Easy iPhone Alarm Sound Customization Guide

Slow-toned alarms can be one of the biggest problems if you’re a heavy sleeper. And since I’ve used many iPhones in the past 6 years, the iPhone Clock doesn’t have an amazing collection that could break the cycle of deep sleep.

To all problems, there is a solution. Apple has given its users enough “User Control” that they can customize their alarm tones according to their preferences. 

Well, you can customize your alarm sounds by downloading Apple Garageband and setting custom alarm tones.

However, to dive deep into the topic, let’s waste no more time and start discussing everything related to setting custom alarm sounds on iPhones.

How To Set A Custom Alarm Sound on an iPhone?

Generally, Apple doesn’t natively allow users to switch to any custom alarm tones from the Clock. 

However, if you want to set custom alarm tones, you will need to download Apple Garageband (in most cases, it is pre-installed on Apple devices). Once you have installed it, you can use the application to import MP3, WAV, AAC, and AIFF audios and set them as the ringtone.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting a custom alarm sound on your iPhone.

Create a Custom Alarm Tone

• Open the GarageBand app on your iPhone.

• Choose any instrument by swiping left or right and tapping its box, even though we’ll import our custom audio file.

• On the + icon, select an instrument, then tap on the Project icon. Proceed to the Tracks view and tap the Loop icon, followed by the Files tab. Browse and select your desired audio file to import it into GarageBand.

• Modify the track’s length by tapping on the + icon and adjusting the section length to match your preference.

• Trim the audio to your desired length by highlighting the track and dragging the yellow bars on either side.

• Save the project by tapping on the Down arrow icon and selecting My Songs. Don’t forget to rename it.

• Long-press the project, select Share, then Ringtone. Follow the prompts and tap Export to save the project as a ringtone on your iPhone.

Set the Custom Tone as an Alarm

• Open the Clock app on your iPhone and switch to the Alarms tab.

• Create an Alarm by selecting an existing alarm to edit or create a new one using the + icon.

• Select Your Custom Ringtone. Scroll down to the Ringtones section, where you’ll find your custom ringtone. Tap on it to mark it for the alarm.

• Once everything is done, tap Back and then Save to activate the alarm with your customized ringtone.

How To Change Alarm Sound on iPhone?

Unlike adding custom tones, if you are simply changing to a “Built in” alarm sound, Apple allows you to change these sounds from the Clock.

Here is a step-by-step guide about changing alarming sounds on iPhone.

Opening the Clock App

• Open the clock app on your iPhone. Then head to the alarm’s section that is between the “World Clock” and “Stop Watch.”

Choose a New Alarm Sound

• Open the “Sound” option, usually located below the time settings.

• Tap on “Sound” to view the list of available present alarm sounds. Scroll through the options to find a sound that suits your preference.

• Tap on each sound to preview its beat. 

• Once you’ve found a sound you like, tap on it to set it as the alarm sound. A check mark will display your selection.

How To Create a New Alarm Vibration Sound?

Alarm vibration is an important feature, especially for those who go through deep sleep cycles.

However, if normal vibration doesn’t work for you, here is a short guide on setting up a new alarm vibration sound.

• Open the Clock app on your iPhone from the home screen.

• Tap on the “Alarms” tab at the bottom to create a new one.

• While creating a new alarm, find the “Vibration” option. This is usually located below the time settings or near the sound options.

• Tap on “Vibration” to view a list of pre-set vibration patterns. These patterns have names like “Heartbeat,” “S.O.S.,” “Rapid,” etc.

• If you want to create a new vibration pattern, tap on “Create New Vibration.”

• A screen with a “Record” button will appear. Tap and hold on to the screen to record your custom vibration pattern. You can tap, hold, release, and repeat to create your desired pattern.

• Once you’re satisfied with your custom vibration pattern, tap “Stop” and then “Save” to name and save the pattern.

• After saving, your custom vibration pattern will be added to the list. Tap on it to select and assign it to the alarm.

• Tap “Back” or “Save” (depending on where you are in the process) to save your changes and set the alarm with the custom vibration sound.

• Set the alarm time and check that the custom vibration pattern works as intended when the alarm goes off.

How To Set an Apple Music Song as Your Alarm?

If you want to change your current alarm and set an Apple Music song, luckily, you don’t need third-party applications.

If you have already purchased a song from the Apple Library or iTunes subscription, you can also directly set that specific song as your morning alarm.

Accessing the Clock App

Open the Clock app and move to the Alarm section.

Selecting or Creating an Alarm

Since you are creating a new alarm, tap the “+” icon to set a time and change the other alarm settings.

Choosing a New Alarm Sound

Now, just below the “Label” option, you will see the “Sound” option as well. Tap on “Sound” to view the list of available preset alarm sounds. Scroll through the options to find the song you want to select.

Once you’ve found a sound you like, tap on it to set it as the alarm sound. A check mark or highlight will indicate your selection.

You can also set a ‘One Minute Ahead” alarm and see if it’s working.