How to Set a Silent Timer on iPhone That Vibrates Only (No Sound)
Have you ever needed a timer that doesn't make any noise? Maybe you're in a meeting, a library, a classroom, or next to a sleeping baby. The built-in iPhone Clock timer always plays a sound — there's no way to set it to vibrate-only without putting your entire phone on silent mode.
This is a surprisingly common frustration. Let's look at how to solve it.
The Problem with iPhone's Built-in Timer
Apple's default Clock app gives you exactly two options when a timer ends:
- Play a ringtone — even if you've selected the quietest option, it still makes noise
- "Stop Playing" — designed to stop music playback, not to give a silent alert
There's no "vibrate only" or "silent notification" option. If you want a completely silent timer, you'd have to:
- Turn on Do Not Disturb (but you'll miss important calls)
- Put your phone on silent (affects all notifications)
- Use the "Stop Playing" option (but then you get no alert at all)
None of these are ideal. You just want a single timer to be quiet while everything else stays normal.
The Solution: GumTimer's Silent Ringing Mode
GumTimer solves this with a dedicated Silent Ringing mode for each individual timer. Here's what makes it different:
🔇 Per-Timer Silent Mode
Unlike setting your entire phone to silent, GumTimer lets you configure each timer independently:
- Timer A (cooking): Normal alarm sound ✅
- Timer B (meeting reminder): Silent vibration only ✅
- Timer C (Pomodoro break): Custom sound ✅
Each timer has its own ringing mode. No need to change your phone's global settings.
How to Set It Up
- Open GumTimer
- Create a new timer or edit an existing one
- Tap Ringing Mode
- Select Silent (vibration only)
- Start your timer — it will vibrate when done, no sound at all
That's it. Takes about 5 seconds.
Real-World Use Cases
📚 Studying in a Library
Set a 25-minute Pomodoro timer in silent mode. When it's time for a break, your phone vibrates gently — no one around you is disturbed.
🏢 During a Meeting
Need to remind yourself to wrap up a presentation in 15 minutes? A silent timer vibrates in your pocket without interrupting the room.
🍼 Baby Is Sleeping
Timing a feeding schedule or nap duration? Silent mode lets you track time without risking waking the baby.
🧘 Yoga or Meditation
End your meditation session with a gentle vibration instead of a jarring alarm sound that breaks your focus.
🎤 Public Speaking
Set a silent timer to keep your talk on track. A discreet vibration lets you know when to wrap up — your audience won't notice.
Why Not Just Use Do Not Disturb?
Do Not Disturb silences everything — calls, texts, app notifications. It's a heavy-handed solution when all you need is one quiet timer. With GumTimer's silent mode:
- Your phone calls still ring normally
- Your message notifications still appear
- Only the specific timer you chose stays silent
It's precision control versus a blunt instrument.
Download GumTimer
GumTimer's silent ringing mode is available for free on the App Store. If you've ever been frustrated by the lack of a vibrate-only timer on iPhone, give it a try.
Download GumTimer on the App Store →
