How to use Sleep Music Alarm

Set your first alarm, pick a sound and stop method, and run a one-minute test.

Updated November 5, 2026iPhone · English · Detailed settings

01

Add an alarm

Tap Alarm at the bottom of the screen, then tap the + button in the lower right. The Add Alarm screen opens.

The empty alarm list with an add button in the lower right.
Tap + to add an alarm.
02

Set the alarm time

Set the time with the picker at the top. The example shows 6:30 PM. Leave Set a Specific Date off and leave weekdays unselected to create an alarm that rings once.

If you want to reduce daytime battery use, you can skip the weekly repeat and turn on the next morning’s alarm before bed. See daytime battery use.

The time picker at 6:30 PM with no specific date or weekdays selected.
Choose the time you want the alarm to ring.
03

Choose how to stop the alarm

Check that Stop Methods is set to Simple for your first alarm. Tap that row to choose a different stop method, or set a Snooze interval if you want the alarm to ring again.

Stop Methods set to Simple, Snooze set to None, and AlarmKit Assist on.
Start with Simple. Set Snooze to None if you do not need it.
04

Pick an alarm sound

Turn on Sound Files Playback. Under One Selection, tap the sound name to open the sound library. Tap a sound to select it and return to the alarm settings.

This example uses Beep. If you want to hear an alarm sound, choose a sound other than Silent.

To wake up to music, follow the YouTube setup or Apple Music setup.

The built-in sound list with Beep selected.
Tap a sound to select it, or use its play button to preview it.
05

Save and test the alarm

Tap Save in the upper right. When the Saved screen appears, tap Test in 1 Minute to try the sound, volume, and stop method. The test rings in about a minute and keeps your saved alarm time.

Tap Back to list if you want to test later.

If you see Before Turning On the Alarm with a notification request, tap Continue, then Allow on the iPhone prompt.

On iOS 26 or later, you may also see a prompt to enable AlarmKit Assist if it is off. Review the prompt before continuing.

The Saved screen with Test in 1 Minute and Back to list buttons.
Use Test in 1 Minute from the Saved screen.
06

Check that the alarm is on

In the alarm list, confirm the time and check that the switch is on. A one-time alarm turns off after you stop it. If you want to use it again, check its time and switch before bed.

A 6:30 PM alarm with its switch on.
Check the alarm time and switch.

Before bed

  1. Check tomorrow’s alarm
    Open the app and check the time, sound, and switch.
  2. Leave the app running
    You can lock your iPhone. Avoid swiping the app away in the app switcher.
  3. Test how you plan to use it
    If you sleep with your iPhone locked, lock it during the test and check the sound and volume.
  4. Set a backup sound
    If you use YouTube or Apple Music, add a sound file for times when music playback fails.

Still need help? Contact us with a description of the issue and your iOS and app versions.