Do you love falling asleep to your favorite podcast but hate waking up hours later to find it’s still playing? Luckily, your iPhone has a built-in solution: a sleep timer. This feature automatically stops playback after a set time, so you can drift off without worrying about draining your battery or losing your place in the episode.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to set a sleep timer for podcasts on iPhone using the Apple Podcasts app, the Clock app, and even third-party podcast players.
Key Takeaways
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iPhones have a built-in sleep timer for podcasts.
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You can set a timer directly from the Podcasts app or use the Clock app.
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Popular third-party apps like Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts also include sleep timers.
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Sleep timers help you save battery, avoid missing content, and fall asleep peacefully.
Why Use a Sleep Timer for Podcasts?
A podcast sleep timer is more than just convenience—it’s about smarter listening. Here’s why you should use it:
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✅ Saves battery life – Playback stops automatically.
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✅ Avoids losing your place – You won’t miss half an episode while asleep.
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✅ Improves sleep quality – No sudden sounds waking you up later.
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✅ Peace of mind – You can relax without worrying about turning off your iPhone.
How to Set a Sleep Timer in the Apple Podcasts App
The Apple Podcasts app has a built-in sleep timer. Here’s how to use it:
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Open the Podcasts app on your iPhone.
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Start playing the episode you want to listen to.
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Tap the Now Playing bar at the bottom to expand it.
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Look for the Sleep Timer icon (a small clock) in the lower-right corner.
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Choose a timer option:
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5 minutes
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10 minutes
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30 minutes
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1 hour
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When current episode ends
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The timer begins immediately.
👉 Once the timer ends, playback will automatically stop.
How to Use the Clock App as a Sleep Timer for Podcasts
If you want more flexibility—or if your podcast app doesn’t have a built-in timer—you can use the Clock app:
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Open the Clock app on your iPhone.
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Tap the Timer tab.
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Set the duration you want (e.g., 20 minutes).
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Tap When Timer Ends.
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Scroll down and select Stop Playing.
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Tap Set.
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Tap Start to begin the timer.
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Start playing your podcast in any app.
👉 When the timer ends, audio playback stops automatically—whether it’s Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or another app.
How to Set a Sleep Timer for Podcasts in Spotify
Spotify also includes a built-in sleep timer for podcasts (and music).
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Open Spotify on your iPhone.
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Start playing a podcast episode.
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Tap the Now Playing screen.
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Tap the three dots (More options).
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Select Sleep Timer.
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Choose how long you want playback to continue (e.g., 15, 30, 45 minutes, or until episode ends).
👉 Spotify will automatically stop when the timer runs out.
How to Set a Sleep Timer in Overcast
Overcast is a popular third-party podcast app with great sleep timer options.
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Open Overcast and play an episode.
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Tap the moon icon on the player screen.
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Choose from preset times or set a custom timer.
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Optionally, enable “Smart Resume” so playback resumes at a natural pause.
How to Set a Sleep Timer in Pocket Casts
Another fan-favorite app, Pocket Casts, has a sleep timer too:
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Open Pocket Casts and start an episode.
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Tap the sleep timer icon (a clock).
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Pick a duration or select End of Episode.
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The timer will display countdown progress.
How to Cancel or Adjust a Sleep Timer
Accidentally set the wrong time? No problem.
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In Apple Podcasts, tap the Sleep Timer icon again and choose Off.
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In the Clock app, open the timer and tap Cancel.
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In Spotify or other apps, tap the Sleep Timer icon and select Turn Off Timer.
👉 You can always restart with a different duration.
Best Practices for Using Podcast Sleep Timers
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🎧 Pick the right duration – Choose short intervals (15–30 min) if you fall asleep quickly.
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💤 Use “End of Episode” – Great if you only want to finish the current podcast.
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🔋 Enable Low Power Mode – Helps your iPhone battery last longer overnight.
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🛑 Set Do Not Disturb – Prevents notifications from waking you mid-sleep.
Troubleshooting Sleep Timer Issues on iPhone
Having trouble? Try these fixes:
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Timer doesn’t stop playback → Restart the Podcasts or Spotify app.
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Sleep Timer option missing → Update your iOS and app to the latest version.
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Clock app not working → Ensure “Stop Playing” is selected, not a ringtone.
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Third-party app bug → Reinstall the app or clear cached data.
Alternatives to Sleep Timers for Bedtime Listening
If you don’t want to use a timer, try:
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Shorter podcasts – Choose episodes that fit your bedtime routine.
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Smart speakers – Many (like HomePod or Alexa) support voice-controlled sleep timers.
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Bedtime playlists – Create calming podcast playlists that end naturally.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to set a sleep timer for podcasts on iPhone can transform your bedtime listening experience. Whether you use the built-in Apple Podcasts timer, the Clock app, or third-party apps like Spotify, Overcast, or Pocket Casts, you’ll never wake up to endless episodes again.
Set it once, relax, and let your iPhone take care of the rest. Sweet dreams!
FAQs
1. Does Apple Podcasts have a built-in sleep timer?
Yes, you can set one directly from the Now Playing screen using the clock icon.
2. Can I set a custom sleep timer length?
Yes, some apps like Overcast allow custom durations. For others, use the Clock app for full control.
3. Does the iPhone Clock app sleep timer work with all apps?
Yes, it stops all audio playback—including Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, and more.
4. Can I cancel a podcast sleep timer once it’s running?
Yes. Open the sleep timer option in your app (or Clock app) and select Off/Cancel.
5. Will my alarm still work if I use a podcast sleep timer?
Yes. The sleep timer only stops audio playback—it doesn’t affect alarms.