How to Set a Countdown Timer in LearnDash Course?
Do you want to set a countdown Timer in learndash? First, you need to know why the LearnDash course timer is important? It helps course creators organize lessons easily, and it gives students a clear, smooth, and focused learning experience. A countdown timer makes this even better by helping learners manage their time and stay engaged.
LearnDash gives you an easy and simple way to add a countdown clock that builds urgency. The exciting part is that most users do not realize how fast they can set it up until they follow the steps that we will share in this guide.
This post explains the full process, the tools, and the small details that make your timer feel natural inside any course.
Tools You Can Use to Set a Countdown Timer in LearnDash
LearnDash does not include a built-in countdown clock inside lessons or topics. You need an add on or lightweight script to add this. Most creators use one of these options because they are easy to manage:
- A countdown timer plugin that supports shortcodes
- A course automation tool with time tracking
- A custom script block added through your theme builder
Each option gives you different controls. Plugins usually offer ready-made styles, while scripts give you full custom design freedom. This is useful for course pages, drip content, or quizzes.
When you explore different plugins, make sure to pick one that works smoothly with learndash blocks and does not slow your page load.
If you need expert guidance for set-up smoothly, you can book a quick call with our LearnDash Expert and we will guide you!
Steps to Set a Countdown Timer in LearnDash Course
If you want to set the Countdown Timer in LearnDash in a clean and reliable way, the easiest method is to use a shortcode based countdown plugin.
Here are the complete, practical, and beginner friendly steps to add timer on your learndash course: Lets start!
Step 1: Install a Countdown Timer Plugin
Enter login details and Open your WordPress dashboard.
Go to: Plugins → Add New
Search for one of these plugins:
- Countdown Timer Ultimate (Preferable Plugin)
- Evergreen Countdown Timer
- Everest Countdown Timer
These plugins work well with LearnDash because they use simple shortcodes and do not require coding.
Click Install, then Activate.
Step 2: Create a New Countdown Timer
After activating the plugin, open the plugin menu in your WordPress sidebar.
For Example:
Countdown Timer → Add New
Inside the timer settings:
- Choose your end date or number of hours
- Adjust display settings (days, hours, minutes, seconds)
- Select layout style
- Give the timer a clear name
Example:
“Lesson One Access Timer”
Click Save.
Step 3: Copy the Timer Shortcode
After saving, the plugin will show a shortcode.
Each plugin format is slightly different, but here are real examples:
Countdown Timer Ultimate shortcode:
[countdown id="3" align="center"]Everest Countdown shortcode:
[everest_countdown id="5"]Evergreen Timer shortcode:
[evergreen_timer id="7"]Copy this shortcode. You will paste it inside your LearnDash lesson.
Step 4: Add the Timer to a LearnDash Lesson
Now open:
LearnDash → Lessons → Edit Lesson
Click “Add Block” and choose Shortcode.
Paste your timer shortcode inside:
[countdown id="3" align="center"]Click Update or Publish.
Your countdown timer is now part of your lesson.
Step 5: Add the Timer at the Top for Better User Experience
One best practice in online learning is to place the timer at the top where learners see it immediately.
Example placement:
[countdown id="3"]This lesson has limited time access. Please complete the tasks below before the timer ends.
This gives learners instant clarity and reduces confusion.
Step 6: Add a Countdown Timer Before a LearnDash Quiz
If you want learners to see the countdown before starting a quiz:
Go to:
LearnDash → Quizzes → Edit Quiz
In the quiz description editor, paste your shortcode:
[countdown id="5"]Now the countdown appears above the Start Quiz button.
This is great for timed exams, final tests, or live class assessments.
Step 7: Use Countdown Timer for Drip Content Unlocking
If your lesson is locked and will open in the future, you can add a countdown timer to show the exact unlock time.
Example:
[countdown id="4"]This module will unlock when the timer reaches zero. Please return when the countdown finishes.
This makes drip schedules clear and reduces support questions.
Step 8: Test the Timer in Student View
Testing ensures the timer works correctly for all learners.
Check these:
- Preview the lesson
- Refresh the page to confirm the countdown moves correctly
- Test on mobile view
- Make sure your site timezone is correct
If your timer appears stuck, exclude it from your caching plugin. Countdown scripts need real time refresh to stay accurate.
Step 9: What Happens When the Timer Ends (Optional)
Some countdown plugins let you choose what happens when the timer reaches zero.
Possible actions:
- Show a custom message
- Redirect users to another page
- Hide or lock content
- Replace the timer with a notice
Example shortcode with expiration message:
[countdown id="3" expire_message="Time is over. Please contact support if you need extended access."]Note: This feature depends on the plugin you choose.
Best Practices Before You Use Timers
Timers add structure, but they must be used with care. Keep these ideas in mind:
- Use a timer only where it truly improves learning
- Tell students why the timer exists
- Check the timer on mobile view
- Keep it synced with your site time
- Do not overload your course with many countdown clocks
A balanced use of timers improves learning without pressure.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to set a Countdown Timer in LearnDash using easy tools and a simple method that works for any course. You can add it to lessons, quizzes, or drip content.
A countdown timer creates structure, keeps students active, and guides them through the right pace of learning. When you use it with care and clear placement, it becomes a powerful part of your LMS experience. You have every step you need right here, so you can start applying it today without searching anywhere else.
Ready to take your LearnDash courses to the next level? Book Your Free Consultation Now and get expert help to set up your countdown timers the right way!
