How to use the 20 minute timer
- The timer is already set to twenty minutes. Press Start or the space bar.
- Pause and resume with the same button, or tap +1 min if you need longer.
- When time is up, the alarm sounds, the screen flashes and phones vibrate. Pick the alarm sound below the timer.
- Use ⛶ for full screen so everyone in the room can see it.
What a twenty minutes timer is good for
Twenty minutes is the upper limit usually recommended for a power nap before deep sleep sets in. It is a popular workout length, a good reading block, and the time many vegetables need to roast. The 20-20-20 rule for eye strain says every 20 minutes of screen work, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds; this timer makes a handy reminder.
The countdown is measured against the clock, so it stays accurate in a background tab, and the remaining time shows in the tab title. Need a different length? Tap one of the quick times or type your own. Everything runs in your browser with no app or sign-up.
FAQ
What is the 20-20-20 rule?
Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something about 20 feet (6 m) away for 20 seconds.
Will the alarm go off if my phone screen locks?
Keep the screen on for the alarm to sound reliably; many phones pause web pages when locked. The timer tries to keep the screen awake while it runs.
Can I pause the timer?
Yes. Press Pause and then Resume. Reset starts it again from twenty minutes.