Countdown Timer support

Countdown Timer opens in its own browser tab, not in a small popup. If the timer tab is already open, clicking the icon switches to that tab instead of opening a second one, even when it sits in another Chrome window.

If nothing happens at all, check that the extension is switched on at chrome://extensions.

Photos come from Pexels, so they need an internet connection and a working Pexels service. When Pexels cannot be reached (you are offline, Pexels is down or too busy), the timer opens on a plain dark background and the Photos tab shows an error.

The timer itself works without photos. Open Settings, go to Background and pick one of the built-in styles under Animated: they need no internet. You can try Photos again later.

In Background, under Custom, paste a direct link to the image file itself, not to a web page that shows the image. The background only changes once the image has loaded. If the link is wrong or the website does not allow the image to be loaded elsewhere, nothing changes. Try opening the link in a new tab: you should see only the picture.

The chime plays from the timer tab, so the tab has to be open when the countdown ends. The timer keeps counting when the tab is closed, but it cannot play a sound then.

Also check that the tab is not muted (right-click the tab) and that your computer’s volume is up.

In this version the settings in the Audio and Display tabs do not take effect yet. The timer always uses the chime and the “Time’s Up!” message. We are working on it.

Yes. The end time is saved, so the countdown keeps going when you close the tab or restart Chrome. Click the toolbar icon to open it again and it is still on time. A paused timer stays paused.

No. Countdown Timer shows one countdown at a time. Setting a new time replaces the current one.

Yes. Open Settings and, on the Time tab, click Edit presets next to Quick presets. Change a preset and click Save, or click Default to go back to the original.

Nothing goes to us: there is no server, no analytics and no install ping. Your timer and settings stay in Chrome’s own storage, and Chrome syncs them between your devices if Chrome sync is on. The only outside service is Pexels: photo requests, including the words you search for, go to the Pexels API. The privacy policy has the details.

Right-click the Countdown Timer icon in Chrome’s toolbar (or in the puzzle piece menu) and choose Remove from Chrome. You can also remove it at chrome://extensions. Removing it deletes your countdown, presets and settings.