Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about FreeTimer.app
Is FreeTimer.app really free?
Yes, completely free - no hidden costs, no premium tier, no "upgrade to unlock" nonsense. I built this because I was frustrated with timer apps that either cost money or were bloated with features I didn't need. The site runs on ads, but I keep them minimal. You get the full Pomodoro timer, interval timer, stopwatch, world clock - everything. No limitations.
Do I need to create an account?
Nope. Just open the page and start timing. I deliberately avoided the "sign up to save your data" pattern because it's annoying for simple tools. Your settings save automatically in your browser's local storage - they'll be there next time you visit without me ever seeing your data.
Does FreeTimer.app work offline?
Yes, once the page loads, it works without internet. FreeTimer is a Progressive Web App (PWA), so you can install it on your phone or computer and use it anywhere. On mobile, tap "Add to Home Screen" and it'll work like a native app - no app store required.
Will my timer settings be saved?
Yes, automatically. Your Pomodoro durations, interval setups, world clock cities, and preferences all save to your browser's local storage. They'll persist until you clear your browser data. I use this myself - my custom 50/10 Pomodoro setup is always there when I come back.
Can I use multiple timers at once?
Yes - open different timers in separate tabs. Each runs independently. I do this constantly when cooking: pasta timer in one tab, sauce timer in another. Or Pomodoro in one tab while tracking a meeting duration in another. The tabs even show the remaining time in their titles.
Why doesn't the alarm sound work?
This is the most common issue I hear about, and 90% of the time it's a browser security thing. Browsers block auto-playing audio until you click somewhere on the page - it's to prevent annoying websites. Just click anywhere when you first load the timer. Also check: is your volume up? Is the tab muted (speaker icon on the tab)? Read more in my article about browser timer alarms.
Is the timer accurate?
Yes, highly accurate for everyday use. I use requestAnimationFrame which syncs with your display refresh rate - it's the same tech video games use for smooth animations. You might see millisecond variations depending on your device, but for Pomodoro, cooking, workouts? More than accurate enough. The stopwatch is especially precise if you need serious timing.
What happens if I close the browser tab?
The active timer stops - that's a browser limitation I can't work around. But your settings stay saved. For countdown timers and event countdowns, the calculation is based on the target date, so reopening shows the correct time remaining. My advice: keep the tab open for active timing, or install the PWA for a more app-like experience.
Does the alarm work with my phone locked or screen off?
Honestly, it depends on your device. Most phones will play the alarm if the tab stays active in the background. But some Android phones with aggressive battery optimization will kill browser activity. I've had mixed results testing this. For reliable alarms, either keep the screen on (use the fullscreen mode) or try the PWA version which tends to behave better.
How do I install FreeTimer as an app (PWA)?
On Chrome desktop: look for the install icon in the address bar (looks like a monitor with an arrow). On iPhone Safari: tap Share → "Add to Home Screen". On Android Chrome: tap the three-dot menu → "Add to Home Screen" or "Install app". Once installed, it works offline and opens in its own window without browser chrome. I use it this way on my phone.
What keyboard shortcuts are available?
Space starts/pauses, R resets, F toggles fullscreen, L records a lap (on the stopwatch). That's 90% of what you need. I added these because I was tired of clicking during workouts when my hands were sweaty. Keyboard shortcuts work on most timers. Check out my guide on timer keyboard shortcuts for the full list.
Can I use fullscreen mode?
Yes - press F or click the fullscreen button. Fullscreen is great when you want the timer visible from across the room (presentations, workouts, classroom). The presentation timer even has a traffic light display specifically designed for speaking. Press F or Escape to exit.
Can I customize timer durations?
Everything is customizable. Pomodoro lets you adjust work time, short break, and long break durations. The interval timer has presets but also lets you build completely custom workouts. Countdown accepts any duration. I personally use 50-minute work blocks instead of 25 - the classic Pomodoro didn't work for my flow.
What is the Pomodoro Technique and how do I use it?
Pomodoro is a time management method: work 25 minutes, break 5 minutes, repeat. After 4 cycles, take a longer 15-30 minute break. The timer handles the cycle automatically - you just start and follow the prompts. I've used it for years when I need to power through tasks I've been avoiding. The forced breaks actually help. Read my complete Pomodoro guide for tips on making it work.
How many Pomodoro cycles should I do per day?
Realistically? 8-12 pomodoros (4-6 hours of actual focused work) is sustainable for most people. I rarely hit more than 8 quality ones. Don't chase numbers - 6 focused pomodoros beats 12 distracted ones every time. If you want to track your productivity over time, the Study Timer keeps daily statistics.
What's the difference between HIIT and Tabata?
Tabata is a specific HIIT protocol: exactly 20 seconds max effort, 10 seconds rest, 8 rounds (4 minutes total). It's brutal if done right. HIIT is the broader category - any high-intensity intervals with rest periods. You might do 30:30 or 40:20 ratios for longer workouts. Our Interval Timer supports both with presets and custom options. I wrote a detailed comparison of Tabata vs HIIT if you want to dive deeper.
How do I set up an interval timer for workouts?
Go to the Interval Timer and either pick a preset (Tabata, HIIT, Boxing, etc.) or build your own. Set work duration, rest duration, number of rounds, and optionally rest between sets. The timer will beep and show visual cues for each transition. I use it for jump rope intervals - 30 seconds on, 15 seconds off, 10 rounds. Check my HIIT timer settings guide for workout ideas.
Can I use the stopwatch for running intervals?
Yes, the stopwatch has a lap button perfect for track workouts. Start it, hit L (or the lap button) at each interval, and you'll see every lap time plus your running total. Great for 400m repeats or any interval training where you want to track each rep. I covered this in my article on using a stopwatch for running.
Can I run multiple kitchen timers at once?
Yes - open multiple tabs. Each timer runs independently with its own alarm. I do this every time I cook a real meal: pasta in one tab, vegetables in another, protein in a third. The tab titles show remaining time so you can see at a glance which needs attention. See my kitchen timer meal prep guide for coordinating complex meals.
Why does my food timing differ from recipes?
Because every kitchen is different. Your stove's heat output, pan thickness, food size, starting temperature, even your altitude - all affect cooking time. Our presets are guidelines, not gospel. Start with the suggested time, check early, and adjust. For meat especially, use a thermometer rather than time alone. My cooking times guide goes into more detail.
Can I use FreeTimer.app on my phone?
Yes, the site is fully responsive and works great on any screen size. For the best mobile experience, add it to your home screen as a PWA - you'll get fullscreen mode, offline support, and it'll feel like a native app. I use it this way on my iPhone for workout timers.
Which browsers are supported?
All modern browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera. I test primarily in Chrome where everything works best, especially audio. Keep your browser updated for the best experience. Internet Explorer is not supported (and shouldn't be used for anything in 2025).
Is my data private?
Yes. Your timer data never leaves your browser - it's all stored locally. I use Google Analytics to see general usage patterns (which timers are popular, how people find the site), but I don't track individual sessions or personal data. No accounts means no personal data to store. Simple.
How do I report a bug or suggest a feature?
Email me at [email protected]. I read everything. If reporting a bug, include your browser, device, and steps to reproduce - it helps me fix it faster. Feature suggestions are welcome too; many features came from user requests. The interval timer presets, for example, came from feedback about common workout formats.
Who created FreeTimer.app?
I'm Martin Šikula, a web developer from Czech Republic running a small agency called Šikulovi s.r.o. I built FreeTimer because I needed simple timer tools and everything I found was either bloated, expensive, or covered in ads. This started as a personal project and grew from there. Learn more on the About page or my Author page.