Help & FAQ

How do I create a countdown timer?

Creating a timer is simple:

1. Choose a preset duration (5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes) for quick start
2. Or set a custom duration using the hours, minutes, and seconds inputs
3. Click "Select Custom Timer" or use a preset button
4. Your timer is ready! A shareable link is automatically generated

How do I share my timer with others?

Sharing is automatic and easy:

• When you create a timer, a unique sharing link is generated instantly
• Copy the link from the sharing section
• Send it via email, chat, or any messaging platform
• Anyone with the link can view your timer in real-time

What happens when my timer reaches zero?

When your timer completes:

• The display changes to show "Time's Up!" in red
• A notification sound plays (if browser allows)
• Browser notification appears (if permissions granted)
• All viewers see the completion status immediately

Can I use this without creating an account?

Yes! online-countdown.app is completely anonymous. No registration, login, or personal information required. Just visit the site and start creating timers immediately.

How do I pause and resume my timer?

Click the "Pause" button to stop the countdown. The timer will show "Paused" status. Click "Start" to resume from where you left off. All viewers will see the pause/resume actions in real-time.

How do I reset my timer?

Click the "Reset" button to return the timer to its original duration. This doesn't start the timer automatically - you'll need to click "Start" to begin the countdown again.

What's the maximum timer duration?

The maximum timer duration is 3 hours (180 minutes) for anonymous users. This limit helps ensure optimal performance and prevents abuse of the service.

Can I change the timer duration while it's running?

Currently, you cannot modify the duration of a running timer. You can pause, reset to original duration, or stop the timer. To use a different duration, create a new timer.

How do shared timers work?

When you create a timer, you become the "host" with full control. Viewers who access your shared link can see the timer in real-time but cannot control it. All updates (start, pause, reset) are synchronized instantly across all viewers.

Can multiple people control the same timer?

No, only the timer host (creator) can control the timer. This prevents conflicts and ensures clear responsibility. Viewers can see all timer updates in real-time but cannot start, pause, or reset the timer.

How many people can view my timer at once?

There's no practical limit to the number of viewers. The system is designed to handle many simultaneous viewers efficiently. You'll see a viewer count displayed on your timer.

How long do shared timer links last?

Timer links and data are automatically cleaned up after 48 hours of inactivity. This helps maintain system performance and protects privacy by not storing data indefinitely.

Why isn't my timer syncing properly?

If your timer isn't syncing:

• Check your internet connection
• Refresh the page to reconnect
• Ensure you're using a supported browser
• Check if the timer link is still valid (not expired)

What browsers are supported?

online-countdown.app works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser for the best experience.

Does this work on mobile devices?

Yes! The platform is fully responsive and works great on smartphones and tablets. The interface adapts to smaller screens while maintaining all functionality.

What if I lose my timer link?

Unfortunately, if you lose your timer link, there's no way to recover it since we don't store user accounts. We recommend bookmarking important timer links or saving them in a note-taking app.

Will you add user accounts?

Yes! User accounts are planned for the future, which will enable features like timer history, saved templates, and extended duration limits. The anonymous option will always remain available.

What premium features are planned?

Planned premium features include:

• Custom timer templates and presets
• Timer history and analytics
• Advanced sharing controls
• Extended duration limits (beyond 3 hours)
• Custom notifications and alerts

Will there be mobile apps?

Native mobile apps for iOS and Android are in development. These will offer enhanced notifications, offline functionality, and deeper integration with device features.