# Periodic Timer — Repeating Interval Reminder

> Simple repeating interval timer with background operation and customizable alerts. (iPhone/iPad app by Vladimir Kelin.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.10/5 from 166 App Store ratings · 136 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 23 MB
- Languages: Russian, Belarusian, Vietnamese, American English, Dutch, Danish, Indonesian, European Spanish, Italian, Korean and 12 more
- Released: 2014-11-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews.md

## What is Periodic Timer?

Keep track of time without being distracted by the device! 

Simple and easy timer that repeats at your chosen interval.

FEATURES
- Vibration, if 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.
- Quick Start from icon.
- 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 known 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 over 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: Alert is limited for 5 seconds!
A: Go to Settings app, then Periodic Timer > 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. In order for this mode to work, the app should be open.

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
- Background operation
- Customizable alerts (vibration/sound)
- Prevent lockscreen
- Shake to start
- Multiple timer output modes

## What do users think of Periodic Timer?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- ⏱️ Effective repeating/interval timer functionality
- 🎯 Does exactly what it's designed to do
- 🔇 Vibration-only option available
- 📱 Works in background with screen off
- ⚡ Lightweight and streamlined design
- 🏃 Useful for fitness, meditation, and work intervals
- 🔄 Reliable timer intervals when functioning properly

**Cons**

- 🔊 Sound/notification issues (unreliable or missing)
- 💰 Aggressive premium upselling in free version
- 🐛 Timer cancels when phone is shaken
- 🔋 Activates heart rate sensor, drains battery
- 📵 Doesn't work reliably with screen locked
- ⚠️ Inconsistent vibration notifications
- 🎨 Confusing interface with unclear controls
- ❌ Limited functionality in free version
- 🔧 No customization options (sounds, vibrations, settings)
- ⌚ Apple Watch version has limited functionality
- 🚫 Crashes and fails to open
- 🧹 Doesn't fully uninstall/remove from system

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Sound/notifications fail to trigger despite settings enabled
- Timer cancels when phone is shaken or moved
- Vibration doesn't work when screen is locked or off
- App crashes on launch (especially after updates)
- Watch app crashes or doesn't function
- Notifications inconsistent on Apple Watch
- Timer speed inaccurate (runs too fast)
- App won't open after deletion and reinstall
- Upgrade popup spams every second, making app unusable
- Heart rate monitor stays active, draining battery
- Vibration doesn't work on silent mode
- Watch green light stays on continuously

**Most requested features**

- Adjustable sound volume and custom alert sounds
- Customizable vibration patterns
- Settings menu for user preferences
- Ability to add notes/labels to timers
- Seconds-only timer option
- Simple countdown timer (non-repeating)
- Separate exercise and rest period intervals
- Start timer at specific time of day
- Disable sound option for silent vibration-only mode
- Prevent screen lock while timer is running
- Apple Watch vibration support
- Seconds increment option (not just minutes)
- Better Apple Watch complications and integration
- Free trial period before purchase requirement
- Disable shake-to-cancel functionality

## Recent user reviews (10 of 136)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Very Deceptive

*2026-07-16, version 4.6*

You’ve paid for the app only to find out you have to pay another $5 to access the features that you just paid $10 for. Total scam.  Buyer beware.

### 5/5 — Perfect

*2026-07-07, version 4.6*

Does exactly what it says. No nonsense, just does one thing really well. Having push notifications is a great addition.

### 3/5 — 改善して求む

*2026-06-09*

Apple Watch で周期タイマーを使用している際、周期タイマーをバックグラウンドで使えない。タイマーを起動して、一度文字盤を見て再度起動したらタイマーが終了する。非常に気に入ってるアプリなので改善求めます。

**Developer response:** こんにちは。まずはタイマーをご購入いただきありがとうございます！ご安心ください。これはApple Watchの省電力モードによるものです。手首を見ていない間はタイマーの画面は更新されませんが、バックグラウンドで動作を続け、通知をお送りします。

### 5/5 — 素晴らしい

*2026-04-17*

iPhoneデフォルトアプリのような使いやすさがある。

### 1/5 — Junk

*2026-04-13, version 4.6*

Overpriced garbage!

### 5/5 — シンプルで使いやすい

*2026-02-07*

フリー版を使っていますがシンプルで使いやすいです。有償版はプリセットの数が増える、時間単位の設定が可能などの追加機能があるようです。

### 1/5 — 사기꾼

*2026-01-28*

결재했는 앱을닫고 두번째 다시 앱을 여니 다시 3300원결재하라고 함 사기꾼이에요

**Developer response:** 고객님, 불편을 드려 죄송합니다. 결제하시면 "주기+"라는 두 번째 앱이 다운로드됩니다. 앱 보관함이나 검색을 통해 찾으실 수 있습니다. 저는 사기꾼이 아니며, 이 앱은 두 가지 버전이 있고, 결제하시면 새로운 앱이 다운로드되는 것입니다. 명확하게 설명드리지 못해 죄송합니다! 구매하신 앱을 잘 사용하시길 바랍니다!

### 5/5 — Super aber..

*2026-01-08*

Ich hab da mal eine Frage. Ist es möglich ein Timer zu stellen zum Beispiel auf 1 Minute und dann einen zweiten Timer zu stellen auf 15 Sekunden für einePause. 
So dass ich 1 Minute trainieren kann und 15 Sekunden Pause hab und so weiter. Wenn das in der pro App möglich ist, dann würde ich die kaufen.

### 5/5 — Simple effective timer

*2026-01-07, version 4.6*

Easy to use and configure

### 4/5 — works as expected

*2026-01-04, version 4.6*

so far so good after a few hours of use

## Frequently asked questions about Periodic Timer

### How do I ensure the timer works in the background?

To ensure the timer functions correctly in the background, you must allow notifications for the app. This is crucial for the app to send alerts and maintain its timing functions even when not actively displayed on your screen.

### How can I switch between timer output modes?

You can switch between the different timer output modes by simply touching the timer display located at the top of the screen. This allows you to easily select between intervals, total time, or countdown modes as needed for your activity.

### What is the 'Shake To Start' feature and how does it work?

The 'Shake To Start' feature allows you to initiate or cancel the timer by shaking your device. This is particularly useful when your hands are occupied, such as during cooking. For this feature to work, the app must be open.

### How do I set up persistent notifications for alerts?

To ensure alerts are persistent, navigate to your device's Settings app, then find Periodic Timer > Notifications > Banner Style, and select 'Persistent'. This will prevent alerts from disappearing too quickly.

### Is this app compatible with my device?

Based on the provided information, the app is designed for mobile devices and offers features like 'Prevent Lockscreen' and 'Shake To Start' which are common on smartphones and tablets. Specific OS version compatibility is not detailed but it is generally available for mobile use.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 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.

### 4.6 — 2025-09-17

- Optimised for iOS 26. 
- Fixed unlock button.

### 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.
- Fixed rare crash with zero interval.
- In Settings added link that leads to app Notification Settings.

### 4.3 — 2025-07-27

Dear users, I'm focusing on this project right now! Enjoy the new version with this fixes and improves:
- Fix bug when start button on watchOS was cut.
- Fix timer cancellation in Smart Stack on watchOS.
- Fix banners layout issues.
- Fix incorrect price locale for paid version.
- Now you'll hear timer sound even in Settings tab.
- Added more languages!

## Apps similar to Periodic Timer

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Repeat Timer: Interval Remind](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/repeat-timer-interval-remind/id481229967) | 4.5 (7,366) | Free | Utilities |
| [Timer Loops](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-loops/id1662287175) | 4.7 (3) | Free | Utilities |
| [Vibration Timer - Vibrator App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vibration-timer-vibrator-app/id6446075487) | 4.0 (11) | Free | Utilities |
| [Repeat Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/repeat-timer/id443410415) | 4.2 (530) | Free | Utilities |
| [Repeat Timer App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/repeat-timer-app/id6462226291) | 3.5 (30) | Free | Utilities |
| [Loop - Interval & Multi Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-interval-and-multi-timer/id1537384788) | 4.5 (67) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Vladimir Kelin

- [Periodic Timer +](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer-plus/id1175807581)
- [HeartBLE: Heart Rate Bluetooth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartble-heart-rate-bluetooth/id6758879454)

All apps by Vladimir Kelin: https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655

## Related topics

[recurring timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/recurring-timer)

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*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 2026-08-28.*