Open Settings and find the Clock app alarms
To change an alarm tone on your iPhone, open the Settings app from your home screen. Scroll down and tap Sounds & Haptics (on newer iPhones) or Sounds (on older models). This is where iPhone stores the default sound for new alarms you create.
However, if you already have an alarm set and want to change only that alarm's tone, the faster route is to open the Clock app directly, find the alarm in the list, and tap Edit. This lets you change that one alarm without affecting others.
Key Takeaways
- The Clock app is where you edit individual alarms—tap the alarm, then Edit, then Sound to pick a new tone.
- Settings > Sounds & Haptics controls the default tone for all new alarms you create going forward.
- iPhone comes with built-in alarm tones like Alarm, Beacon, and Chime; you cannot use songs from your music library as alarm sounds.
- If an alarm is not making sound, check that your iPhone is not in Silent mode (the mute switch on the left side of the phone) and that the volume is turned up.
- Custom alarm tones from third-party apps require you to set them up inside those apps, not in the Clock app itself.
Change the tone for one alarm you already have
Open the Clock app on your home screen. You will see a list of all your alarms under the Alarm tab at the bottom. Find the alarm you want to change and tap the Edit button in the top left corner.
Once you are in edit mode, tap the row that says Sound. A list of available alarm tones will appear. Scroll through the options—you will hear a preview of each tone as you tap it. When you find one you like, tap it to select it. Then tap Save in the top right to explore the change.
Change the default tone for all new alarms
If you want every alarm you create from now on to use the same tone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics (or Sounds on older iPhones). Scroll down to find Alarm and tap it.
You will see the same list of built-in tones. Pick the one you prefer and tap it. This becomes your default, so any new alarm you set will use this tone unless you change it individually. Alarms you already have will keep their current tones.
What alarm tones are available on iPhone
iPhone comes with a set of built-in alarm sounds that you can choose from. Common ones include Alarm (a classic beeping sound), Beacon (a pulsing tone), Chime (a musical note), Radar (a sweeping sound), and Siren (a loud wailing sound). The exact list varies slightly by iPhone model and iOS version.
You cannot use songs from your Music library or custom recordings as alarm tones directly through the Clock app. If you want a specific song to wake you, you will need to use a third-party alarm app from the App Store that supports custom audio files. Some of these apps let you upload your own music or record a sound.
Troubleshoot if your alarm is not making sound
If you set an alarm but it does not make any noise when it goes off, the most common cause is that your iPhone is in Silent mode. Look at the left side of your phone—there is a physical switch above the volume buttons. If it is flipped toward the back of the phone (you will see an orange line), your phone is silenced and alarms will vibrate only.
Flip the switch back toward the front of the phone to turn off Silent mode. You should also check that your volume is turned up by pressing the volume up button on the side. If the alarm still makes no sound after this, restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on, then test the alarm again.
Use alarm apps from the App Store for more options
If the built-in iPhone alarm tones do not meet your needs, the App Store has alarm clock apps that offer more features. Some let you set custom songs, create multiple alarms with different sounds, or add a snooze button that works differently than the default. Popular options include Alarmy, Sleep Cycle, and Alarm Clock Pro.
These apps work alongside the built-in Clock app—you can use both at the same time. Keep in mind that third-party apps may require you to keep them open or allow notifications for alarms to work reliably, especially if your phone is locked. Check the app's instructions for how to set it up correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a song from Apple Music or Spotify as my alarm tone?
No, the built-in Clock app does not support music from streaming services or your library as alarm sounds. You can only choose from iPhone's pre-loaded alarm tones. Third-party alarm apps from the App Store sometimes offer this feature, so search for "custom alarm" or "music alarm" if you need this option.
Why does my alarm not go off even though I set it?
Check three things: first, make sure Silent mode is off (flip the switch on the left side of your phone toward the front). Second, confirm your volume is turned up. Third, verify the alarm is actually saved by opening the Clock app and looking for it in the list. If it shows a time but no toggle switch next to it, the alarm did not save properly.
Do I have to change each alarm individually or can I change them all at once?
You have to change each alarm individually through the Clock app. However, you can set a new default tone in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Alarm, which will explore to any new alarms you create from that point forward. Existing alarms will keep their current tones.
What if I want different alarm tones for different times of day?
You can set this up by editing each alarm separately in the Clock app. Create one alarm for morning with one tone, another for afternoon with a different tone, and so on. Each alarm can have its own sound, so you can customize them however you like.
Will changing my alarm tone affect other sounds on my iPhone?
No. Alarm tones are separate from ringtones, notification sounds, and other audio. Changing your alarm sound will not affect phone calls, text messages, or any other alerts on your device.