Why Are My Alarms So Quiet, and How Do I Fix the Issue?

We all know the feeling of: you’re going to get a good night’s rest as you have to get up early in the morning but the thought of not ringing your alarm may disturb your sleep. It’s frustrating to rely on your alarm that is not ringing properly or the sound is too low to wake you up on time. Well, you’re not alone in this case. The only thing that you need to do to come out of this scenario is to understand why are my alarms so quiet.  

In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons why your alarm is too quiet and how to fix the issue. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to ensure your alarm is loud enough to wake you up every time. 

1- Volume Setting: Check Your Alarm Volume

Wondering why are my alarms so quiet on my Android and iPhone? The most obvious reason is the unfavourable volume settings. Many phones and devices have separate volume controls for different functions, including media, ringtones and alarms. It is easy to assume that your alarm is using the same volume setting as your ringer or media sounds, but it may not. 

How to fix it:

Check your alarm volume settings and make sure it is turned up to an appropriate level. 

2- Using Low-Pitch Tone

Another reason when you can think about why are my alarms so quiet on my Android and iPhone is the alarm ringtone you’re using. Low-pitched sounds, like a deep tone or melody, can be much harder to hear and wake you up from sound sleep. 

How to fix it: 

Switch your alarm tone to a higher-pitched sound or a more jarring noise like a bell, siren, or chime. 

3- Phone or Device is in Silent mode

If your alarm is quiet or isn’t going off at all, one of the things you can check is DND mode. Many people use silent or DND mode to avoid being distracted during meetings and doing important tasks, but forget to switch off before bed. So if you’re concerned about why are my alarms so quiet, cross check the mode of your mode.  

How to fix it: 

Make sure your Device is not on silent or DND (Do Not Disturb) mode before setting an alarm. However, DND only silent calls, not alarm tone, different smartphones may have different settings. 

4- Background Nose: You’re Sleeping Too Deeply

One of the reasons when you might wonder why are my alarms so quiet is that you’re sleeping too deeply. If you’ve been sleep-deprived or are a particularly heavy sleeper, the sound of the alarm may not affect your sleep cycle. This is especially true when you’re habituated to sleeping in a noisy environment. 

How to fix it: 

If you’re a deep sleeper, consider using an aggressive alarm tone on high volume. Another thing you can do is to keep your phone far from your bed, which increases the chances of waking you up. 

5- App or Software Issues

Sometimes, the problem may lie with the app or software you’re using to set your alarm. Bugs or glitches in the clock could prevent your alarm from ringing at the correct time, or it might cause the volume to be lower than expected. Updates and compatibility can also affect the functionality of the alarm. 

How to fix it: 

Check the app or software before setting an alarm, especially third-party alarm apps. If the problem persists, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. 

Stop worrying about why are my alarms so quiet as now you know the problems and solutions. Check out your settings and wake up at a time in the morning. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my phone’s battery affect the alarm volume?

Yes, a low battery can affect your alarm volume. It may not have enough power to produce the alarm sound. Make sure your phone is charged before setting an alarm for the next morning. 

How can I make my alarm louder?

Adjust the volume on your Device and in the app (if using a third-party app). Additionally, choose a higher-pitched, more jarring alarm sound. You can also use vibration in combination with sound to deliver a stronger signal. 

I’m a heavy sleeper – what is the best way to wake up on time?

Try a few things: place your alarm farther from your bed so you have to get up in the morning to switch it off. Use a more jarring alarm ringtone with vibration. Additionally, you can use a wake-up light that gradually increases the light in your room to simulate a sunrise. 

Is Apple having issues with the alarm?

No actually. The technical issue can occur at any time on any phone, whether Android or iPhone.