nTimers User Guide
Welcome to nTimers! This comprehensive guide will help you master managing multiple timers for any situation.
Getting Started
Accessing the App
Simply visit ntimers.org/pwa/ in any modern browser. The app works immediately—no sign-up, no download, no hassle!
Installing as a PWA
For quick access, install nTimers on your device:
- Android Chrome: Tap menu (⋮) → "Install app" or "Add to Home screen"
- iOS Safari: Tap share button () → "Add to Home Screen"
- Desktop Chrome/Edge: Look for install icon in address bar or browser menu
Granting Permissions
For the best experience, grant these permissions when prompted:
- Notifications: Get alerted when timers expire (even with screen locked)
- Microphone: Use voice commands to add timers hands-free
Basic Usage
Adding Your First Timer
- Click the + Add Timer button
- Enter a name (e.g., "Pasta", "Emma", "Break Time")
- Select or enter duration in minutes
- Click Add
The timer starts immediately and begins counting down!
Managing Timers
- Pause: Click the pause icon () to stop countdown
- Resume: Click play icon () to continue
- Delete: Click trash icon () to remove timer
Understanding Visual Indicators
- Blue/Green Progress Bar: Normal operation (plenty of time left)
- Orange Progress Bar: Warning! Less than 1 minute remaining
- Red Background: Time's up! Shows how much time has passed since expiration
Customizing Duration Options
- Click the Settings icon () in the top bar
- Modify the three preset duration options
- Set your preferred default duration
- Click Save
Advanced Features
Voice Commands
Add timers hands-free using voice commands! Simply say:
"Pasta 12 minutes"- Creates a timer named "Pasta" for 12 minutes"Workout 30 minutes"- Creates 30-minute workout timer"Emma 10 minutes"- Creates timer for Emma, 10 minutes
Note: Voice recognition requires microphone permission and internet connection.
Notifications
When a timer expires, you'll receive:
- Push notification (works even with screen locked on Android)
- Sound alert
- Vibration (on supported devices)
- Visual alert with red background
Offline Mode
After your first visit, nTimers works completely offline! Your timers will continue running even without internet. All data is stored locally on your device.
Use Cases & Examples
Cooking Multiple Dishes
Scenario: You're preparing a three-course meal.
Solution: Create timers for each dish:
- "Pasta" - 12 minutes
- "Chicken in oven" - 45 minutes
- "Sauce" - 20 minutes
- "Vegetables sautéing" - 8 minutes
Benefit: Everything finishes at the right time, no burnt food!
Workout & Interval Training
Scenario: HIIT workout with multiple intervals.
Solution: Set timers for each exercise:
- "Burpees" - 30 seconds
- "Rest" - 15 seconds
- "Jumping jacks" - 30 seconds
- "Total workout" - 20 minutes (overall timer)
Benefit: Stay on track with interval timing without constant clock-watching.
Pomodoro Productivity Technique
Scenario: Managing focused work sessions.
Solution: Create work and break timers:
- "Work Session 1" - 25 minutes
- "Short Break" - 5 minutes
- "Work Session 2" - 25 minutes
- "Long Break" - 15 minutes
Benefit: Maintain productivity with structured work/break intervals.
Kids' Screen Time Management
Scenario: Managing screen time for multiple children.
Solution: Set individual timers:
- "Emma - iPad time" - 30 minutes
- "Alex - Video games" - 45 minutes
- "Mia - TV show" - 20 minutes
Benefit: Fair and clear time limits for everyone. Visual alerts they can see from across the room!
🏢 Inflatable Rental Business
Scenario: Managing rental time slots for customers.
Solution: Track each rental:
- "Johnson Party - Bounce House" - 2 hours
- "Smith Event - Slide" - 3 hours
- "Garcia Rental - Combo Unit" - 4 hours
Benefit: Never lose track of rental times. Know exactly when to prepare for pickup.
Classroom & Teaching
Scenario: Managing classroom activities and transitions.
Solution: Set timers for activities:
- "Group Work - Team A" - 15 minutes
- "Quiz Time" - 20 minutes
- "Presentation Prep" - 10 minutes
- "Class Ends" - 45 minutes (end of period)
Benefit: Keep class on schedule with visible time management.
Tips & Tricks
Naming Conventions
Use clear, descriptive names that are easy to read from a distance:
- Good: "Pasta Boiling", "Client Call", "Laundry"
- Avoid: "T1", "Thing", "Stuff"
Stacking Timers
You can create multiple timers for sequential tasks. When one expires, it serves as a reminder to start the next!
Using Pause Strategically
Phone call during cooking? Pause your timers and resume when you're back. The app remembers everything!
Battery Optimization
The Wake Lock feature keeps your screen on, but uses more battery. If conserving battery is important:
- Rely on notifications instead of watching timers
- Let screen sleep naturally
- The app will still alert you when timers expire!
Troubleshooting
Notifications Not Working?
- Ensure notification permission is granted in browser settings
- Check your device's Do Not Disturb mode isn't blocking them
- On iOS, notifications work best when app is added to home screen
Voice Commands Not Responding?
- Grant microphone permission when prompted
- Ensure you have an internet connection (required for voice recognition)
- Speak clearly: "[Name] [Number] minutes"
Timers Not Persisting?
- Don't use incognito/private browsing mode
- Ensure cookies and local storage are enabled
- Check browser storage isn't being automatically cleared