Do you fall asleep listening to your favorite podcast? The Apple Podcasts app on iPhone includes a handy sleep timer that automatically stops playback after a set time or when the current episode ends. No third-party app is needed—just a few taps, and you can enjoy your show without worrying about it playing all night.
In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and even a bonus Siri shortcut to make bedtime listening easier.
Requirements
Before you begin:
- An iPhone running iOS 26 or later (works on most older versions too).
- Apple’s built-in Podcasts app.
- Optional: AirPods, AirPods Pro, or any Bluetooth headphones (sleep timer works regardless of headphones).
Step-by-Step: Set a Sleep Timer in Podcasts
1. Open the Podcasts App
- Launch the Podcasts app on your iPhone.
- Play the episode you want to listen to.
2. Expand the Playback Screen
- Tap the “Now Playing” bar at the bottom of the screen to expand the full player.
3. Locate the Sleep Timer
- Look for the moon-shaped sleep timer icon in the lower-right corner of the player screen.
- If you don’t see it, swipe up on the player to reveal more controls.
4. Choose a Duration
- Tap the moon icon to open timer options.
- Pick your preferred time: 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 minutes, or “When Episode Ends.”
5. Confirm the Timer
- After you select a duration, a small note appears on the screen: “Sleep Timer: [time]”.
- Your podcast will automatically stop when the timer runs out.
How to Cancel or Change the Timer
- Tap the moon icon again.
- Select Off to cancel or pick a different time to reset the timer.
Bonus Tips
Use Siri
Just say:
“Hey Siri, set a sleep timer for 30 minutes in Podcasts.”
Use the Clock App (For Any Audio)
- Open the Clock app → go to Timer.
- Under When Timer Ends, select Stop Playing.
- This method works not only for Podcasts but also for Music, Spotify, or any other audio app.
Troubleshooting
Moon Icon Missing
- Ensure your Podcasts app is updated to the latest version.
- If still missing, restart your iPhone.
Timer Not Working
- If the podcast keeps playing after the timer ends, force-quit the Podcasts app and reopen it.
- Reconnect your AirPods or Bluetooth headphones if needed.
FAQs
1. Does the sleep timer work offline?
Yes. It works for both streamed and downloaded episodes.
2. Can I set a recurring sleep timer?
No. You’ll need to set it each time you play an episode.
3. Will the sleep timer save battery life?
Yes. Pausing audio stops battery drain overnight.
Wrap-Up
The built-in sleep timer in Podcasts on iPhone is the easiest way to stop playback automatically while you drift off to sleep.
Follow the steps above, and you’ll never have to worry about waking up to hours of auto-played episodes again.
