Spotify Sleep Timer: How To Set Up on iPhone and Android?

• 16 February 2024

A sleep timer is a feature that allows you to set a time limit for how long a device will stay on before it automatically turns off.  

In the case of the Spotify app, the sleep timer allows you to set your music to stop playing after a specific period of time and get the rest you need without worrying about draining your phone battery.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to set up the sleep timer on both iPhone and Android devices.

Here are the steps to set the Spotify sleep timer:

  1. Open the Spotify app.
  2. Choose an album or playlist to listen to.
  3. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  4. Select “Sleep Timer” from the menu.
  5. Choose the amount of time you want the music to play before the app shuts off.

How to Use the Spotify Sleep Timer on iPhone and Android

Spotify sleep timer is available in the mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. If you want to use the sleep timer, you’ll need to open the Spotify app on your mobile device.

Here’s how to set the sleep timer on your iPhone and Android devices.

  1. Open the Spotify app and choose a song from playlist or albums you want to listen to.
  1. Select Play and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  1. In the menu that pops up, tap Sleep Timer.
  1. Choose the length of time you want your music to play before the app turns off.
  1. The sleep timer will now be activated.  
How to Use the Spotify Sleep Timer on iPhone and Android

Your music will play for the amount of time you selected and then the app will shut off.  You can always change the sleep timer by following the same steps.

How to Turn Off the Spotify Sleep Timer

After you’ve turned on the Spotify sleep timer, you might want to turn it off completely. 

If you want to change the sleep timer’s settings or turn it off while the music or podcast is playing, simply follow the same steps you used to turn it on. 

  1. Tap the three dots icon in the upper-right corner when a song is playing.
  1. The sleep timer will display how much time is left. 
  1. Tap Sleep Timer.
  1. Scroll down and tap Turn off timer to keep the music going.
How to Turn Off the Spotify Sleep Timer

How to Adjust the Volume of the Spotify Sleep Timer 

Being able to automatically lower the volume slowly when the Spoify sleep timer is active is not yet a supported feature, there is currently no way of doing this in-app. That said, there are other sleep timer third-party apps that support the feature.

Spotify Sleep Timer Alternatives

Spotify Sleep Timer Alternative for Android

A good alternative for android device is Sleep Timer for Spotify Music which is free and emulates all of Spotify’s sleep timer feature with even more customizability.

Spotify Sleep Timer Alternative for iPhone

For iPhone devices, Sleep Timer: Stop Music Player is a good alternative; the free version ships with in-app ads and certain limitations with the option for a yearly paid subscription.

Sleep Playlist Recommendations

For many people, listening to calming, soothing music can help them fall asleep better. Creating a custom playlist of these songs on Spotify can be a great way to test out the timer.  Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Sound Waves

Playlist name: Sleep Inducing Sound Waves

Reports found that listening to music with a slow tempo and a soothing, repetitive rhythm can lead to slower brain waves.  

This kind of music has a relaxing effect and can help you to disconnect from your day and settle into a peaceful state.  

The combination of this gentle instrumental music and repetitive rhythms make this playlist ideal for unwinding and falling asleep.

  1. Jazz

Playlist name: Jazz for Sleep

Smooth jazz can not only help you relax, it can also promote a more restful night’s sleep.  

Research has shown that listening to this type of music can activate your alpha and delta brain waves.  Alpha brain waves have been linked to a state of relaxation, while delta brain waves have been associated with deep sleep. 

This can be especially helpful for those who have trouble falling asleep.

  1. Rain

Playlist name: Soft and Quiet Rain

Listening to the sound of rain can have a calming effect on the mind.  

The steady, predictable pattern of raindrops falling creates a type of white noise, which has been shown to reduce brain activity.  

It could lead to a feeling of relaxation and act as a buffer against other noises that may distract you from falling asleep, making them a perfect choice for anyone who struggles with restlessness or insomnia.

  1. Binaural

Playlist name: Binaural Beats

Binaural beats require the use of headphones in order to work.  

This is because each ear must receive a different frequency tone in order for your brain to perceive the binaural beat. 

When the headphones are used, the tones are directed into each ear at the same time, and the brain can process them correctly.  Without headphones, the tones will just mix into one another, and the effect will be lost.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Does Spotify have a sleep timer? Yes, Spotify offers a sleep timer feature that allows you to set a time limit for how long your music plays before it automatically turns off.
  2. How to set a sleep timer on Spotify?
    • Open the Spotify app.
    • Choose an album or playlist to listen to.
    • Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
    • Select “Sleep Timer” from the menu.
    • Choose the desired duration for the music to play before the app shuts off.
  3. What is the sleep timer on Spotify? The sleep timer on Spotify is a feature that enables users to set a specific duration for their music to play before the app automatically stops playing.
  4. Is there a Spotify sleep timer for Android? Yes, the Spotify sleep timer feature is available for Android devices. Users can access it through the Spotify app on their Android devices.
  5. Is there a Spotify sleep timer for iPhone? Yes, the Spotify sleep timer feature is available for iPhone and iPad users. It can be accessed through the Spotify app on iOS devices.
  6. Can you set a sleep timer on Spotify? Yes, users can set a sleep timer on Spotify to automatically stop playing music after a certain duration.
  7. Why is my Spotify sleep timer missing? If you’re unable to find the sleep timer feature on Spotify, ensure that your app is updated to the latest version. If the issue persists, try restarting the app or reinstalling it.
  8. Why is my Spotify sleep timer not working? If the Spotify sleep timer is not working as expected, try restarting the app or your device. Ensure that you’ve selected a valid duration for the sleep timer and that your internet connection is stable.

Wrapping Up

Since some mobile phones don’t have a native sleep timer feature, the Spotify sleep timer provides a convenient alternative for those who like to listen to music while falling asleep. 

The Spotify sleep timer is a convenient and easy to set up, and it works on both iOS and Android devices. By default, Spotify will continue to play the music after your current playlist ends. Using the Sleep timer will limit noise to a certain amount of time till you’re up and active to start the day’s task.

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