Visual TimerSet up a visible countdown with a child: choose the time together, explain the next step and watch the circle shrink. The adult decides the routine; the timer only displays the time remaining.
Choose a color, pick how long, and press Start. When time is up, a soft chime plays and the timer says "Time’s up!".
Set up a routine together
This guide is for the parent, teacher or other adult operating the timer. Pick one task and explain the next step before starting; the timer displays time but does not decide rules or enforce a screen-time limit.
- Name the task and finish: for example, “We will put the blocks in the box; when the circle disappears, we will choose a book.”
- Choose a duration: try the 2-minute timer for one short step, or enter a time that fits your activity. These are examples, not age-based recommendations.
- Choose the display: use a color you can see clearly. Untick Show minutes and seconds if you want only the shrinking shape. Turn sound off with the speaker button if you prefer a quiet finish.
- Start and stay available: keep the page visible. Use Pause if the activity needs attention, and explain the agreed next step when the countdown ends.
Three ways to use the same controls
- Taking turns: agree on equal turns, then press Reset between turns. Reset does not automatically begin the next turn.
- Tidy-up: choose one area rather than an entire room, and keep the countdown where everyone can see it.
- Preparing to switch activities: explain what comes next before starting. Changing the time or display does not replace an adult’s guidance.
If the display or sound does not suit the activity, try the sand timer or stop using the countdown. See sound and background-tab troubleshooting for device limits.
Ideas for using it
- Morning and bedtime routines
- Screen-time limits
- Taking turns and sharing toys
- Tidy-up time
How to use the timer
- Tap a time (or type your own, like 7, 2:30 or 1h 15m) and press Start.
- Use Full screen on a supported browser to show the timer on a projector, smartboard or TV. Check the actual display before relying on it.
- When the time is up, the timer shows Time’s up! and attempts to play a chime if sound is on. Keep the device awake and test the audio first. Reset prepares another round.
Timers by length
Quick countdowns · up to 2 minutes
Short activities · 3–20 minutes
Longer sessions · 25 minutes and up
Add this timer for kids to your website
Teachers can put it on a class website or Google Sites page: paste this free, ad-free embed code into a page that allows iframes. Full screen also depends on the host page and browser allowing it. Check the preview and adjust the iframe height in your site editor if it is clipped; test the published page before an activity.
More timers
Countdowns
Frequently asked questions
How should an adult introduce the timer?
Explain one task and what will happen when the circle disappears. Try a brief practice round together, check the sound and let the child ask questions. There is no fixed age or duration that suits everyone.
Can I turn off the numbers?
Yes. Untick "Show minutes and seconds" so only the shrinking circle is shown.