Sound and haptics
System haptics and vibration
Most people call this the taps and buzzes you feel.
System Haptics controls the small taps you feel when using the interface, separately from vibration for calls and alerts.
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 16 and later
- Settings
- Sounds & Haptics
- System Haptics
What it does
System Haptics covers the interface feedback when you flick a picker or toggle a switch. Vibration for ring and alerts is set separately, as is whether haptics continue in Silent Mode.
What changes
When it is on
The phone taps back as you use the interface.
When it is off
Interface feedback stops. Calls and alerts still vibrate.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Interface feedback makes controls feel more precise.
- Useful confirmation for anyone who cannot see the screen clearly.
Good reasons to turn it off
- The Taptic Engine uses battery every time it fires.
- Constant small vibrations are irritating to some people.
Battery
Helps
Privacy
No real change
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: On.
Questions people actually ask
- How do I stop my keyboard vibrating?
- Settings, then Sounds and Haptics, then Keyboard Feedback, and turn off Haptic.
If it is not working
- Keyboard feedback is a separate switch inside Sounds and Haptics.
- Vibration for calls has its own setting and is not affected by System Haptics.
- Vibration under Accessibility, then Touch, disables all vibration including emergency alerts.