Bedtime Setup
How to Set a Sleep Timer on iPhone for Bedtime Audio
To stop audio after a set time on iPhone, open Clock, choose Timers, set a duration, then select When Timer Ends > Stop Playing. Tap Set and Start. In SleepBetter, listeners with Premium access can instead open Set timer on the player and choose a preset or custom duration. Both approaches let you plan a listening session without leaving sound running for the whole night.
At a glance
- The iPhone Clock app has a Stop Playing option; a normal timer sound will ring instead.
- SleepBetter offers 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90-minute presets plus a custom duration with Premium access.
- Use one timer at a time and check a short session while awake before relying on it overnight.
In this article
Option 1: use the iPhone Clock app
Apple documents Stop Playing as a way to end audio or video after a chosen duration. This system option is available independently of a SleepBetter subscription. The exact wording may vary with your iPhone language or iOS version.
- Start your audio, then open the Clock app on your iPhone.
- Open Timers and set the hours, minutes and seconds you want.
- Tap When Timer Ends and scroll to Stop Playing at the bottom of the list.
- Select Stop Playing, tap Set, then tap Start.
- Return to your audio app and confirm the sound is still playing. Try a short timer once while awake.
Option 2: set the timer inside SleepBetter
Open a sound such as Rain and look for Set timer below the track title. Creating or changing the in-app sleep timer requires Premium access. If the app shows an upgrade screen, you can use the Clock option above or review the access options in the app.
- Open the sound player in SleepBetter and start playback.
- Tap Set timer beside the category and Favorite controls.
- Choose 15, 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes. For another duration, choose Custom, select hours and minutes, and tap Set timer.
- Check the remaining time on the player. Reopen the timer to change it or choose Turn off timer to cancel it.
Which timer should you choose?
Choose the option that matches where you listen. There is no need to start both timers for the same session. If two countdowns are active, the earlier one may stop the sound before you expect.
| Option | Useful when | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Clock: Stop Playing | You want the system timer for audio or video. | Select Stop Playing instead of an alert sound and start the timer. |
| SleepBetter: Set timer | You want to choose the duration from the sound player. | Premium access is required to create or change a timer. |
How long should a sleep timer run?
There is no duration that guarantees you will be asleep when playback stops. Choose how long you want sound as part of your evening. A 15-minute preset can fit a brief wind-down; a longer setting leaves more listening time. Those are choices, not clinical recommendations or targets to beat.
If stopping the sound bothers you, adjust the duration on another evening or try a different texture. Avoid repeatedly restarting the timer as a way to check whether you have fallen asleep. The point is to reduce decisions after lights out.
If the timer rings or playback stops unexpectedly
If Clock rings at the end, check that When Timer Ends is set to Stop Playing rather than a ringtone. When you later need an audible cooking or task timer, choose a sound again and check the setting before starting.
If playback ends early, check both Clock and the timer inside your audio app. Also check whether the track itself ended or another device disconnected. A short test while you are awake is more useful than changing several settings in bed.
Do not assume a sleep timer guarantees that morning alarms or other important alerts will be audible. Keep the listening volume modest and check your separate alarm settings and device setup.
Make the next evening easier
Pick a sound before bedtime and save it as a favorite. Set one timer, confirm playback and put the phone on a stable surface where it will not be covered. You can use rain, waves or no-talking ASMR according to what you enjoy.
A timer controls playback duration; it does not detect sleep, measure sleep stages or treat a sleep condition. If silence feels better, you do not need background audio at all.
Common questions
Does the Clock timer keep running when the iPhone locks?
Yes. Apple states that a timer continues when you open another app or the iPhone goes to sleep. Check a short Stop Playing session with your audio setup while awake.
Do I need Premium to use a sleep timer?
Creating or changing the timer inside SleepBetter requires Premium access. The Stop Playing option in the iPhone Clock app does not require a SleepBetter subscription.
Does the SleepBetter timer know when I fall asleep?
No. It uses the duration you choose. It does not detect sleep or adjust the countdown based on sleep stages.
