- Set a sleep timer that works with any audio app
- Automatically stop music or podcasts after a set time
- Use a hidden Clock app option – no extra apps needed
If you like falling asleep to music, podcasts, or ambient sounds, leaving audio playing all night isn’t ideal. It can drain your battery, interrupt your sleep, or leave you waking up hours later to something you didn’t plan to hear.
Fortunately, iOS includes a simple, built-in sleep timer that works with audio from any app. It’s tucked away inside the Clock app, but once you know where to look, it only takes a few seconds to set up.
Open the Clock app and head to the Timer section. Choose the amount of time you want to elapse before your chosen audio is shut off.
Tap When Timer Ends and scroll all the way to the bottom of the alarm sounds. Here, you’ll find a well-hidden but extremely useful button: Stop Playing. Choose it and tap Set.
Hit the Start button to commence your countdown. Any audio playing from other apps will automatically stop when the timer reaches zero.
You’re now free to open the audio app of your choice and play whatever you like. Whether it’s music, a podcast, or ambient soundscapes, that Stop Playing trigger will work.
All set! Close your eyes, relax, and get on the train to slumber town. The sleep timer will ensure that the audio stops playing at the designated time, allowing you to sleep undisturbed. Just don’t forget to change the timer back to a regular alarm tone next time – otherwise, you won’t hear anything when it goes off!