Timer+ uses the iOS notification system to deliver alerts and play sounds when the app is in the background. If your alerts are silent when you're outside of Timer+, here’s how to fix it:
1. Check the Silent/Mute Switch
Make sure the mute switch on the side of your phone is OFF
iOS mutes notification sounds if this switch is ON
2. Check Notification Settings
Go to Settings app > Notifications > Timer+ and verify:
Allow Notifications → ON
Time-Sensitive Notifications → ON
→ Required for instant timer alerts
Banner Style → Persistent
→ Ensures sound plays for up to 30 seconds
3. Check Ringer / Alert Volume
iOS notifications (and ringers) also have their own volume that is separate from the volume in your apps and music.
Go to Settings app > Sounds & Haptics:
Adjust Ringtone and Alert Volume to audible level
You’ll hear a test chime when you move the slider
4. Understand iOS Sound Limits
iOS limits notification sounds to 30 seconds
If you use a looped sound, it will stop after 30s
If Banner Style = Temporary in your Notification Settings, sound will only play for a few seconds.
→ Set Banner Style to Persistent for full duration
5. Check Focus Mode Settings
Focus modes can block Timer+ alerts.
Go to Settings app > Focus and for each Focus:
Notifications > Time Sensitive Notifications → ON
or
Notifications > Allow Notifications From → Add Timer+
Without this, Timer+ sounds may not fire at all.
6. If You Have an Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch is:
On your wrist
Unlocked
iPhone is locked/asleep
→ Notifications (and sounds) go to your Watch, not your phone.
7. Other troubleshooting steps
Here's an approach that have worked but aren't fully verified.
Go to Settings app > Sounds & Haptics
Change the Haptics setting to a different setting, then change it back.