In this section, we will learn what the clearInterval() function is and how to use it in JavaScript.

Note: we’re assuming you’re already familiar with the `setInterval()` function.

What is clearInterval() in JavaScript? (Stop setInterval in JavaScript)

When we want to stop a timer that is set via the call to the `setInterval()` function, we use the `clearInterval()`.

If we call the `setInterval()` function, it will return an ID, which is basically a value of type Number. This ID is the identity of the timer that we’ve created via this function.

So the `clearInterval()` takes this ID (the return value of the call to the `setInterval()` function) as its argument and will stop the execution of that timer.

clearInterval() Function Syntax:

clearInterval(id);

The function takes one argument, and that is the id of the target setInterval() function that we want to remove its execution from our program.

Example: using clearInterval() Function in JavaScript

function sayHi(name){
  console.log(`Hello ${name}`);
}
const id = setInterval(sayHi, 2000, "John Doe"); 

setTimeout(()=>{
  clearInterval(id);
},6000)

Output:

Hello John Doe

Hello John Doe

Hello John Doe

In this program, the message `Hello John Doe` only appears 3 times on the console. This is because we’ve set a `setTimeout()` function that will request the execution of its reference function after 6 seconds. Inside the body of the referenced function there’s a call to the `clearInterval()` function that takes the `id` value of the current timer as its argument.

So because after 6 seconds the `clearInterval()` ran, the current timer won’t be executed anymore.