Your iPhone alarm may not go off as expected after an iOS update. The good news is there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get your iPhone alarm working properly again.
First, double check your alarm settings in the Clock app. Make sure the time, AM/PM, and repeat days are set correctly. Tap the alarm to edit it if needed.
Next, if you use an Apple Watch, ensure it is not in mute, theater mode, or airplane mode, as these can interfere with iPhone alarms.
Also check your iPhone’s alarm volume in Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Slide the “Ringer and Alerts” volume up. Consider disabling “Change with Buttons” so the physical volume buttons don’t affect the alarm volume.
Try selecting a louder alarm sound in the Clock app for an alarm, as some sounds are louder than others.
Make sure your iPhone isn’t connected to any Bluetooth devices when the alarm goes off, as the audio could be played through headphones or a speaker instead of the iPhone.
Restart your iPhone, as this can clear up temporary software glitches affecting the alarm. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down to turn your iPhone completely off, then turn it back on.
Update your iPhone’s Clock app and iOS software in case bug fixes were released. Go to App Store > Updates to update apps. For iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Consider using a different alarm app from the App Store if issues persist, like Alarmy or Loud Alarm Clock. The default Clock app may have developed problems.
Check Settings > Health > Sleep and adjust or delete your sleep schedule if it conflicts with alarm times.
Finally, contact Apple support if you can’t resolve the problem yourself. An Apple technician can troubleshoot further or arrange a repair if needed.
With some troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your iPhone alarm working reliably again even after updates. Key things to check are the alarm settings themselves, connected devices like Bluetooth headphones, your iPhone’s software updates, and trying different alarm apps. Adjusting sleep settings can also help if they interfere with wake up times. Reach out to Apple if all else fails for help getting your alarm fixed.
How does your alarm stay on after an update?
iPhone alarms not working properly after an iOS update is a common issue users report. Here are some reasons why this happens:
Bug in iOS Update
A bug or glitch introduced in a software update could cause the Clock app or alarm functions to not work right. Apple usually fixes bugs in later updates.
Connectivity Problems
Bluetooth or WiFi issues after an update could prevent alarms from going off properly. Your phone may think it should play alarm audio over Bluetooth headphones, for example, preventing it from coming through the iPhone speaker.
Outdated Apps
If apps like Clock aren’t updated after an iOS update, incompatibilities can occur causing crashes or strange behavior like alarms not working.
Incorrect Alarm Settings
Updating your iPhone can sometimes reset apps and change settings. Double check your alarms are set properly for time, AM/PM, repeat days, etc.
Apple Watch Conflicts
Using an Apple Watch alongside your iPhone can cause problems if the watch is in mute or do not disturb modes, blocking its ability to alert you.
How to Fix iPhone Alarm Not Working After an Update
Follow these troubleshooting tips to resolve issues with your iPhone alarm after updates:
- Verify Alarm Settings
Open the Clock app and check all of your alarms. Make sure the time is correct along with the AM/PM setting. Also confirm repeat/recurring days are properly set if needed. Edit alarms to fix any incorrect settings.
- Check Apple Watch
If you use an Apple Watch, check it is not in mute, silent, do not disturb, or theater modes as these can block alarms. Disable these modes in the Apple Watch Settings app if enabled.
- Increase Alarm Volume
Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and turn up the “Ringers and Alerts” volume slider. This controls alarm volume. Consider disabling “Change with Buttons” so volume buttons don’t affect alarm volume.
- Pick Better Alarm Sound
Try using a louder alarm sound in the Clock app. Some options are louder than others and may work better to wake you up.
- Disable Bluetooth
Make sure your iPhone isn’t connected to any Bluetooth headphones or speakers when the alarm goes off, as audio could be routed through them instead of the iPhone speaker. Turn Bluetooth off and back on to disconnect devices.
- Restart Your iPhone
Restart your iPhone to clear any software glitches. Hold down the Side button and a volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds and turn your phone back on.
- Update Apps and iOS
Update your iPhone system software and apps like Clock to see if that fixes any bugs affecting alarms. Use Software Update in Settings for iOS updates. Check the App Store for app updates.
- Try a Different Alarm App
Download a third party alarm app from the App Store instead of using the default Clock app, like Alarmy or Loud Alarm Clock. See if that provides better reliability.
- Adjust Sleep Settings
The Health app’s sleep schedules can conflict with alarms. Go to the Health app > Sleep > Full Schedule and Options to edit or delete sleep settings if they are interfering with wake up times.
Still having issues? Contact Apple Support for help troubleshooting your iPhone alarm problems if you can’t resolve them yourself using the steps above.