Free tool

20-20-20 timer

Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Press Start and this timer keeps count for you, right here in your browser. No sign-up, nothing to install.

Ready when you are 20:00 Breaks today: 0

Every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds.

Remind me every Rest for Gentle chime Desktop notification

Keep this tab open. If it's in the background, your browser may hold the alert back by up to a minute. Your settings stay in this browser only.

Mochi, a small white genie, with its eyes closed — **Want this without keeping a tab open?** Mochi Genie is a tiny genie that lives on your Mac desktop. Every 20 minutes Mochi closes his eyes, your cue to look away, and he waits while you're in a call or fullscreen. He also reminds you to drink water, stretch and sit up. Free for 7 days, then $12.99 once.

How to use the 20-20-20 timer

Press Start and get on with your work. The ring fills as the 20 minutes pass, and the tab title shows the time left.
When it chimes, look away. Pick something about 20 feet (6 metres) away: out of a window or across the room. Blink a few times.
After 20 seconds a softer chime tells you you're done, and the next 20 minutes start on their own.
Turn on desktop notifications if you'd like an alert even while you're in another app. Your browser will ask for permission once.

Why 20-20-20?

The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule to ease digital eye strain, plus a longer 15-minute rest after two hours of continuous screen time. Screens make us blink much less, and looking far away lets your focusing muscles relax. Read more in our guide to following the 20-20-20 rule on a Mac.

Questions

Is this timer free?

Yes, completely. It runs in your browser, needs no account, and sends nothing to us. The only things it remembers are your chosen intervals and today's break count, stored in your own browser.

Will it work if I switch tabs?

Yes, but browsers slow down timers in background tabs to save battery, so an alert can be up to a minute late. The countdown itself stays accurate. Turn on desktop notifications so you see the alert while you work in other apps.

Can I change the 20 minutes?

Yes. Pick 15 to 60 minutes and a 20-second, 30-second or 1-minute rest. 20 and 20 is the classic rule.

Is there a version that runs outside the browser?

On a Mac, Mochi Genie does it from your desktop and goes quiet during calls and fullscreen apps. Other options are compared in our guide to break reminder apps for Mac.

General information, not medical advice. If eye strain doesn't ease with breaks, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist.