How to use it
- Enter hours, minutes and seconds, or tap a preset.
- Click Start.
- Pause or stop at any time.
- When the alarm rings, click Stop alarm or Restart.
Setting the timer
Type the hours, minutes and seconds, or tap one of the presets: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 minutes or 1 hour. Click Start and the big display counts down, with a progress bar underneath. The remaining time also shows in the browser tab title, so you can see it from other tabs.
You can Pause the timer and Resume it later, or Stop to reset. When the timer reaches zero, the alarm beeps repeatedly for about 90 seconds or until you click Stop alarm. Restart runs the same timer again.
Why it rings in background tabs
Browsers slow down scripts in background tabs to save battery, which can make simple web timers late. This timer schedules its alarm in advance on the browser's audio clock, so it sounds on time even if you switch to another tab or window. It also asks for permission to show a desktop notification when time is up, which is handy if your sound is low.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Keep the tab open; closing it cancels the timer.
- Check your volume and use Test sound before you rely on it.
- On phones, locking the screen or switching apps can pause sound in the browser. Keep the screen on for important timers.
Popular timer lengths
| Timer | Common uses |
|---|---|
| 1 minute | plank, quick breaks, brushing teeth (2 × 1 min) |
| 3 minutes | soft-boiled egg, steeping black tea |
| 5 minutes | short break, meditation, tidying up |
| 10 minutes | power nap, reading break, short workout |
| 15 minutes | homework blocks, short meetings |
| 25 minutes | a Pomodoro focus session |
| 30–45 minutes | baking, study sessions, laundry |
| 1 hour | longer cooking, exam practice |
Timer, stopwatch or countdown?
- A timer counts down from a length of time you choose: "ring in 10 minutes".
- A stopwatch counts up from zero to measure how long something takes.
- A countdown to a date shows the days, hours and minutes until an event like a birthday or New Year's Eve.
- An alarm clock rings at a specific clock time.
- The Pomodoro timer alternates focus sessions and breaks automatically.
Privacy
The timer works entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, and no account is needed. The maximum length is 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Does the timer work if I switch tabs?
Yes. The alarm is scheduled in advance, so it rings on time in a background tab as long as the tab stays open.
How do I set a 5-minute timer?
Tap the "5 min" preset and click Start, or type 5 in the Minutes field.
Can I pause the timer?
Yes. Click Pause to stop the countdown and Resume to continue from the same time.
Why didn't I hear the alarm?
Check your volume, make sure the tab is still open and use Test sound. On phones, a locked screen may block sound from the browser.
What is the longest timer I can set?
23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.
Last updated: November 12, 2026