Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- You can set any song from your Apple Music library or locally stored music as your iPhone alarm tone
- Setting a song as your alarm is easy – just go to Clock app > Alarm > Pick a Song
- Using a favorite song as your alarm can help you wake up in a better mood compared to jarring default tones
As an expert in Apple product guides and an avid music lover, I understand the importance of waking up to pleasant sounds that put you in a good mood for the day ahead. The default iPhone alarm tones like “Radar” can be jarring and unpleasant, causing an abrupt spike in stress hormones that’s not an ideal way to start your morning.
Fortunately, iOS allows you to customize your alarm sound and use any song from your Apple Music library or locally stored music as your wake-up tone. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to set a song as your iPhone alarm, as well as share some tips for choosing the perfect wake-up track.
Setting a Song as Your iPhone Alarm
Setting a song as your iPhone alarm is a straightforward process that takes just a few taps. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Clock app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the “Alarm” tab at the bottom.
- Either tap on an existing alarm or the “+” icon to create a new one.
- Tap on “Sound.”
- Scroll down and tap on “Pick a Song.”
- Browse your Apple Music library or locally stored music and select the song you want to use as your alarm.
- Tap on the song to preview it, then tap “Save” in the top right corner.
- Ensure the alarm is set for the desired time and days, then tap “Save” again.
That’s it! The next time your alarm goes off, it will play the song you selected instead of the default tone.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find the “Pick a Song” option, make sure the song you want to use is downloaded to your iPhone. Apple Music streaming songs cannot be used as alarms – the song must be stored locally on your device.
Choosing the Perfect Wake-Up Song
Not all songs are created equal when it comes to being an effective and pleasant alarm tone. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect wake-up song:
Start Mellow, Build Energy: Opt for a song that starts relatively mellow and gradually builds energy and volume. This allows you to wake up gently instead of being jolted awake by loud sounds. Classical pieces or songs that build from a soft intro are ideal.
Positive Lyrics/Mood: The lyrics and overall mood of the song can impact how you feel when you wake up. Choose an upbeat, positive song with motivating lyrics to put you in a good mindset for the day.
Personal Favorites: While you may get sick of a song if you use it as your alarm for too long, choosing a personal favorite song you love can make waking up a little easier and more enjoyable.
Avoid Jarring Sounds: Steer clear of songs that have jarring sounds, sudden volume spikes, or abrupt transitions that could startle you awake. Gentle is better than harsh when it comes to alarm tones.
Some examples of good wake-up songs include:
- “Good Day Sunshine” by The Beatles
- “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
- Classical pieces like Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” or Vivaldi’s “Spring”
Additional iPhone Alarm Tips
To get the most out of using a song as your iPhone alarm, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Set a Gentle Vibration: In addition to the song, you can set your iPhone to vibrate by tapping “Vibration” when editing the alarm. Choose a gentle vibration pattern like “Morning Rhythm.”
- Use an Upbeat Playlist: Can’t decide on just one song? Create an upbeat playlist in Apple Music and set the alarm to play the playlist on shuffle each morning.
- Adjust Alarm Volume: Make sure your alarm volume is set appropriately – not too loud to be jarring, but not too soft that you risk sleeping through it.
- Snooze With Caution: While the snooze function is tempting, oversleeping can start your day rushed and frazzled. Use snooze sparingly if at all.
With a little time invested in finding the perfect wake-up song and customizing your iPhone alarm settings, you can start each day in a better mood and with more energy. Don’t settle for the default jarring tones – use your favorite music to ease into your morning routine.
