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How to set a timer on Apple Watch: A quick guide

Have you ever burnt a cake or overcooked proteins because you lost track of time? Has the short break ever turned into a horrifically long one accidentally? Well, it is not convenient to carry your iPhone around all the time. But thanks to the intelligent and intuitive Timer app, you can easily set a timer on your Apple Watch and track time right on your wrist. Let me show you how to do it.

Use Siri to quickly set a timer on Apple Watch

  1. Long-press the Digital Crown to invoke Siri.
  2. Say, set a timer for [n] minutes.
  3. Siri will gladly oblige.
Use Siri to quickly set a timer on Apple Watch

This is the simplest way to set a timer. And not just one, Siri can help you set any number of timers you want; all you have to do is ask.

How to start a preset timer on Apple Watch

  1. Launch the Timer app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Select a preset.
    You’ll have eight circles ranging from one minute to two hours.
How to start a preset timer on Apple Watch

How to create a custom timer on Apple Watch

  1. Open the Timer app and select Custom.
  2. Select the hours, minutes or seconds option.
  3. Scroll with your finger/turn the Digital Crown to set the time.
  4. Once done, tap Start.
Create a custom timer on Apple Watch

Set multiple timers on Apple Watch

  1. From the screen of the first timer, tap the Back icon (<) at the top left.
    If you have exited that screen, open the Timer app again.
  2. Now, select a preset or custom timer.
  3. Repeat the process for more timers.
Set multiple timers on Apple Watch

Repeat a previously set timer on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch remembers the last several timers under a Recents heading. You can simply tap them to repeat the timer.

Repeat a previously set timer on Apple Watch

How to set a repeating timer on Apple Watch

It’s pretty simple, calculate and set custom timers. For instance, for a timer in every 15 mins, set 15 mins. Follow the same for others.

However, it could be a pretty time-consuming process, especially if you want to repeat timers daily for water or workout cycles or something. In that case, you can employ third-party timer apps.

What’s great, there are plenty of options in the App Store to cater to your specific goal. For instance, interval timers for circuit training, focus timers on improving productivity, and even countdown timers.

How to manage timers on Apple Watch

Pause the timer

  1. Open the Timer app.
    You’ll see the currently running timer.
  2. Tap the Pause icon to stop it temporarily.
  3. Hit Play whenever you are ready to resume.

How to set the repeating timer on Apple Watch

This can only happen when the current timer runs its course. When the timer pings, tap the Repeat icon.

Cancel the timer

In the timer app, swipe left the timer and tap the X icon.

Pause the timer on Apple Watch

Monitor the timer from your Apple Watch face

Sometimes setting a timer in the background is not enough. You might like to see the live countdown. And thanks to the Timer complication, you can keep track of ticking time anytime you lift your wrist.

Plus, you can set a timer in just one tap! To add the complication to your current watch face, long press on it. Tap Edit and swipe to the Complications section.

Monitor the timer from your Apple Watch face

Here, tap the complication you want to switch and add the Timer app into the mix. When done, press the Digital Crown twice to return to the watch face. Now, whenever you want to set a timer, tap on the complication and do so.

Tap the complication on Apple Watch

Once set, you can see the time ticking by in the complication!

FAQs related to Apple Watch timer app

Q. Why is my Apple Watch timer app not installed?

If you can’t find the Timer app on your Apple Watch, you can download it from the App Store on your watch or iPhone.

Q. How to change the Apple Watch timer sound?

Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t allow you to change the timer sound or vibration. So, you are stuck with default as of now.

Q. Does the Apple Watch have a countdown timer?

No. While the Timer app works like a countdown for hours and seconds, it doesn’t go beyond a day.

I hope this guide helped you to set timers on your Apple Watch. Losing track of time is natural; it can happen to the best of us. Thus I have made timers my best friends, and my Siri can attest to that!

What’s your hack to stay on track? Share it in the comments section below.

Read other Apple Watch-related posts:

Author

  • Arshmeet

    A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.

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