⭐ Introduction: The Most Common PowerPoint Timer Problem
Thousands of teachers and presenters run into the same frustrating issue:
“The timer works in the editor, but it doesn’t show during the slide show.”
This typically happens when:
using animation-based timers
embedding video countdowns
using online timers
using images instead of real timers
using add-ins incorrectly configured
Good news — the problem is easy to fix once you understand why it happens.
This guide explains:
the main causes of timers disappearing
how to fix each problem
how to prevent issues in future
the simplest way to add a reliable timer (UbiTimer)
⭐ WHY TIMERS DISAPPEAR IN SLIDE SHOW MODE
There are six common causes.
❗ 1. The Timer Is Behind Another Object or Layer
PowerPoint layers objects like Photoshop.
If your timer is behind a shape, textbox, or image, it won’t appear during the show.
✔ Fix
Click your timer
Go to Home → Arrange
Choose Bring to Front
Pro Tip
Turn on Selection Pane to see if something is covering it.
❗ 2. The Timer Is an Image, Not a Real Timer
If a teacher inserted a screenshot or pasted a preview image from an add-in, PowerPoint will show only the picture — not a live timer.
✔ Fix
Ensure you insert a real timer object, not a PNG.
In UbiTimer:
Click Add Timer to Slide
(not “Copy preview image” or “Screenshot”)
❗ 3. Animation Timers Are Set to ‘On Click’
Most animation-based timers use Appear or Disappear effects.
If the animation is set to On Click, your countdown won’t begin automatically.
✔ Fix (Animations)
Open Animations Pane
Select each animation
Change Start: On Click → After Previous
This ensures the countdown begins without clicking.
❗ 4. The Timer Is Outside the Slide Area
If the timer is placed slightly outside the boundary, you won’t see it during the slideshow.
✔ Fix
Drag the timer fully inside the slide edges.
Check in:
Normal View
Slide Master (rare cases)
❗ 5. Video Timers Do Not Auto-Play
If you’re using a video countdown, it must be set to autoplay.
✔ Fix (Video Timers)
Click the video
Go to Playback
Set Start: Automatically
❗ 6. Browser/Web Timers Don’t Display in Slide Show
Embedded online timers (iframe objects) often:
fail to load
are blocked by school networks
cannot display properly in slide show
✔ Fix
Avoid online timers — they are not reliable for teaching.
⭐ The Simple Fix: Use a Dedicated Timer Add-In (UbiTimer)
If you want a timer that:
always appears
starts reliably
never hides or glitches
works across slides
works in classrooms/projectors
supports auto-start
supports global timers
supports radial/circular countdowns
…UbiTimer is the most teacher-friendly solution.
UbiTimer places a real timer object on the slide — not an animation or video — so it never disappears when presenting.
⭐ HOW TO FIX DISPLAY ISSUES USING UbiTimer
✔ 1. Reinsert the Timer
If your timer isn’t visible:
Remove it
Open UbiTimer
Click Add Timer to Slide
This ensures you’re inserting a real, active timer.
✔ 2. Enable “Auto-Start”
For starters, transitions, or silent work:
Turn on Auto-Start Timer on This Slide
This ensures the timer begins instantly.
✔ 3. Enable “Use the Same Timer Across All Slides”
If your timer disappears when switching slides, it’s because PowerPoint resets it.
Turn on UbiTimer’s Global Timer Mode:
Timer continues across slides
Never resets
Never disappears
Perfect for:
assemblies
group work
long tasks
KS3/KS4 revision
✔ 4. Bring Timer to the Front
Sometimes shapes or images sit on top of your timer.
Home → Arrange → Bring to Front
✔ 5. Avoid Conflicting Animations
Animated text boxes can delay the timer from showing.
Remove or reorder animations so the timer runs freely.
✔ 6. Use High-Contrast Colours
If the timer blends into the background, students think it “disappeared”.
Choose:
white on dark
bold on light
school colours
🏫 Classroom Examples of Display Fixes
Example 1 — Hidden Timer on a Busy Slide
A textbox sat over the timer → bring to front → fixed.
Example 2 — Video Timer Not Showing
Playback set to “On Click” → changed to “Automatically” → fixed.
Example 3 — Animation Timer Not Starting
Animations set to “On Click” → changed to “After Previous” → fixed.
Example 4 — Timer Reset on Each Slide
Enabled Global Timer Mode → fixed instantly.
Example 5 — Timer Too Small on Smartboard
Increased size + changed colour → fully visible for students.
❓ FAQ — Timer Not Showing in Slide Show
Why does my PowerPoint timer disappear?
Because of layers, animations, video settings, or placeholder images.
Why does my timer start on click only?
Your animation or video is set to “On Click”.
Why does the timer reset when I change slides?
Because PowerPoint cannot run timers across slides — use Global Timer Mode.
Why is my timer invisible on some slides?
It may be behind an object or outside slide boundaries.
What is the easiest fix?
Use UbiTimer — a real timer object that always shows correctly.
🎓 Conclusion
If your timer isn’t showing during PowerPoint’s slide show, the cause is almost always:
layering
animation settings
video autoplay
online timers
incorrect object type
By following the simple fixes above — or using a dedicated timer tool like UbiTimer — you can make sure your timer appears every time, without glitches or surprises.
Smooth lessons. Clear time limits. Better behaviour. Less stress.