Sound and haptics
Background Sounds
Most people call this continuous calming sound to mask distractions.
Your iPhone can play rain, ocean, stream or noise sounds continuously in the background to mask distractions or help you concentrate.
Available
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 15 and later
- Settings
- Accessibility
- Audio & Visual
- Background Sounds
What it does
The sound keeps playing under other audio, at a volume you set relative to media. It can stop when the screen locks, or keep going.
What changes
When it is on
A chosen sound plays continuously.
When it is off
No background sound.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Masks tinnitus and office noise.
- Helps with sleep and concentration.
- No app or subscription needed.
Good reasons to turn it off
- It uses battery while playing.
- Accidentally left on, it drains the phone overnight.
Battery
Costs you something
Privacy
No real change
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: Off.
What your iPhone needs
- Needs iOS 15 or later
Questions people actually ask
- Does the iPhone have a white noise feature?
- Yes. Accessibility, then Audio and Visual, then Background Sounds.
If it is not working
- Add it to Control Centre through the Hearing tile for quick access.
- Use When Media Is Playing to keep it under music or a podcast.
- Stop Sounds When Locked prevents it running all night by accident.