Recipe Play Mode

What is Play Mode?

Play Mode is a hands-free cooking mode designed to make following recipes easier while you're actively cooking. It displays one step at a time in large, easy-to-read text that's visible from across the kitchen.

Perfect for when your hands are covered in flour or you're busy at the stove, Play Mode keeps the screen active and automatically progresses through recipe steps, so you can focus on cooking without constantly touching your device.

Key Features

Automatic progression: Steps advance automatically after a set time, keeping you on track hands-free
Screen stays active: Prevents screen timeout so you never lose your place
Built-in timers: For steps with durations (e.g., "cook for 10 mins"), tap the timer button to start a countdown
Large text display: Easy to read from a distance while cooking
Progress tracking: Visual indicator shows which step you're on

Activating Play Mode

To enter Play Mode, first open any recipe in your collection. Then follow these simple steps:

Navigate to the recipe's Instructions tab
Look for the Play button (▶️) at the top of the instructions section
Tap the Play button to enter full-screen Play Mode
Your device will switch to a focused, distraction-free cooking view

Tip: Play Mode works best when you place your device in a visible location before you start cooking, like on a cookbook stand or propped against the backsplash.

Using Play Mode

Once in Play Mode, you have multiple ways to navigate through your recipe steps:

Navigation Controls

Automatic progression: Play Mode automatically advances through steps, allowing true hands-free cooking
Next/Previous buttons: Tap the on-screen buttons to manually move forward or backward
Swipe gestures: Swipe left to go to the next step, or right to go back
Progress indicator: A visual bar shows which step you're on and how many remain

Timer Feature

For steps that include cooking times (e.g., "simmer for 10 minutes" or "bake for 30 mins"), Play Mode provides a convenient timer button:

Look for the timer button (⏱️) on steps with duration instructions
Tap the timer button to start a countdown for that specific step
The timer runs in the background, so you can navigate to other steps if needed
You'll receive a notification when the timer completes
Perfect for keeping track of multiple cooking times without leaving the app

Display Features

Large text: Step instructions are displayed in a large, clear font
Screen stays active: Your device won't go to sleep during Play Mode
Full-screen view: Distractions are minimized for focused cooking
Exit anytime: Tap the X or back button to exit Play Mode

Benefits of Play Mode

👐 Hands-Free Cooking

Keep your device across the kitchen while cooking. With automatic progression and screen-always-on, you can follow recipes without stopping to tap or swipe, perfect when your hands are messy.

🎯 Stay Focused

Full-screen mode eliminates distractions. No notifications, no interruptions—just you and the recipe. Focus entirely on the cooking process and create better results.

⏰ Built-In Timers

No need to switch apps or set separate kitchen timers. With one tap, start a countdown timer for any step with a duration. Track multiple cooking times effortlessly.

👁️ Easy to Read

Large, clear text means you can read instructions from across the kitchen—no need to keep coming back to your device. Cook more comfortably and efficiently.

📱 Screen Always On

Never lose your place mid-recipe. Play Mode prevents your screen from timing out, so your instructions are always visible when you need them.

📍 Track Progress

The visual progress indicator shows exactly where you are in the recipe. Know at a glance how many steps remain and stay on track from start to finish.

Tips for Using Play Mode

📱 Device Placement

Position your device in a safe, visible spot before starting. A cookbook stand, tablet holder, or even propping it against the backsplash works great. Make sure it's far enough from water and heat sources.

🔊 Audio Alerts

Keep your device's volume up to hear timer notifications, especially if you're moving around the kitchen or in another room. The audio alert ensures you never miss when a timer completes.

📖 Review First

Before starting Play Mode, quickly review the full recipe to understand what ingredients and equipment you'll need. This preparation makes the hands-free cooking experience smoother.

⏸️ Pause When Needed

While Play Mode advances automatically, you can always swipe or tap to move forward or backward at your own pace. Use manual controls when you need more time on a particular step.

🔋 Battery Considerations

Since Play Mode keeps the screen on, it uses more battery than normal. For longer recipes, consider keeping your device plugged in or ensure it's fully charged before you start cooking.