# Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds — Easy Repeating Interval Alarm > Simple repeating interval timer with customizable sounds and background operation. (iPhone/iPad app by Vladimir Kelin.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer-plus-custom-sounds/id1175807581 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655) - Category: Health & Fitness, Utilities - Price: $4.99 with in-app purchases - Rating: 3.90/5 from 75 App Store ratings · 88 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 18.0 · 17 MB - Languages: American English, Belarusian, Danish, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and 12 more - Released: 2017-01-31 - Data updated: 2026-10-23 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer-plus-custom-sounds/id1175807581/reviews.md ## What is Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds? Keep track of time without being distracted by the device! Simple and easy timer that repeats at your chosen interval. FEATURES - Many sounds to select + the ability to add custom ones. - Up to 4 pinned and up to 5 recent Quick Start items. - Long intervals - up to 99 hours! - Vibration, if the sound is off. - Works in the background. - 3 timer output modes: intervals, total time, countdown. - You can cancel or pause the timer with help of a notification. - Flexibility and minimalism. - Shake To Start - can be enabled in settings. - Prevent Lockscreen - another useful setting, the screen will not lock, while the timer is running. USE CASES Here is a list of use cases based on the real feedback: Fitness and health: - Stretching - Stationary bicycle (interval training) - On a treadmill - For HIIT - Jogging - Timed medication - Boxing Cooking - While frying potatoes - Roasting steaks - Checking an oven or a grill to prevent burning Learning & science - Foreign language learning - As a lab timer - Periodic data collection - Speech training - Presentation timing Other - Mindfulness - Communication - To have a sense of time flying away :) HELP Q: Why the timer doesn't work in the background? A: You should allow notifications. Q: How to turn off the sound and turn on the vibration? A: On the device, turn the Silent Mode on. (Side Switch) Q: How can I add a custom sound? A: There are four ways. Choose one depending where is the sound file located. * If the sound on your Mac or PC: 1. Connect the device. 2. Open Finder and select the device. 3. Select Files in the menu. There you'll find 'Periodic +' folder. 4. Drug and drop the sound file there. * From Files app on iPhone: 1. Copy the required file. 2. Open Periodic + folder and paste it. * From another app on iPhone (like Mail): 1. Open the app where the file is located. 2. Find and touch Share button (it may have different name, for example Export). 3. In the appearing Share Sheet find the list of apps. If there is no Periodic +, touch More and enable it. 4. Now select Periodic + in the Share dialog and the sound will be imported. * And the most convenient "+" button! 1. Open Sounds tab. 2. Hit the "+" button in the "Folder" section and pick your file. Q: Alert is limited for 5 seconds! A: Go to Settings app, then Periodic + > Notifications > Banner Style > Persistent. Q: How to switch the Timer Output Mode? A: To switch the Output Mode touch the timer display at the top of the screen. Q: What is Shake To Start for? A: Shake To Start setting allows to start/cancel the timer by shaking the device. Thus, you don't touch the screen, what can be useful while cooking, for example. For this mode, in order to work, the app should be open. This app has a free version with limited features. If you still have questions or suggestions, you can visit the support page (https://goo.gl/forms/pggVBcaBxdW85EGE3), the Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/PeriodicTimer/) or you can email me (periodictimer.sup@gmail.com). If you like the app - please, rate it! ## Key features - Repeating interval timer - Customizable sounds and vibration - Works in the background - Long intervals up to 99 hours - Multiple timer output modes - Shake to start functionality ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: $4.99. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Donate: Bust the project! | $9.99 | one-time | | Tip a Coffee | $3.99 | one-time | | Tip a Banana | $0.99 | one-time | ## Chart rankings - #57 in Top Paid · Health & Fitness (US App Store) ## What do users think of Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds? Reviews of Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds are mixed: the Health & Fitness app is rated 3.9/5 from 75 App Store ratings. What users like most: simple and easy to use, perfect for workouts. Top complaints: nagging to write reviews, doesn't work in background. Summarized from real user reviews. **Pros** - 👍 Simple and easy to use - 👍 Perfect for workouts - 👍 No ads, no nonsense - 👍 Good app, like it - 👍 Very practical - 👍 Does what it says - 👍 Useful for focus - 👍 Simple and useful - 👍 Great for meditation - 👍 Simple mindfulness reminders - 👍 Works in background - 👍 Brilliant app - 👍 Fills clock app vacancy **Cons** - 😩 Nagging to write reviews - 😩 Doesn't work in background - 😩 Not loud enough - 😩 Vibration too short - 😩 Paid version lacks features - 😩 Volume too low - 😩 Battery drain on Apple Watch - 😩 Timer stops going off - 😩 App crashes - 😩 No interval mode - 😩 Custom alert audio not working - 😩 Paid app only adds sounds - 😩 Timer restarts automatically - 😩 External speaker volume lower - 😩 Not intuitive to change display mode - 😩 No support for older watches - 😩 Timer doesn't work for over 59 minutes on watch - 😩 Alarm not working after payment - 😩 App doesn't open - 😩 Timer restarts automatically - 😩 No settings or contact for refund - 😩 Volume barely audible - 😩 Heart rate sensor stays on - 😩 Sound uses sound effect volume - 😩 Multiple timers not possible - 😩 Useless, only stopwatch alarm **Commonly reported bugs** - Doesn't work in background - Timer doesn't work for over 59 minutes on watch - Custom alert audio not working - Alarm not working after payment - App doesn't open - Timer restarts automatically - External speaker volume lower - Battery drain on Apple Watch - Timer stops going off after a certain number of reps - App crashes - Sound uses sound effect volume on iPad - Heart rate sensor stays on when running in background - Timer restarts automatically - Volume barely audible **Most requested features** - More sound options - Ability to set alarm for a time of day - Explanation for changing display mode - Simultaneous timers - Ability to set start/end times and weekdays - Customizable notification text - Apple Watch complication - Widget support - Longer vibration duration - Lap count and current lap time display - Ability to set custom alert audio - Option to set alarm for a specific time of day - Ability to set multiple timers simultaneously - Ability to specify number of loop cycles - Option to use custom MP3 files for alerts - Control vibration duration - Synchronize with iOS clock - More diverse vibration modes - Ability to add custom notification sounds - Turn off Apple Watch function - Fix iPad sound volume control - Add more timers - Make timer not restart automatically ## Is Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds safe? Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds appears mostly safe based on user ratings. The AppsHunter Safety Score for Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds is 76 out of 100. This assessment is based on 75 user ratings, with an App Store average of 3.9 out of 5. Of 75 App Store ratings, 68.0% point to a safe experience, 9.3% suggest some concerns, and 22.7% point to a risky experience. ## Is Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds legit? Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds appears to be a legitimate app. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds is 90 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data. ## Recent user reviews (10 of 88) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer-plus-custom-sounds/id1175807581/reviews.md ### 5/5 — excellent app wish it didn’t nag me to write a review *2026-10-20* Undoubtedly the perfect time timer app for my needs, but it is very annoying to be nagged to write a review **Developer response:** Hi, thanks! I need reviews :) ### 5/5 — iwatch上无法安装了，找不到app。用了很多年了 *2026-10-19* iwatch上无法安装了，找不到app。用了很多年了，现在装不到表上了。不知道是不是表太老，不支持了。iwatch5 **Developer response:** 感谢您多年的支持与使用！ 由于目前新版本的“周期计时器+”要求最低系统为 watchOS 11，而 Apple Watch Series 5 最高仅支持到 watchOS 10，因此暂时无法在您的手表上继续安装使用，对此我们深表遗憾。 非常感谢您一路以来的陪伴，非常期待未来您更换新设备后，能够重新见到您的回归！ ### 5/5 — Simple, Reliable and exactly what I was looking for *2026-10-04* I wanted a timer that just repeats at a set interval without fuss, and this is it. Set the interval, hit start and get on with your day. It runs reliably in the background, and the Apple Watch app means I get a discreet tap on the wrist instead of reaching for my phone. Custom sounds, quick start presets and vibration in silent mode are thoughtful touches. It's also refreshing that it collects no data at all. Clearly maintained by a developer who listens to feedback. Well worth it. ### 5/5 — excellent app wish it didn’t nag me to write a review *2026-08-30, version 4.7* Undoubtedly the perfect time timer app for my needs, but it is very annoying to be nagged to write a review ### 2/5 — iPad mini6だと *2026-08-29* iPad mini6だと音量を最大にしても音が小さくて聞こえません。ぜひ改善をお願いします。それ以外はシンプルでとても良いです。 ### 5/5 — Just what you need *2026-08-21* I love this app for its simplicity. Could use a couple more sound options though! **Developer response:** Thank you for supporting the app with a kind review! Regarding sounds, maybe you have ideas, which ones would you like to have? Regarding volume, pitch, duration; or maybe some specific ones? Please, send your recommendations to periodictimer.sup@gmail.com ### 5/5 — Perfect workout timer *2026-07-27* Perfect timer for workouts- keeps your music going and your screen locked while your headphones continue to play **Developer response:** Thank you! ### 5/5 — Just what I wanted *2026-02-11* No ads, no nonsense, the pro version is worth the small cost, too. Thank you! ### 5/5 — Just what you need *2026-02-05* I love this app for its simplicity. Could use a couple more sound options though! ### 1/5 — Удалила приложение *2026-01-25* Я такой сама напишу за 15 мин, а они деньги берут. Ужасный таймер, не работает в фоновом режиме. Невозможно поставить серии или сеты… **Developer response:** Да, берем, и вы напишите и берите, Товарищ Слепченко! А если вам нужен по-настоящему народный, бесплатный таймер, но при этом вполне рабочий - посмотрете на Повторный Таймер (без плюса в конце). Это полностью аналогичное бесплатное приложение, только без роскоши: нет кастомных звуков. Да здравствует Эпл! ## Frequently asked questions about Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds ### How does the timer work in the background? To ensure the timer functions correctly in the background, you must allow notifications for the app. This enables the app to continue its timing operations even when it's not actively displayed on your screen. ### How can I add custom sounds to the timer? You can add custom sounds through several methods. Files can be dragged and dropped onto the device via a computer connection, pasted into the app's folder from the Files app, shared from other applications, or selected directly using the '+' button within the app's Sounds tab. ### What are the different timer output modes? The app offers three distinct timer output modes: intervals, total time, and countdown. You can switch between these modes by tapping the timer display located at the top of the screen. ### What is the 'Shake To Start' feature? The 'Shake To Start' setting allows you to initiate or cancel the timer by simply shaking your device. This feature is useful when you cannot interact with the screen directly, such as during cooking, but requires the app to be open. ### How do I prevent the screen from locking while the timer is running? The 'Prevent Lockscreen' setting is a useful option that keeps your device's screen active while the timer is in operation. This ensures you can always see the timer without the screen turning off. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.8 — 2026-10-17 - watchOS: Fixed an issue that could cause the timer to stop running in the background without scheduling notifications. - iOS: Updated to the latest APIs. ### 4.7 — 2026-08-11 watchOS: - Fixed a bug where the timer was invalidated by tapping the icon at the top of the screen or the Smart Stack activity. Now it's only invalidated when you tap the "Stop" button on Smart Stack, as intended. - Fixed an incorrect value displayed in notifications. - Fixed cropped buttons on Apple Watch Ultra 3. iOS: - New: Haptics on start/stop/pause in silent mode. - Refreshed Settings interface. ### 4.5 — 2025-09-16 - Optimised for iOS 26. - Launch Screen improved. - Minor fixes. ### 4.4 — 2025-08-27 - Changed gesture used to switch Timer Output Mode: now it's swipe instead of a tap. - REMOVED DAYS from the interval picker. Instead we have 99 hours! - Fixed rare crash with zero interval. - In Settings added link that leads to app Notification Settings. ### 4.3 — 2025-07-27 Many of my dear users looked for help, since they didn't know how to add a custom sound. Now, I believe, their problem is solved once and forever - I added "+" button to Sounds tab, making this process much more obvious and straightforward. Also, other ways of file import was tested and fixed. Other fixes and improves include: - Fix bug when start button on watchOS was cut. - Fix timer cancellation in Smart Stack on watchOS. - Fix banners layout issues. - Now you'll hear timer sound even in Settings tab. - Fix bug when sound in iOS notification wasn't playing. - Added more languages! ## Apps similar to Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Tap Timer: Activity for Watch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tap-timer-activity-for-watch/id6743085630) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Simple Stretch Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-stretch-timer/id1594685221) | 4.9 (23) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Interval Timer: BeepWatch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-beepwatch/id1048461382) | 4.8 (164) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Next Up - Interval Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/next-up-interval-timer/id1376927836) | 4.7 (2,833) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Intervals Pro: HIIT Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/intervals-pro-hiit-timer/id957586938) | 4.8 (13,699) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Seconds Interval Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seconds-interval-timer/id475816966) | 4.7 (23,767) | Free | Health & Fitness | ## More apps by Vladimir Kelin - [Periodic Timer - Simple Repeat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer-simple-repeat/id933241656) - [HeartBLE: Heart Rate Monitor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartble-heart-rate-monitor/id6758879454) - [Photo Duplicates Store Cleaner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-duplicates-store-cleaner/id6759050473) All apps by Vladimir Kelin: https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-10-23.*