> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.trysouschef.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set and manage recipe timers in Souschef cooking app

> Souschef automatically detects times mentioned in recipe steps and lets you start a countdown with one tap — no switching apps needed.

<a href="/billing/free-plan" className="help-availability-badge">
  <Badge icon="circle-check" color="green" shape="pill">Included in Free plan</Badge>
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This feature is included in the free version of Souschef.

When a recipe step says something like "bake for 25 minutes" or "let the dough rest for 1 hour," Souschef highlights that time as a tappable timer. No more unlocking your phone, hunting for the clock app, and trying to remember what you just read — everything stays right where you're cooking.

## Starting a timer

Timers live right inside [Cooking Mode](/using/cooking-mode), so they're always within reach:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Look for highlighted time mentions">
    As you follow along in Cooking Mode, look for **highlighted time mentions** in the step text — these appear underlined with a timer icon.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/nekonote-llc/8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM/images/screenshots/timers/timer-in-step.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM&q=85&s=317c3d126ea5d9732847a764ce2f19ac" alt="Cooking Mode step with bake for 1 hour highlighted as a tappable timer" className="help-screenshot" width="375" height="642" data-path="images/screenshots/timers/timer-in-step.webp" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap the highlighted time">
    Tap the highlighted time to open the timer controls. Confirm the duration, then tap play to start the countdown.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/nekonote-llc/8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM/images/screenshots/timers/timer-controls.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM&q=85&s=45a2706a3f8ce42f36a56d423e758b70" alt="Cooking Mode with a one-hour Bake timer ready to start and a play button" className="help-screenshot" width="375" height="647" data-path="images/screenshots/timers/timer-controls.webp" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Keep cooking">
    The timer runs directly in the app — you never have to leave your recipe to manage it.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Add a timer manually

You can also create a timer when a recipe doesn't include a time mention, or when you want a custom countdown:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Tap the timer button">
    In Cooking Mode, tap the timer button (clock with a plus) at the top of the screen.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/nekonote-llc/8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM/images/screenshots/timers/add-timer-button.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM&q=85&s=a4c99eaa648ef9149d388cea8dd97d28" alt="Cooking Mode with the add timer button highlighted" className="help-screenshot" width="375" height="648" data-path="images/screenshots/timers/add-timer-button.webp" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the duration and start">
    Enter the time with the keypad (or tap **+ 30** to add 30 seconds), optionally name the timer, then tap **Start**.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/nekonote-llc/8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM/images/screenshots/timers/timer-sheet.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=8Bn_kolWAIZ4W9OM&q=85&s=730774fd6aa738aa386b2213435a3a14" alt="Untitled timer sheet with time display, numeric keypad, Reset, and Start" className="help-screenshot" width="375" height="520" data-path="images/screenshots/timers/timer-sheet.webp" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Managing multiple timers

Many recipes have overlapping steps, and Souschef handles that gracefully:

* You can run **several timers at the same time** — one for the pasta water, one for the sauce, one for the bread in the oven.
* All active timers stay visible without leaving Cooking Mode, so you can keep an eye on everything at a glance.
* If you open a [second recipe window](/using/cooking-mode#during-cooking), your timers continue running in the background.

<Tip>
  If a recipe has overlapping steps, start the longer timer first so both finish close together — it makes timing your meal much easier!
</Tip>

***

## Still need help?

If you have questions or run into anything unexpected, our team is happy to help. [Contact support](/troubleshooting/contact-support)

***

**Related articles**

* [How to use Cooking Mode](/using/cooking-mode)
* [Use the preparation checklist](/using/prep-checklist)
* [Adjust servings](/using/adjust-servings)