How to Set a Timer with HomePod & HomePod Mini

Want a set a timer with HomePod or HomePod mini? Perhaps you want a quick pomodoro timer for work or a project, or you’re cooking something, or want to get in 20 minutes of exercise, whatever the reason, setting a timer is convenient and simple with HomePod.

If you’re the kind of person who relies on Siri a lot while using your iPhone or iPad, you may have already figured out what you need to do to set a timer on the HomePod or HomePod mini. However, many users still don’t use Siri, so issuing commands to HomePod may be more foreign to them. Not to worry, if you fall into the latter camp you’ll find it’s very easy to get timers up and running in no time at all.

How to Set a Timer with HomePod

The procedure to set a timer is identical on both the HomePod and HomePod Mini models, regardless of the firmware they’re running, since you’re basically just using Siri. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Use the voice command with a similar phrase to “Hey Siri, set a timer for 30 minutes.” or “Hey Siri, set a timer for 45 seconds.”.
2. Siri will respond something like “45 seconds, starting now.” or “30 minutes, counting down.” confirming that the timer has been set.

Once the countdown ends, Siri will play the timer sound which can be stopped by saying “Hey Siri, turn off the timer.”

Alternatively, you can tap the top of your HomePod to stop the timer sound if it’s nearby.

How to Cancel a Timer with HomePod

Canceling a timer that was previously set is just as easy as creating one, thanks to Siri. Just follow these two steps.

1. If you change your mind and want to cancel your timers, you can just use the command “Hey Siri, cancel the timer.” or “Hey Siri, cancel all timers.” if you have multiple timers.
2. Siri will respond “It’s canceled.”. If you’re canceling multiple timers, Siri will ask for your confirmation, “You have two timers running, are you sure you want to cancel them?”. You simply need to reply “Yes” and you’re good to go.

There you have it.

Now, you know exactly how to set a timer or multiple timers and cancel them depending on your requirement.

It’s worth pointing out that setting a timer with your HomePod will not trigger the timer on the iPhone or iPad it’s paired with. It doesn’t even show up in the Clock app. Therefore, if you want to set a timer on your iOS/iPadOS device, you can manually start one using the built-in Clock app on iPhone or iPad.

This is just one of the basic things that HomePod is capable of doing. Likewise, you can set alarms, add and remove calendar events, find a misplaced iPhone, add reminders, add notes, and make many other personal requests using your HomePod with just your voice. Check out more HomePod tips if you’re up for it.

Not that you’re familiar with using timers with HomePod and HomePod, you are ready to use this great feature anytime the need for a timer arises. Do you have any insightful thoughts, experiences, or opinions on the matter? Let us know in the comments.