Why Timer+ Sounds Aren't Playing

If Timer+ is not playing sounds, start by checking Silent mode and notification permissions. Background alerts use iOS notifications, so Focus settings, alert volume, and Apple Watch notification routing can also make them silent.

1. Check the Silent/Mute Switch

• Make sure the mute switch on the side of your phone is OFF.
• iOS mutes notification sounds if this switch is ON.

2. Check Notification Settings

Go to Settings app > Notifications > Timer+ and verify:

• Allow Notifications → ON
• Time-Sensitive Notifications → ON
  • Required for instant timer alerts
• Banner Style → Persistent
  • Ensures sound plays for up to 30 seconds

3. Check Ringer / Alert Volume

iOS notifications (and ringers) also have their own volume that is separate from the volume in your apps and music.

Go to Settings app > Sounds & Haptics:

• Adjust Ringtone and Alert Volume to audible level.
• You’ll hear a test chime when you move the slider.

4. Understand iOS Sound Limits

• iOS limits notification sounds to 30 seconds.
• If you use a looped sound, it will stop after 30s.
• If Banner Style = Temporary in your Notification Settings, sound will only play for a few seconds.

→ Set Banner Style to Persistent for full duration. More Info

5. Check Focus Mode Settings

Focus modes can block Timer+ alerts.

Go to Settings app > Focus and for each Focus:

• Notifications > Time Sensitive Notifications → ON

  or

• Notifications > Allow Notifications From → Add Timer+

Without this, Timer+ sounds may not fire at all.

6. If You Have an Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is:

• On your wrist
• Unlocked
• iPhone is locked/asleep

→ Notifications (and sounds) go to your Watch, not your phone.

7. Other troubleshooting steps

Here’s an approach that has worked but isn’t fully verified.

• Go to Settings app > Sounds & Haptics.
• Change the Haptics setting to a different setting, then change it back.