How to set a timer on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

A timer on the wrist taps you when the time is up, which you notice in a loud kitchen or a quiet meeting. The watch can run several timers at once and gives them names if you ask Siri.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the watch screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Open the Timers app

   Press the Digital Crown and tap Timers.

   Done

2. Start a quick timer

   Tap one of the durations shown. The timer starts at once. Timers you used recently are listed here too.

   Done

3. Set your own duration

   Scroll down and tap the add button. Tap hours, minutes or seconds, turn the Digital Crown to set each value, and tap Start.

   Done

4. Pause or end it

   Tap the Pause button to hold the timer and the Play button to go on. Tap the End button to stop it.

   Done

5. Run several timers with names

   Start another timer while the first is running. With Siri you can name them: Set a 12-minute pizza timer, then Set a 40-minute washing timer. The names appear in the list and in the alert.

   Done

6. Use Siri for speed

   Raise your wrist and say Set a timer for 20 minutes.

   Done

Good to know

A running timer appears at the top of the Smart Stack: how to use the Smart Stack on an Apple Watch.

With the watch on silent, the timer only taps your wrist. Check the haptic strength under Settings, Sounds & Haptics if you miss it.

For a fixed time of day, an alarm is the better tool: how to set an alarm on an Apple Watch.

More voice commands: how to use Siri on an Apple Watch.

In short: Timers app, tap a duration, or add button and Digital Crown for a custom one. Pause, Play and End. Siri for named timers.