Technical FAQ: how it works, browsers, email apps, speed and privacy

Will the timer work in Gmail, Apple Mail and Outlook?

Yes. Email timers are images drawn fresh each time the email is opened, so they work in every email app. Outlook on Windows desktop only shows the first frame of animated images (true of every timer tool), so add the "Offer ends on…" line too.

Why does my test email show the full time instead of my deadline?

Test sends from most email platforms don't fill in merge tags, so the timer can't tell who you are. Send a real email to yourself from a list instead.

If I change the deadline, do emails I already sent update?

Yes. Timers are drawn when each email is opened, so changes show everywhere at once, including emails sent last week.

What time zone does the deadline use?

You set the campaign's time zone, and daylight saving is handled automatically. Countdowns show the exact time left for everyone, wherever they are. To show the end time in each visitor's own time zone (for example "Ends Fri, Dec 18, 11:59 PM CST"), add <span data-sd-ends></span> to your page.

Can people get a new countdown by clearing cookies or switching devices?

Not when they come from your emails. People are recognised by their email address (from your email merge tags) first, then a browser ID, then their IP address. The smart link, email timer, sales page and countdown page all show the same deadline for the same person.

Does the website script slow my page down?

No. It's small, loads in the background (async ) and doesn't block your page. The login-page banner keeps its space while it loads, so the page doesn't jump.

Can I use one campaign on several pages or websites?

Yes. Paste the same script on every page (sales page, checkout, upsell pages) and they all show the same deadline. Use data-sd-carry on links to a checkout on another website so the deadline follows the person there.

Can I turn the bar off on one page, or put it at the bottom?

Add data-position="bottom" or data-position="none" to the script tag on that page. data-redirect="off" keeps people on the page and shows your "ended" message instead of redirecting. data-sd-no-popup on any element hides the offer pop-up on that page.

My page builder strips scripts (Thrive, Elementor HTML blocks, some Wix and Squarespace plans)

Use the iframe codes under Website & blog → Blogs and site builders: the timer embed, or the full banner embed (headline, countdown, offer and button), which shrinks to fit the frame.

Timers, deal cards and banners added after the page loads are picked up automatically. If you build pages with JavaScript, you can also call SureFire.scan() .

What happens to people who already bought?

With the thank-you page code on your order confirmation page, buyers stop seeing countdowns, pop-ups and redirects for that offer.

Can I create two campaigns for the same offer?

You can, but you usually shouldn't. SureFire Deadlines warns you when another running campaign already uses the same offer link, so you don't end up with two different deadlines for one offer. Delete duplicates from the campaign's Edit page.

What happens if I delete a campaign?

Every timer, smart link, banner and code for it stops working wherever it's pasted, and its people and stats are removed. If you just want to stop a promotion, Pause it or use End now instead.

Is it safe to connect my cart or my AI?

Cart keys are stored encrypted and only used to create and update your deadline coupon codes. Connect carts only on the Carts page, never by pasting a key into an AI chat. Your AI only gets access after you log in and click Allow, and you can disconnect it any time.

Does the app have a dark mode?

Yes, it follows your computer's light or dark setting automatically.

Need help? Ask Dash, the AI coach in the bottom corner of every page in the app. Still stuck? Click the help button on this page to send us your question. To report a bug or suggest an idea, use Founders Lab in the app's top menu.