Google timer

"Google timer" means two different things. One is the voice timer you start with Hey Google, set a timer. The other is the small countdown box that Google Search shows when you type "timer". This guide covers both, lists what they cannot do, and explains why a dedicated page like the one above is handy on a desktop. Also searched as google timer, hey google set a timer, google search timer, ok google timer.

Voice timers with Google Assistant

On an Android phone, a Nest speaker or a Nest Hub, say "Hey Google, set a timer for 10 minutes". The device confirms and counts down. Useful follow-ups:

"Set a timer named pasta for 9 minutes" to label it.
"Set a second timer for 3 minutes" to run two at once.
"How much time is left on my timer?"
"Pause the timer", "resume the timer", "cancel the timer".
"Stop" when it goes off.

On phones the timer lives in the Clock app. On a speaker it lives on that speaker only; a timer set in the kitchen does not ring in the bedroom. Nest Hubs show a visible countdown on screen. On newer phones Gemini has replaced Assistant for many tasks, and the same timer phrases still work.

The timer box in Google Search

Type "timer 10 minutes" or "set timer for 5 minutes" into Google on a computer and a countdown box appears above the results. It can be paused and reset, it beeps when it ends, and the search box also offers a stopwatch tab. It is handy for a one-off, but it has limits.

What the Google timers cannot do

Need	Google Search box	Assistant / Nest	This site
Fullscreen on a projector or TV	Usually no	No (Nest Hub only)	Yes, press F
Repeat for intervals	No	No	Yes, one checkbox
Presets you can bookmark or share	No fixed address	No	Yes, every length has a link
Choice of alarm sound	One beep	Device default	Beep, bell, chime or silent
Find it again later	Search again	Ask again	Bookmark the page
Hands-free start	No	Yes	No

Why a browser timer helps on desktop

At a computer, a dedicated tab beats both Google options. The remaining time shows in the tab title while you work elsewhere. Space starts and pauses, the number keys set minutes, and the timer resumes if you reload. Notify sends a desktop notification when the countdown ends, and the countdown is tied to the system clock, so a background tab stays accurate. For a kitchen speaker or a hands-free start, Google's voice timer is still the right tool; the two work well side by side.

Try it

Open the 10 minute timer for the length people most often ask Google for. The online timer page is a good bookmark for any length, and the fullscreen timer explains projector and TV use. For loops, see the repeat timer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set a timer in Google Search?

Type "set timer for 10 minutes" or just "timer" into Google. A countdown box appears at the top of the results. Click Start if it has not started already.

Can I make the Google Search timer fullscreen?

Older versions had a fullscreen button; current versions often do not. For a fullscreen countdown, open a browser timer page like this one and press F.

What can I say to Google Assistant about timers?

Set a timer for N minutes, set a timer named pizza for 12 minutes, how much time is left, pause the timer, cancel the timer. These work on phones and Nest speakers.