
+      - name: Package extension
+        working-directory: browser-extension
+        run: npm run zip
+
+      - name: Upload extension zip
+        if: success()
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: browser-extension-${{ needs.determine-version.outputs.version }}
+          path: browser-extension/dist/*.zip
+          retention-days: 90
+
   # ============================================================================
   # Create GitHub Release
   # ============================================================================
   create-release:
     name: Create GitHub Release
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    needs: [build-and-push, determine-version, build-desktop-windows, build-desktop-linux, build-desktop-macos, build-mobile-android, build-mobile-ios]
+    needs: [build-and-push, determine-version, build-desktop-windows, build-desktop-linux, build-desktop-macos, build-mobile-android, build-mobile-ios, build-browser-extension]
     if: github.event_name != 'release'
     permissions:
       contents: write
@@ -1166,6 +1197,13 @@ jobs:
         with:
           pattern: 'mobile-*'
           merge-multiple: false
+
+      - name: Download browser extension artifacts
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        continue-on-error: true
+        with:
+          pattern: 'browser-extension-*'
+          merge-multiple: false
       
       - name: Prepare release files
         run: |
@@ -1227,6 +1265,11 @@ jobs:
             mkdir -p "$MOBILE_DIR/ios"
             cp mobile-ios-$VERSION/* "$MOBILE_DIR/ios/" 2>/dev/null || true
           fi
+
+          # Browser extension
+          if [ -d "browser-extension-$VERSION" ]; then
+            cp browser-extension-$VERSION/*.zip "$RELEASE_DIR/" 2>/dev/null || true
+          fi
           
           # Create file list for release (for debugging)
           find "$RELEASE_DIR" -type f > release-files-list.txt || true
@@ -1307,6 +1350,7 @@ jobs:
             release-files/k8s-deployment.yml
             release-files/desktop/**/*
             release-files/mobile/**/*
+            release-files/*.zip
         env:
           GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
         continue-on-error: false
@@ -1346,7 +1390,7 @@ jobs:
   release-summary:
     name: Release Summary
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    needs: [security-audit, build-and-push, determine-version, create-release, trigger-demo-deploy, build-desktop-windows, build-desktop-linux, build-desktop-macos, build-mobile-android, build-mobile-ios]
+    needs: [security-audit, build-and-push, determine-version, create-release, trigger-demo-deploy, build-desktop-windows, build-desktop-linux, build-desktop-macos, build-mobile-android, build-mobile-ios, build-browser-extension]
     if: always()
     
     steps:
@@ -1389,8 +1433,15 @@ jobs:
             echo "- ⚠️ iOS: ${{ needs.build-mobile-ios.result }}" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
           fi
           echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "### Browser Extension" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          if [ "${{ needs.build-browser-extension.result }}" == "success" ]; then
+            echo "- ✅ Chrome extension zip: Success" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          else
+            echo "- ⚠️ Chrome extension zip: ${{ needs.build-browser-extension.result }}" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          fi
+          echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
           echo "ℹ️ *Full test suite already ran on PR before merge*" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
-          echo "ℹ️ *Desktop and mobile builds are optional - release continues even if they fail*" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
+          echo "ℹ️ *Desktop, mobile, and browser extension builds are optional - release continues even if they fail*" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
           echo "" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
           echo "### 🔐 Analytics Configuration" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
           echo "Analytics credentials were **successfully injected** from GitHub Secret Store:" >> $GITHUB_STEP_SUMMARY
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 698aede1..a002d73a 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -7,6 +7,24 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+## [5.13.1] - 2026-08-26
+
+### Changed
+
+- **Projects sorted by last used (#738)** — Timers and manual entries stamp `last_used_at` on projects so pickers and API lists surface recent work ahead of alphabetical order (migration **182**).
+- **Client versions** — Synced Electron (`desktop/package.json`), Flutter (`mobile/pubspec.yaml`), and Chromium extension (`browser-extension/manifest.json` / `package.json`) to **5.13.1** with the webapp (`setup.py`).
+- **Chrome extension release zip** — GitHub Releases now attach a ready-to-install Chromium extension zip alongside desktop and mobile artifacts.
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **Idle timeout duration & prompts (#722)** — Auto-stop credits `last_active + idle_timeout` instead of recording 0 minutes; web and extension surface “Still working?” notifications, and mobile polls `idle_notified` while backgrounded.
+- **Searchable picker blur & Create project (#728)** — Comboboxes reset to the committed selection on blur so typed-but-unselected text cannot look like a form change; Create project stays hidden until a client is chosen; no auto-selected project; Create labels are translated.
+- **Extension Create project guard** — Re-applied the client-required guard on the project picker after the last-used sort change so create-without-client stays blocked.
+
+### Documentation
+
+- **Version** — Bumped `setup.py` to **5.13.1** (single source of truth for the application version).
+
 ## [5.13.0] - 2026-08-23
 
 ### Added
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ecf9bea1..74daf947 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -105,6 +105,10 @@ TimeTracker has been continuously enhanced with powerful new features! Here's wh
 
 **Current version** is defined in `setup.py` (single source of truth). See [CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md) for versioned release history.
 
+### ✨ Highlights of v5.13.1
+
+**Patch (5.13.1):** **Projects by last used (#738)** — pickers and API lists surface recent work first. **Idle timeout (#722)** — auto-stop records the configured duration and surfaces Still working? on web, extension, and mobile. **Picker fixes (#728)** — blur resets typed-but-unselected text, Create project requires a client, translated Create labels. **Extension release zip** — Chromium extension package attached to GitHub Releases. See [CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md#5131---2026-08-26).
+
 ### ✨ Highlights of v5.13.0
 
 **Minor (5.13.0):** **Daily progress widget** — compact strip on the dashboard with today's hours vs target and a quick-start timer. **Quick-log & tasks due today** — one-click log form and due-today task widget without leaving home. **Timer long-run warning** — alert when a timer exceeds the configurable threshold, with workday progress. **Navigation declutter** — sidebar and mobile More drawer reorganised with key destinations promoted. **Recurring tasks list** — status filters, pause/resume/run-now inline actions. **Floating timer bar & idle-stop** — redesigned compact bar and smoother idle boundary. **Fixes** — productivity heatmap, invoice tax rate/currency resolution, swallowed errors (#736), timer heartbeats (#736), portal admin template, recurring tasks CRUD. See [CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md#5130---2026-08-23).
diff --git a/app/models/project.py b/app/models/project.py
index 02041b5c..12f127e9 100644
--- a/app/models/project.py
+++ b/app/models/project.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ class Project(db.Model):
     custom_fields = db.Column(db.JSON, nullable=True)
     created_at = db.Column(db.DateTime, default=datetime.utcnow, nullable=False)
     updated_at = db.Column(db.DateTime, default=datetime.utcnow, onupdate=datetime.utcnow, nullable=False)
+    last_used_at = db.Column(db.DateTime, nullable=True, index=True)
     # Archiving metadata
     archived_at = db.Column(db.DateTime, nullable=True, index=True)
     archived_by = db.Column(db.Integer, db.ForeignKey("users.id", ondelete="SET NULL"), nullable=True)
@@ -315,6 +316,10 @@ def activate(self):
         self.updated_at = datetime.utcnow()
         db.session.commit()
 
+    def touch_last_used(self):
+        """Mark this project as recently used (timer start or manual entry)."""
+        self.last_used_at = datetime.utcnow()
+
     def is_favorited_by(self, user):
         """Check if this project is favorited by a specific user"""
         from .user import User
@@ -391,6 +396,7 @@ def to_dict(self, user=None):
             "budget_threshold_percent": self.budget_threshold_percent,
             "created_at": self.created_at.isoformat() if self.created_at else None,
             "updated_at": self.updated_at.isoformat() if self.updated_at else None,
+            "last_used_at": self.last_used_at.isoformat() if self.last_used_at else None,
             "total_hours": self.total_hours,
             "total_billable_hours": self.total_billable_hours,
             "estimated_cost": float(self.estimated_cost) if self.estimated_cost else None,
diff --git a/app/repositories/project_repository.py b/app/repositories/project_repository.py
index 6ba2060b..0c6655bc 100644
--- a/app/repositories/project_repository.py
+++ b/app/repositories/project_repository.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def get_active_projects(
         # If user_id provided, filter projects user has access to
         # (This would need permission logic in a real implementation)
 
-        return query.order_by(Project.name).all()
+        return query.order_by(Project.last_used_at.desc().nullslast(), Project.name).all()
 
     def get_by_client(
         self, client_id: int, status: Optional[str] = None, include_relations: bool = False
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def get_by_client(
         if include_relations:
             query = query.options(joinedload(Project.client_obj))
 
-        return query.order_by(Project.name).all()
+        return query.order_by(Project.last_used_at.desc().nullslast(), Project.name).all()
 
     def get_with_stats(self, project_id: int) -> Optional[Project]:
         """Get project with related statistics (time entries, costs, etc.)"""
@@ -88,4 +88,4 @@ def get_billable_projects(self, client_id: Optional[int] = None) -> List[Project
         if client_id:
             query = query.filter_by(client_id=client_id)
 
-        return query.order_by(Project.name).all()
+        return query.order_by(Project.last_used_at.desc().nullslast(), Project.name).all()
diff --git a/app/services/project_service.py b/app/services/project_service.py
index cc0c5b41..18102b39 100644
--- a/app/services/project_service.py
+++ b/app/services/project_service.py
@@ -336,7 +336,7 @@ def list_projects(
                 query = query.filter(search_filter)
 
         # Order and paginate
-        query = query.order_by(Project.name)
+        query = query.order_by(Project.last_used_at.desc().nullslast(), Project.name)
         pagination = query.paginate(page=page, per_page=per_page, error_out=False)
         projects = pagination.items
 
diff --git a/app/services/time_tracking_service.py b/app/services/time_tracking_service.py
index 18243207..a00595d5 100644
--- a/app/services/time_tracking_service.py
+++ b/app/services/time_tracking_service.py
@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ def start_timer(
                         "message": "Selected task is invalid for the chosen project",
                         "error": "invalid_task",
                     }
+
+            project.touch_last_used()
         else:
             # Client-only timer
             from app.repositories import ClientRepository
@@ -318,6 +320,8 @@ def create_manual_entry(
                 if not task:
                     return {"success": False, "message": "Invalid task for selected project", "error": "invalid_task"}
 
+            project.touch_last_used()
+
         # Validate client if provided
         if client_id:
             from app.repositories import ClientRepository
diff --git a/app/static/idle.js b/app/static/idle.js
index 63be8169..463f22db 100644
--- a/app/static/idle.js
+++ b/app/static/idle.js
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@
   let countdownIntervalId = null;
   let lastHeartbeatSent = 0;
   let hasActiveTimer = false;
+  let notificationPermissionRequested = false;
+  let activeIdleNotification = null;
   const HEARTBEAT_THROTTLE_MS = 60 * 1000;
 
   function sendHeartbeat(){
@@ -34,6 +36,38 @@
     } catch(e) {}
   }
 
+  /** Ask for Notification permission once a timer is running so idle alerts
+   *  can surface when the TimeTracker tab is not focused (Issue #722). */
+  function requestNotificationPermission(){
+    if (notificationPermissionRequested) return;
+    if (typeof Notification === 'undefined') return;
+    if (Notification.permission !== 'default') {
+      notificationPermissionRequested = true;
+      return;
+    }
+    notificationPermissionRequested = true;
+    try {
+      Notification.requestPermission().catch(function(){});
+    } catch(e) {}
+  }
+
+  function closeIdleNotification(){
+    try {
+      if (activeIdleNotification) {
+        activeIdleNotification.close();
+        activeIdleNotification = null;
+      }
+    } catch(e) {
+      activeIdleNotification = null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /** Credit the idle window on auto-stop: last_active + threshold (Issue #722). */
+  function creditedStopTs(lastActiveTs){
+    const credited = (lastActiveTs || Date.now()) + getIdleThresholdMs();
+    return Math.min(credited, Date.now());
+  }
+
   function markActive(){
     // While the "Still working?" grace prompt is open, only Yes/No (or the
     // 5-minute auto-stop) may clear it — incidental mouse/keyboard activity
@@ -84,6 +118,7 @@
 
   async function stopNow(){
     clearGraceTimers();
+    closeIdleNotification();
     promptShown = false;
     try {
       const r = await fetch('/api/timer/stop', { method: 'POST', headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }, __ttQuiet: true });
@@ -101,6 +136,7 @@
 
   async function stopAt(ts){
     clearGraceTimers();
+    closeIdleNotification();
     promptShown = false;
     try {
       const r = await fetch('/api/timer/stop_at', { method: 'POST', headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }, body: JSON.stringify({ stop_time: new Date(ts).toISOString() }) });
@@ -120,6 +156,7 @@
 
   function snoozeIdlePrompt(toastEl){
     clearGraceTimers();
+    closeIdleNotification();
     lastActivity = Date.now();
     promptShown = false;
     lastHeartbeatSent = 0; // force immediate heartbeat so server clears idle_notified_at
@@ -127,6 +164,34 @@
     try { if (toastEl) toastEl.remove(); } catch(e) {}
   }
 
+  function showNativeIdleNotification(stopTs, onStillWorking){
+    if (typeof Notification === 'undefined') return;
+    if (Notification.permission !== 'granted') return;
+    closeIdleNotification();
+    try {
+      const title = window.i18n?.messages?.stillWorkingTitle || 'Still working?';
+      const body = window.i18n?.messages?.stillWorkingPrompt ||
+        ('You seem inactive since ' + formatTime(new Date(stopTs)) +
+         '. Click to confirm you are still working, or the timer will stop automatically.');
+      const n = new Notification(title, {
+        body: body,
+        tag: 'tt-still-working',
+        requireInteraction: true,
+        renotify: true,
+      });
+      activeIdleNotification = n;
+      n.onclick = function(ev){
+        try { if (ev && ev.preventDefault) ev.preventDefault(); } catch(e) {}
+        try { window.focus(); } catch(e) {}
+        closeIdleNotification();
+        if (typeof onStillWorking === 'function') onStillWorking();
+      };
+      n.onclose = function(){
+        if (activeIdleNotification === n) activeIdleNotification = null;
+      };
+    } catch(e) {}
+  }
+
   function showIdlePrompt(stopTs){
     if (promptShown) return; promptShown = true;
     clearGraceTimers();
@@ -139,6 +204,8 @@
        '. Timer will stop automatically if you do not answer.');
 
     const deadline = Date.now() + GRACE_MS;
+    // Auto-stop credits the idle window (last activity + threshold), not 0 min.
+    const autoStopTs = creditedStopTs(stopTs);
 
     function buildMessage(){
       return baseMsg + ' (' + formatCountdown(deadline - Date.now()) + ')';
@@ -158,13 +225,21 @@
 
       graceTimerId = setTimeout(function(){
         clearGraceTimers();
+        closeIdleNotification();
         try { toastEl.remove(); } catch(e){}
-        stopAt(stopTs);
+        stopAt(autoStopTs);
       }, GRACE_MS);
     }
 
+    // Native OS notification so the prompt is visible from other tabs (#722)
+    showNativeIdleNotification(stopTs, function(){
+      const toastEl = document.querySelector('[data-tt-idle-prompt]');
+      snoozeIdlePrompt(toastEl);
+    });
+
     if (window.toastManager) {
       const toastEl = document.createElement('div');
+      toastEl.setAttribute('data-tt-idle-prompt', '1');
       toastEl.className = 'flex items-center gap-3 p-4 bg-amber-100 dark:bg-amber-900/30 border border-amber-300 dark:border-amber-700 rounded-lg shadow-lg pointer-events-auto';
       toastEl.innerHTML =
         '<div class="flex-1 text-sm text-amber-900 dark:text-amber-100" data-countdown>' + buildMessage() + '</div>' +
@@ -180,6 +255,7 @@
     }
 
     const t = document.createElement('div');
+    t.setAttribute('data-tt-idle-prompt', '1');
     t.className = 'toast align-items-center text-white bg-warning border-0 fade show';
     t.innerHTML =
       '<div class="d-flex">' +
@@ -241,6 +317,7 @@
     const active = await getTimer();
     hasActiveTimer = !!active;
     if (!active) return;
+    requestNotificationPermission();
     // Send periodic heartbeat while tab is open (throttled to HEARTBEAT_THROTTLE_MS)
     if (!promptShown) sendHeartbeat();
     const threshold = getIdleThresholdMs();
diff --git a/app/static/searchable-select.js b/app/static/searchable-select.js
index 604b07b7..ed9945c2 100644
--- a/app/static/searchable-select.js
+++ b/app/static/searchable-select.js
@@ -15,12 +15,17 @@
 (function () {
   'use strict';
 
-  var CREATE_LABEL = {
+  var DEFAULT_CREATE_LABEL = {
     client: 'Create client',
     project: 'Create project',
     task: 'Create task',
   };
 
+  function getCreateLabel(kind) {
+    var labels = window.ttCreateLabels || {};
+    return labels[kind] || DEFAULT_CREATE_LABEL[kind] || 'Create';
+  }
+
   function getCreatePermission(select) {
     return select.getAttribute('data-can-create') === '1';
   }
@@ -308,7 +313,7 @@
           createLi.setAttribute('role', 'option');
           createLi.setAttribute('aria-selected', 'false');
           createLi.setAttribute('data-create', '1');
-          var createPrefix = CREATE_LABEL[kind] || 'Create';
+          var createPrefix = getCreateLabel(kind);
           createLi.innerHTML =
             '<i class="fas fa-plus mr-1"></i>' +
             createPrefix +
@@ -379,6 +384,14 @@
       }
     });
 
+    // Reset visible input when user types but does not commit a selection (Issue #728)
+    input.addEventListener('blur', function () {
+      setTimeout(function () {
+        input.value = selectedLabel(select);
+        closeList();
+      }, 150);
+    });
+
     document.addEventListener('click', function (e) {
       if (!wrapper.contains(e.target)) closeList();
     });
diff --git a/app/templates/base.html b/app/templates/base.html
index 15a0268c..c4c9bdcf 100644
--- a/app/templates/base.html
+++ b/app/templates/base.html
@@ -1278,6 +1278,13 @@ <h2 class="text-lg font-semibold text-text-light dark:text-text-dark">{{ _('AI H
     </script>
     
     {# Issue #728: searchable combobox + inline create (available on all authenticated pages) #}
+    <script nonce="{{ csp_nonce() }}">
+        window.ttCreateLabels = {
+            client: {{ _('Create client')|tojson }},
+            project: {{ _('Create project')|tojson }},
+            task: {{ _('Create task')|tojson }}
+        };
+    </script>
     <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='searchable-select.js') }}"></script>
     <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='inline-create.js') }}"></script>
     {% block scripts_extra %}{% endblock %}
diff --git a/app/utils/scheduled_tasks.py b/app/utils/scheduled_tasks.py
index 9ea636be..93a105b6 100644
--- a/app/utils/scheduled_tasks.py
+++ b/app/utils/scheduled_tasks.py
@@ -901,8 +901,9 @@ def check_idle_timers():
     is older than ``settings.idle_timeout_minutes``:
 
     1. First pass: set ``idle_notified_at`` and send a browser push "Still working?".
-    2. Second pass (after 5-minute grace): auto-stop the timer backdated to the
-       last heartbeat (or start time).
+    2. Second pass (after 5-minute grace): auto-stop the timer at
+       ``last_active + idle_timeout`` so a forgotten timer still records at least
+       the configured idle window (Issue #722 — not 0 minutes).
 
     Clients that keep sending heartbeats keep ``last_heartbeat_at`` fresh and
     clear ``idle_notified_at``, so they are never auto-stopped while active.
@@ -955,10 +956,14 @@ def check_idle_timers():
                     if getattr(notified_at, "tzinfo", None) is not None:
                         notified_at = notified_at.replace(tzinfo=None)
                     if (now - notified_at) >= grace:
-                        stop_at = entry.last_heartbeat_at or (now - threshold)
-                        if getattr(stop_at, "tzinfo", None) is not None:
-                            stop_at = stop_at.replace(tzinfo=None)
-                        if stop_at and stop_at > now:
+                        # Credit the configured idle window: stop at last known
+                        # activity + threshold (not last_active alone, which
+                        # recorded 0 min when heartbeats never arrived).
+                        last_active = entry.last_heartbeat_at or entry.start_time
+                        if getattr(last_active, "tzinfo", None) is not None:
+                            last_active = last_active.replace(tzinfo=None)
+                        stop_at = last_active + threshold if last_active else now
+                        if stop_at > now:
                             stop_at = now
                         # stop_timer commits; avoid double-commit issues by calling it last
                         entry_id = entry.id
diff --git a/app/utils/scope_filter.py b/app/utils/scope_filter.py
index 94a8ab60..94b2fc04 100644
--- a/app/utils/scope_filter.py
+++ b/app/utils/scope_filter.py
@@ -102,7 +102,9 @@ def get_active_projects_for_user(user, *, status="active"):
     """Return projects visible to user (respects scope)."""
     from app.models import Project
 
-    query = Project.query.filter_by(status=status).order_by(Project.name)
+    query = Project.query.filter_by(status=status).order_by(
+        Project.last_used_at.desc().nullslast(), Project.name
+    )
     scope = apply_project_scope_to_model(Project, user)
     if scope is not None:
         query = query.filter(scope)
diff --git a/browser-extension/background.js b/browser-extension/background.js
index 52712278..8b470195 100644
--- a/browser-extension/background.js
+++ b/browser-extension/background.js
@@ -197,11 +197,9 @@ async function refreshTimerStatus({ force = false } = {}) {
         status?.idle_notified || status?.timer?.idle_notified
       );
       if (idleNotified) {
-        const minutes = clampIdleTimeoutMinutes(
-          status?.idle_timeout_minutes ?? idleTimeoutMinutes
-        );
-        const stopAtMs = Date.now() - minutes * 60 * 1000;
-        await beginIdleGrace(stopAtMs);
+        // Credit the idle window (Issue #722): stop at last_active + threshold ≈ now
+        // when the server just notified, not at last_active alone (0 min).
+        await beginIdleGrace(Date.now());
       }
       // Only refresh server heartbeat while the OS reports the user as active.
       // Heartbeating during idle/locked would defeat the server-side safety net.
@@ -328,19 +326,16 @@ chrome.idle.onStateChanged.addListener(async (newState) => {
     return;
   }
 
-  const { last_timer_status, idle_timeout_minutes } = await chrome.storage.local.get([
+  const { last_timer_status } = await chrome.storage.local.get([
     'last_timer_status',
-    'idle_timeout_minutes',
   ]);
   if (!last_timer_status?.active || !last_timer_status?.timer) {
     return;
   }
 
-  const minutes = clampIdleTimeoutMinutes(idle_timeout_minutes);
-  // When chrome.idle reports idle/locked, the user has already been inactive
-  // for the configured detection interval — stop at that last-active moment.
-  const stopAtMs = Date.now() - minutes * 60 * 1000;
-  await beginIdleGrace(stopAtMs);
+  // chrome.idle already waited the detection interval; credit that window
+  // so auto-stop records idle_timeout minutes of work (Issue #722), not 0.
+  await beginIdleGrace(Date.now());
 });
 
 chrome.notifications.onButtonClicked.addListener(async (notificationId, buttonIndex) => {
@@ -348,8 +343,8 @@ chrome.notifications.onButtonClicked.addListener(async (notificationId, buttonIn
   if (buttonIndex === 0) {
     await confirmStillWorking();
   } else if (buttonIndex === 1) {
-    const { idle_grace_stop_at } = await chrome.storage.local.get('idle_grace_stop_at');
-    await stopTimerForIdle({ stopAtMs: idle_grace_stop_at });
+    // "No" stops immediately (like web stopNow), not backdated to last activity.
+    await stopTimerForIdle({ stopAtMs: Date.now() });
   }
 });
 
diff --git a/browser-extension/lib/picker.js b/browser-extension/lib/picker.js
index 32ad81dc..1ce956d9 100644
--- a/browser-extension/lib/picker.js
+++ b/browser-extension/lib/picker.js
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@
  *   canCreate?: boolean,
  *   placeholder?: string,
  *   onCreate?: (typedName: string) => void | Promise<void>,
+ *   canCreateGuard?: () => boolean,
+ *   canCreateGuardHint?: string,
  * }} options
  */
 export function enhanceSelect(select, options = {}) {
@@ -113,18 +115,27 @@ export function enhanceSelect(select, options = {}) {
     if (canCreate && q) {
       const exact = optionsList.some((o) => (o.label || '').toLowerCase() === q);
       if (!exact) {
-        const createLi = document.createElement('li');
-        createLi.className = 'tt-picker-create';
-        createLi.setAttribute('role', 'option');
-        createLi.textContent = `${createLabels[kind] || 'Create'} “${query.trim()}”`;
-        createLi.addEventListener('mousedown', (e) => {
-          e.preventDefault();
-          closeList();
-          if (typeof options.onCreate === 'function') {
-            options.onCreate(query.trim());
-          }
-        });
-        list.appendChild(createLi);
+        const guardOk =
+          typeof options.canCreateGuard !== 'function' || options.canCreateGuard();
+        if (!guardOk) {
+          const hint = document.createElement('li');
+          hint.className = 'tt-picker-hint';
+          hint.textContent = options.canCreateGuardHint || 'Not available';
+          list.appendChild(hint);
+        } else {
+          const createLi = document.createElement('li');
+          createLi.className = 'tt-picker-create';
+          createLi.setAttribute('role', 'option');
+          createLi.textContent = `${createLabels[kind] || 'Create'} “${query.trim()}”`;
+          createLi.addEventListener('mousedown', (e) => {
+            e.preventDefault();
+            closeList();
+            if (typeof options.onCreate === 'function') {
+              options.onCreate(query.trim());
+            }
+          });
+          list.appendChild(createLi);
+        }
       }
     }
 
@@ -156,6 +167,14 @@ export function enhanceSelect(select, options = {}) {
     }
   });
 
+  // Reset visible input when user types but does not commit a selection (Issue #728)
+  input.addEventListener('blur', () => {
+    setTimeout(() => {
+      input.value = selectedLabel();
+      closeList();
+    }, 150);
+  });
+
   document.addEventListener('click', (e) => {
     if (!wrapper.contains(e.target)) closeList();
   });
diff --git a/browser-extension/manifest.json b/browser-extension/manifest.json
index 398236c1..3937a1ad 100644
--- a/browser-extension/manifest.json
+++ b/browser-extension/manifest.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "manifest_version": 3,
   "name": "TimeTracker Timer",
-  "version": "5.13.0",
+  "version": "5.13.1",
   "description": "Start and stop TimeTracker timers from your browser toolbar.",
   "permissions": ["storage", "alarms", "idle", "notifications"],
   "optional_host_permissions": ["http://*/*", "https://*/*"],
diff --git a/browser-extension/package.json b/browser-extension/package.json
index a0a4313c..94d982c2 100644
--- a/browser-extension/package.json
+++ b/browser-extension/package.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "timetracker-browser-extension",
   "private": true,
-  "version": "5.13.0",
+  "version": "5.13.1",
   "description": "TimeTracker Chromium extension (Manifest V3)",
   "type": "module",
   "scripts": {
diff --git a/browser-extension/popup.css b/browser-extension/popup.css
index e3cf7b33..8a2e36f2 100644
--- a/browser-extension/popup.css
+++ b/browser-extension/popup.css
@@ -365,7 +365,8 @@ hr.sep {
 
 .tt-picker-option,
 .tt-picker-create,
-.tt-picker-empty {
+.tt-picker-empty,
+.tt-picker-hint {
   padding: 7px 10px;
   cursor: pointer;
 }
@@ -386,7 +387,8 @@ hr.sep {
   font-weight: 600;
 }
 
-.tt-picker-empty {
+.tt-picker-empty,
+.tt-picker-hint {
   color: var(--muted);
   cursor: default;
 }
diff --git a/browser-extension/popup.js b/browser-extension/popup.js
index c786906a..6a2ce9d6 100644
--- a/browser-extension/popup.js
+++ b/browser-extension/popup.js
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ const CLOSED_TASK_STATUSES = new Set(['done', 'cancelled']);
 
 /** @type {ApiClient|null} */
 let client = null;
-/** @type {Array<{id:number,name:string,client_id?:number|null,favorite?:boolean}>} */
+/** @type {Array<{id:number,name:string,client_id?:number|null,favorite?:boolean,last_used_at?:string|null}>} */
 let projects = [];
 /** @type {Array<{id:number,name:string}>} */
 let clients = [];
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ function fillProjectSelect(selectedId = null) {
   const current =
     selectedId != null
       ? String(selectedId)
-      : els.projectSelect.value || (list[0] ? String(list[0].id) : '');
+      : els.projectSelect.value || '';
 
   els.projectSelect.innerHTML = '';
   if (!list.length) {
@@ -255,9 +255,13 @@ async function loadProjects(preferredProjectId = null) {
       name: p.name,
       client_id: p.client_id ?? null,
       favorite: favIds.has(p.id),
+      last_used_at: p.last_used_at ?? null,
     }))
     .sort((a, b) => {
       if (a.favorite !== b.favorite) return a.favorite ? -1 : 1;
+      const aUsed = a.last_used_at ? Date.parse(a.last_used_at) : 0;
+      const bUsed = b.last_used_at ? Date.parse(b.last_used_at) : 0;
+      if (aUsed !== bUsed) return bUsed - aUsed;
       return a.name.localeCompare(b.name);
     });
 
@@ -328,6 +332,10 @@ async function createClientInline(name) {
 async function createProjectInline(name) {
   clearMessage();
   const clientId = els.clientSelect.value ? Number(els.clientSelect.value) : null;
+  if (!clientId) {
+    showMessage('Select a client before creating a project.');
+    return;
+  }
   try {
     const result = await client.createProject({ name, clientId });
     const created = result?.project || result;
@@ -371,6 +379,8 @@ function initPickers() {
     canCreate: true,
     placeholder: 'Type to search projects…',
     onCreate: createProjectInline,
+    canCreateGuard: () => !!els.clientSelect.value,
+    canCreateGuardHint: 'Select a client first',
   });
   taskPicker = enhanceSelect(els.taskSelect, {
     kind: 'task',
diff --git a/desktop/package.json b/desktop/package.json
index 242f5f48..85365160 100644
--- a/desktop/package.json
+++ b/desktop/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "timetracker-desktop",
-  "version": "5.13.0",
+  "version": "5.13.1",
   "description": "TimeTracker desktop app for Windows, Linux, and macOS",
   "main": "src/main/main.js",
   "scripts": {
diff --git a/migrations/versions/182_add_project_last_used_at.py b/migrations/versions/182_add_project_last_used_at.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e78bb4d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/migrations/versions/182_add_project_last_used_at.py
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+"""Add last_used_at to projects for recency-based sorting.
+
+Revision ID: 182_add_project_last_used_at
+Revises: 181_add_quote_signature
+"""
+
+import sqlalchemy as sa
+from alembic import op
+from sqlalchemy import inspect
+
+revision = "182_add_project_last_used_at"
+down_revision = "181_add_quote_signature"
+branch_labels = None
+depends_on = None
+
+
+def _has_column(inspector, table_name, column_name):
+    try:
+        return column_name in {c["name"] for c in inspector.get_columns(table_name)}
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+def _has_index(inspector, table_name, index_name):
+    try:
+        if table_name not in inspector.get_table_names():
+            return False
+        return any(idx["name"] == index_name for idx in inspector.get_indexes(table_name))
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+def upgrade():
+    bind = op.get_bind()
+    inspector = inspect(bind)
+    if "projects" not in inspector.get_table_names():
+        return
+    if not _has_column(inspector, "projects", "last_used_at"):
+        op.add_column("projects", sa.Column("last_used_at", sa.DateTime(), nullable=True))
+        inspector = inspect(bind)
+    if not _has_index(inspector, "projects", "ix_projects_last_used_at"):
+        op.create_index("ix_projects_last_used_at", "projects", ["last_used_at"])
+
+
+def downgrade():
+    bind = op.get_bind()
+    inspector = inspect(bind)
+    if "projects" not in inspector.get_table_names():
+        return
+    if _has_index(inspector, "projects", "ix_projects_last_used_at"):
+        op.drop_index("ix_projects_last_used_at", table_name="projects")
+        inspector = inspect(bind)
+    if _has_column(inspector, "projects", "last_used_at"):
+        op.drop_column("projects", "last_used_at")
diff --git a/mobile/lib/core/services/foreground_task_handler.dart b/mobile/lib/core/services/foreground_task_handler.dart
index ca88cb3e..e1ca834a 100644
--- a/mobile/lib/core/services/foreground_task_handler.dart
+++ b/mobile/lib/core/services/foreground_task_handler.dart
@@ -7,21 +7,40 @@ void timerForegroundStartCallback() {
 }
 
 /// Updates the persistent timer notification every second while the
-/// foreground service is running.
+/// foreground service is running, and periodically nudges the main isolate
+/// to poll server idle status (Issue #722).
 class TimerForegroundTaskHandler extends TaskHandler {
   static const String keyStartTimeMillis = 'timer_start_time_millis';
   static const String keyBreakSeconds = 'timer_break_seconds';
   static const String keyProjectName = 'timer_project_name';
   static const String keyTaskName = 'timer_task_name';
+  static const Duration idleNudgeInterval = Duration(seconds: 30);
+
+  DateTime? _lastIdleNudge;
 
   @override
   Future<void> onStart(DateTime timestamp, TaskStarter starter) async {
     await _updateNotification();
+    _nudgeIdleCheck(timestamp);
   }
 
   @override
   void onRepeatEvent(DateTime timestamp) {
     _updateNotification();
+    _nudgeIdleCheck(timestamp);
+  }
+
+  void _nudgeIdleCheck(DateTime timestamp) {
+    final last = _lastIdleNudge;
+    if (last != null && timestamp.difference(last) < idleNudgeInterval) {
+      return;
+    }
+    _lastIdleNudge = timestamp;
+    try {
+      FlutterForegroundTask.sendDataToMain({'type': 'idle_check'});
+    } catch (_) {
+      // Main isolate may be gone; server check_idle_timers is the safety net.
+    }
   }
 
   @override
diff --git a/mobile/lib/core/services/idle_detection_service.dart b/mobile/lib/core/services/idle_detection_service.dart
index bf951e22..2222d254 100644
--- a/mobile/lib/core/services/idle_detection_service.dart
+++ b/mobile/lib/core/services/idle_detection_service.dart
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import 'dart:async';
 
 import 'package:flutter/foundation.dart';
 import 'package:flutter/widgets.dart';
+import 'package:flutter_foreground_task/flutter_foreground_task.dart';
 import 'package:shared_preferences/shared_preferences.dart';
 import 'package:timetracker_mobile/core/services/notification_service.dart';
 import 'package:timetracker_mobile/domain/repositories/time_tracking_repository.dart';
@@ -13,6 +14,8 @@ import 'package:timetracker_mobile/domain/repositories/time_tracking_repository.
 /// [idleTimeoutMinutes] of no activity shows a "Still working?" notification
 /// with a 5-minute grace window, then auto-stops the timer.
 ///
+/// When the app is backgrounded, polls the server for ``idle_notified`` (nudged
+/// by the Android foreground task) so the local notification still fires.
 /// When the app is killed, the server-side `check_idle_timers` job is the
 /// safety net (requires heartbeats to have been flowing while the app was open).
 class IdleDetectionService with WidgetsBindingObserver {
@@ -36,6 +39,7 @@ class IdleDetectionService with WidgetsBindingObserver {
   bool _started = false;
   bool _timerActive = false;
   bool _inForeground = true;
+  bool _taskDataCallbackRegistered = false;
   DateTime? _idleStopAt;
 
   bool get isRunning => _started;
@@ -53,12 +57,14 @@ class IdleDetectionService with WidgetsBindingObserver {
         Timer.periodic(heartbeatInterval, (_) => _sendHeartbeat());
     _checkTimer = Timer.periodic(checkInterval, (_) => _tick());
     NotificationService.instance.onIdleAction = respondToIdlePrompt;
+    _registerForegroundTaskCallback();
   }
 
   void stop() {
     if (!_started) return;
     _started = false;
     WidgetsBinding.instance.removeObserver(this);
+    _unregisterForegroundTaskCallback();
     _heartbeatTimer?.cancel();
     _checkTimer?.cancel();
     _graceTimer?.cancel();
@@ -90,9 +96,8 @@ class IdleDetectionService with WidgetsBindingObserver {
       return;
     }
     if (idleNotified && !_promptShown) {
-      _idleStopAt = DateTime.now().subtract(
-        Duration(minutes: _idleTimeoutMinutes),
-      );
+      // Server already waited idle_timeout; credit that window (Issue #722).
+      _idleStopAt = _creditedStopAt(_lastActivity);
       await _showPrompt();
     }
   }
@@ -129,8 +134,7 @@ class IdleDetectionService with WidgetsBindingObserver {
       return;
     }
 
-    final stopAt = _idleStopAt ??
-        DateTime.now().subtract(Duration(minutes: _idleTimeoutMinutes));
+    final stopAt = _idleStopAt ?? _creditedStopAt(_lastActivity);
     _promptShown = false;
     _idleStopAt = null;
     try {
@@ -141,6 +145,41 @@ class IdleDetectionService with WidgetsBindingObserver {
     _timerActive = false;
   }
 
+  /// last_active + idle_timeout, capped at now (Issue #722 — not 0 min).
+  DateTime _creditedStopAt(DateTime lastActive) {
+    final credited =
+        lastActive.add(Duration(minutes: _idleTimeoutMinutes));
+    final now = DateTime.now();
+    return credited.isAfter(now) ? now : credited;
+  }
+
+  void _registerForegroundTaskCallback() {
+    if (_taskDataCallbackRegistered) return;
+    try {
+      FlutterForegroundTask.addTaskDataCallback(_onForegroundTaskData);
+      _taskDataCallbackRegistered = true;
+    } catch (e) {
+      debugPrint('IdleDetectionService FGS callback register failed: $e');
+    }
+  }
+
+  void _unregisterForegroundTaskCallback() {
+    if (!_taskDataCallbackRegistered) return;
+    try {
+      FlutterForegroundTask.removeTaskDataCallback(_onForegroundTaskData);
+    } catch (e) {
+      debugPrint('IdleDetectionService FGS callback unregister failed: $e');
+    }
+    _taskDataCallbackRegistered = false;
+  }
+
+  void _onForegroundTaskData(Object data) {
+    if (data is Map && data['type'] == 'idle_check') {
+      // Keep idle detection alive while the Android FGS is running (#722).
+      unawaited(_pollServerIdleStatus());
+    }
+  }
+
   Future<void> _sendHeartbeat() async {
     if (!_timerActive || _repository == null || _promptShown || !_inForeground) {
       return;
@@ -161,14 +200,36 @@ class IdleDetectionService with WidgetsBindingObserver {
     if (!_timerActive || _repository == null) return;
     if (_promptShown) return;
 
+    // When backgrounded, rely on server idle_notified (heartbeats stop).
+    if (!_inForeground) {
+      await _pollServerIdleStatus();
+      return;
+    }
+
     final idleFor = DateTime.now().difference(_lastActivity);
     final threshold = Duration(minutes: _idleTimeoutMinutes);
     if (idleFor >= threshold) {
-      _idleStopAt = DateTime.now().subtract(idleFor);
+      _idleStopAt = _creditedStopAt(_lastActivity);
       await _showPrompt();
     }
   }
 
+  Future<void> _pollServerIdleStatus() async {
+    if (!_timerActive || _repository == null || _promptShown) return;
+    try {
+      final status = await _repository!.getTimerStatusDetailed();
+      final timer = status.timer;
+      final active = timer != null && !timer.isPaused;
+      await updateFromTimerStatus(
+        active: active,
+        idleTimeoutMinutes: status.idleTimeoutMinutes,
+        idleNotified: status.idleNotified,
+      );
+    } catch (e) {
+      debugPrint('IdleDetectionService background poll failed: $e');
+    }
+  }
+
   Future<void> _showPrompt() async {
     if (_promptShown) return;
     _promptShown = true;
diff --git a/mobile/pubspec.yaml b/mobile/pubspec.yaml
index f871aa96..70cd0216 100644
--- a/mobile/pubspec.yaml
+++ b/mobile/pubspec.yaml
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 name: timetracker_mobile
 description: TimeTracker mobile app for Android and iOS
 publish_to: 'none'
-version: 5.13.0+1
+version: 5.13.1+1
 
 environment:
   sdk: '>=3.0.0 <4.0.0'
diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 4f706c81..6d6503e3 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 setup(
     name='timetracker',
-    version='5.13.0',
+    version='5.13.1',
     packages=find_packages(),
     include_package_data=True,
     package_data={
diff --git a/tests/test_api_v1.py b/tests/test_api_v1.py
index 6ed50786..b0546268 100644
--- a/tests/test_api_v1.py
+++ b/tests/test_api_v1.py
@@ -578,13 +578,23 @@ def test_check_idle_timers_notifies_then_stops(self, client, api_token, test_use
         assert refreshed.end_time is None
         assert refreshed.idle_notified_at is not None
 
-        # Second pass after grace: auto-stop
+        # Second pass after grace: auto-stop at last_heartbeat + idle_timeout
+        last_hb = refreshed.last_heartbeat_at
         refreshed.idle_notified_at = local_now() - timedelta(minutes=6)
         db.session.commit()
         check_idle_timers()
         stopped = db.session.get(TimeEntry, timer_id)
         assert stopped.end_time is not None
         assert stopped.idle_notified_at is None
+        expected_stop = last_hb + timedelta(minutes=30)
+        if getattr(expected_stop, "tzinfo", None) is not None:
+            expected_stop = expected_stop.replace(tzinfo=None)
+        end = stopped.end_time
+        if getattr(end, "tzinfo", None) is not None:
+            end = end.replace(tzinfo=None)
+        assert abs((end - expected_stop).total_seconds()) < 5
+        # At least ~90 min recorded (start was 2h ago, stop at hb+30m)
+        assert (stopped.duration_seconds or 0) >= 85 * 60
 
 
 class TestTasks: