On iPhone, Medication Timer 2.5.2 offers two ways to see as-needed timer countdowns without unlocking your phone: lock screen widgets and Live Activities (including Dynamic Island on supported models).
Both require iOS 16 or later and an updated app build. They show timers that match the Active Timers home screen widget — household PRN timers outside active care sessions.
Lock screen widgets
- Long-press the lock screen → Customize.
- Select the lock screen → Add Widgets.
- Choose Medication Timer → Active Timers.
- Pick a style: inline, circular, or rectangular (space depends on your layout).
These widgets show a compact countdown for the most relevant waiting timer. Tap to open the app on the Timers tab.
Live Activities and Dynamic Island
For a full-width banner (similar to a media player) while a timer is waiting:
- Open Medication Timer → Settings.
- Turn on Native active timers under the lock screen section.
When an as-needed timer is active and this setting is on, iOS shows a Live Activity on the lock screen with the live countdown and Log dose when safe. On iPhones with Dynamic Island, the countdown also appears there.
To turn Live Activities off without opening the app: Settings → Medication Timer → Live Activities.
Relationship to notifications
Timer alerts from push notifications are separate — they fire at key moments (for example when a countdown finishes). Live Activities and lock screen widgets stay visible while the timer is in a waiting phase, so you can glance at time remaining between alerts.
Troubleshooting
- Confirm Medication Timer 2.5.2+ is installed and you are signed in.
- Live Activities require the in-app Native active timers toggle (unless you only use lock screen widgets).
- If the banner does not appear, check Settings → Medication Timer → Live Activities on iOS.
- Stale countdowns usually mean the phone has not synced — open the app briefly to refresh.
