# How to use Swallow Prompt

Set an interval, choose a sound or a vibration, and press Start. Swallow as you start it, then again each time it prompts you, until you press Stop.

- Page: https://speechtools.co/help/swallow-prompt
- App: [Swallow Prompt](https://speechtools.co/swallow-prompt.md)
- Reviewed: 2026-10-13

## How do I set it up?

1. Set the interval. On iPhone and iPad the wheel counts seconds, so 60 is a minute and 120 is two. On Android it shows minutes and seconds, so 1:20 is a minute and twenty seconds.
2. Choose how it prompts. The speaker button turns the sound on or off, and the music-note button chooses the sound. The vibration button turns vibration on or off; on iPhone it also has a high setting, for a longer buzz.
3. Press Start, and swallow your saliva or wipe your mouth.
4. Each time it prompts you, swallow or wipe your mouth again.
5. Press Stop whenever you like. You may not need it all day.

## How do I use it on an Apple Watch?

Swipe up or down, or turn the Digital Crown, to set the interval in seconds. For a longer buzz, choose the high vibration setting in Swallow Prompt on your iPhone.

To feel the prompt without hearing it, put the watch into silent mode: open Control Centre and tap the bell, so it shows crossed out. The tap on the wrist is then the whole prompt.

## Common questions

### What interval should I start with?

Try 15 seconds. Some people find a prompt every 15 seconds is right for them, and others every three minutes, so lengthen it until the reminders still come before saliva builds up. You will still swallow naturally in between.

Once the interval suits you, try the other settings: vibration with the phone in a pocket, wired or Bluetooth headphones to keep the sound to yourself, the high tone somewhere noisy and the quieter click at home.

### Do I need to keep it on all the time?

No. When to use it is up to you. Some people turn it on at the times they forget to swallow, such as when they are concentrating on something else or are tired, and others keep it running through the day.

### Will I need to change the settings?

It depends on you. Some people keep the interval they first chose and it goes on working for them. Others lengthen or shorten it over time, or change the sound, as their circumstances change. Nothing stops you changing it whenever you like.

### Why is there no vibration button on my iPad?

iPads have no vibration motor, so Swallow Prompt hides the button rather than show one that does nothing. On an iPad the prompt is a sound, and headphones keep it to yourself.

### Do I need a speech and language therapist to use it?

No. Anyone can try it without a referral or specialist support: set an interval, start it, and see whether the reminders help. If you already see a speech and language therapist, they can help you choose the interval and build it into a routine.

### When should I see a speech and language therapist?

If you have any difficulty swallowing, talk to your doctor. They can refer you to a speech and language therapist, who can assess your swallow and advise you on managing it.

### What else can help with drooling?

Swallow Prompt is one way of managing it. If drooling still concerns you, talk to your doctor or speech and language therapist about the other options, which can include medication, exercises to strengthen the lips, and changes to head posture.

## What if my question is not answered here?

Email support@speechtools.co and one of the two people who build these apps will answer.