How to use 20 Minute Timer
- The timer opens at 20:00. Press Start as you lie down, head out or open your book.
- Choose the sound and press Test so you know it will wake you.
- For eye breaks, turn on "Start again when it ends": every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds.
- Press Stop sound when it rings; the tab shows the time left while you work.
Why use 20 Minute Timer
Power nap timer
Sleep experts suggest keeping a daytime nap to about 20 minutes so you wake up refreshed, not groggy.
The 20-20-20 rule
A repeating 20 minute timer reminds screen workers to look into the distance and rest their eyes.
Walks and reading
Twenty minutes is a good length for a daily walk or a chapter before bed.
Pick your alarm
Choose a bell, beep or chime for the 20 minute timer and press Test to check the volume before you start.
About this tool
Twenty minutes is the classic length of a power nap: long enough to feel rested, short enough to wake before deep sleep, which is what leaves people groggy. It is also the interval in the 20-20-20 rule that eye doctors, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, suggest for screen work: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
This 20 minute timer is ready as soon as the page opens. It counts down from a fixed end time, so it stays exact in a background tab, and with "Start again when it ends" it keeps reminding you every twenty minutes through the working day.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a power nap be?
About 10 to 20 minutes for most adults. Longer naps can reach deep sleep and leave you groggy for a while.
What is the 20-20-20 rule?
Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds, to rest the eye muscles. Turn on "Start again when it ends" to be reminded.
Can I make it 25 minutes?
Yes. Tap 25 min under Quick times, or use the focus timer for 25 minute sessions with breaks.
Can I pause the 20 minute timer?
Yes. Press Pause to stop the countdown and Start to carry on from where it stopped. Reset puts it back to 20 minutes.
Does the 20 minute timer work on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in any phone browser and press Start. Keep the page open and the sound on, and the alarm rings when the 20 minute is up, even if you switch to another app for a moment.