Getting started
How to Use a Meditation Timer
By Stillness Timer ·
A meditation timer gives your practice a clear beginning and end. Instead of watching the clock, you can choose a duration, start the countdown, and let a bell mark the end. Here is how to set up your first session with Stillness Timer.
Choose a length that fits your day
Use the duration slider to select between 1 and 60 minutes, or choose one of the quick buttons. Start with a length that feels manageable. A short session is a useful way to learn the controls without making a large time commitment. You can choose a different duration for your next session.
Give yourself a moment to settle
Open More Settings to add a preparation delay of 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds. This countdown happens before the meditation session begins. Use it to put your device down, adjust your seat, and find a comfortable position. Choose None if you would rather begin immediately.
Preview your bell before starting
Stillness Timer offers three synthesized bells. Use the preview button beside each bell to hear it, then choose your preferred sound and adjust the volume. Your device volume matters too. If you cannot hear the preview, check whether your device is muted and keep the page open.
Start, pause, and finish
Press Start when you are ready. The bell marks the beginning of the session after any preparation delay. You can pause the countdown if you need a break, then resume or reset it. At the end, the timer shows Session Complete. Preferences are saved in this browser, but a running session is not restored after a page reload.
Keep sound limitations in mind
The countdown uses a target end time, so it can recalculate the remaining time when the browser runs again. A sleeping device or a restricted background tab can delay sounds. For reliable bells, keep the page open and your device awake. The timer is a tool for personal practice, rather than an alarm for time-critical tasks.
Try your next session
Choose a duration and preview a bell before you begin.
Open the meditation timer