You can change your iPhone charging sound through the Sounds & Haptics settings, but your options depend on which iPhone model you own

iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer) do not let you change the charging sound itself — Apple locks that audio file. What you can do instead is mute all system sounds, create a custom charging notification through the Shortcuts app, or use a silent charging dock. iPhones with Touch ID (iPhone 8 and earlier) let you replace the charging sound with any audio file you own, using a computer and iTunes or Finder.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to silence charging alerts entirely, replace the sound with something custom, or keep the standard sound but adjust its volume.

Key Takeaways

  • Face ID iPhones cannot change the built-in charging sound, but you can mute system sounds or use the Shortcuts app to create a custom charging notification.
  • Touch ID iPhones (iPhone 8 and earlier) can have their charging sound replaced with any audio file through iTunes or Finder on a Mac or Windows computer.
  • The fastest way to silence charging sounds on any iPhone is to switch your phone to Silent mode using the physical mute switch on the left side.
  • A custom Shortcuts automation can trigger a different sound or notification when your phone detects power connected, even on newer iPhones.

Muting the charging sound on Face ID iPhones

If you own an iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, the charging sound is built into the system and cannot be replaced. Your options are to mute it or work around it.

The simplest method is to use the physical mute switch on the left edge of your phone. Flip it so the orange indicator shows — this silences all system sounds, including the charging alert. The downside is that calls, texts, and alarms will also be silent until you flip the switch back.

If you want to keep other notifications but silence only the charging sound, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Charging Sounds and toggle it off. This removes the audio alert when you plug in, though your phone will still vibrate if vibration is enabled.

Creating a custom charging notification with Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app (built into iOS 12 and later) lets you automate a custom sound or notification when your phone detects power. This works on any iPhone and gives you more control than the standard charging alert.

Open the Shortcuts app and tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut. Tap Add Action and search for "Play Sound." Choose any audio file from your library — a song, a voice memo, or a downloaded sound. Then tap the back arrow and search for "Ask for [Number]" or another action that will trigger when power connects.

Next, tap Automation at the bottom and select "Create Personal Automation." Choose "Power" and set it to "Is Connected." Tap Next and select your shortcut. Toggle on "Ask Before Running" if you want to confirm each time, or leave it off for automatic playback. Tap Done.

Now whenever you plug in your phone, your custom sound will play instead of the standard charging alert. You can change the sound anytime by editing the shortcut.

Replacing the charging sound on Touch ID iPhones

If you own an iPhone 8, 7, 6s, or earlier, you can replace the charging sound file directly using a computer. This method requires a Mac with Finder or a Windows computer with iTunes.

First, find or create an audio file in .caf format (Core Audio Format). You can convert an MP3 or WAV file using free online converters or audio software like Audacity. Name the file "Charging.caf" exactly.

Connect your iPhone to your computer. On a Mac running Catalina or later, open Finder, click your iPhone in the sidebar, and go to Files. Drag Charging.caf into the Sounds folder. On Windows or older Macs, use iTunes instead: select your device, go to the Tones tab, and drag Charging.caf into the list.

Disconnect your phone. The new charging sound will play the next time you plug in. If you want to revert to the original sound, delete Charging.caf from the Sounds folder and sync again.

Using a silent charging dock

If you charge your phone in the same spot every day, a silent charging dock eliminates the sound problem without changing settings. Many third-party docks and charging pads do not trigger the charging alert the way a cable does.

Wireless charging pads from brands like Belkin, Anker, and Mophie are widely available and cost between $15 and $40. Some also include a stand so you can see your screen while charging. The trade-off is that wireless charging is slower than wired charging, typically adding 30 to 60 minutes to a full charge cycle.

Adjusting volume for system sounds

If you want to keep the charging sound but make it quieter, you can lower the system sound volume without affecting call or media volume. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and drag the Ringer and Alerts slider to your preferred level. This controls the volume of the charging alert along with calls, texts, and other notifications.

You can also use the physical volume buttons on the side of your phone to adjust this volume while the charging sound is playing, then release when it reaches the level you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the charging sound on iPhone 14 or 15?

No. iPhones with Face ID cannot change the built-in charging sound. You can mute it through Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Charging Sounds, or use the Shortcuts app to create a custom notification that plays when power connects instead.

What if my charging sound stopped working?

Check that Charging Sounds is toggled on in Settings > Sounds & Haptics. If it is on but silent, your phone may be in Silent mode — flip the mute switch on the left edge. If you are using a custom Shortcuts automation, make sure the automation is enabled and the audio file still exists on your phone.

Will changing the charging sound affect my alarm or notification sounds?

Only if you use the mute switch or lower the Ringer and Alerts volume slider. If you use Shortcuts or replace the charging sound file on a Touch ID iPhone, only the charging alert changes. Other system sounds stay the same.

Can I use a song from Apple Music as my charging sound?

Not directly. Apple Music songs are protected and cannot be exported as audio files. You can record a snippet of the song using Voice Memos, save it as an audio file, and then use that recording as your charging sound or in a Shortcuts automation.

Is there a way to have different charging sounds for different times of day?

Yes, using Shortcuts. Create multiple automations with different sounds and set each one to trigger at specific times. For example, one automation could play a quiet sound between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., and a louder sound during the day. Each automation runs based on the time and power connection you set.