There are several ways to set a timer on your iPhone or iPad. Of course, via the Clock application, but you can also use other shortcuts. The fastest way is to ask Siri to set a timer, but you can also do it via the control panel.
Using a shortcut in the control center for iPhone or iPad, you can then set a countdown clock in no time. That’s a bit faster than opening the Clock app and searching in the app for the right place to set the timer.
Set a timer with Siri
Want to set a timer on your iPhone or iPad really fast? You can ask Siri to set it for you. Say Hey Siri, set a timer for [tijd]. If you haven’t set up hands-free Siri, you can hold down the side button or home button on your iPhone or iPad to consult the assistant. Good to know, you can also set a timer with Siri on an Apple Watch, Mac or HomePod.
Set timer via control panel
In addition to the Clock app and Siri, you can also set a countdown clock via the control panel on your iPhone or iPad. You do need to have this shortcut in the panel. You can add it via the steps below.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad with iOS 17 or earlier
- Navigate to ‘Control Panel’
- Optionally add the ‘Timer’ option via the plus button
Do you have iOS 18 or later installed? Then you can add the Timer in a different way due to the renewed control panel. Open the control panel on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus button at the top left and choose ‘Add control’ and select the Timer to add it.
Once the option is added, you can easily set the timer. Open the control panel on your iPhone or iPad and place your finger on the timer icon in the overview (do not tap). A slider will then appear, swipe up or down to adjust the time and tap ‘Start’. The countdown will start immediately.
If you tap the timer icon in the control panel, the Clock app will open immediately with the timers page. That way, you can see at a glance which countdown clocks are active.