Many people struggle to wind down at night, even when they’ve tried everything from warm tea to late-night stretching. But one iPhone feature has quietly helped thousands ease into sleep—and most users don’t even know it exists. With just a few taps, “Background Sounds” turns your phone into a soothing sleep aid.

This built-in tool offers a range of calming soundscapes and can play even while other apps are active. Whether you're at home or away, it creates a peaceful environment without extra gadgets.

Discovering the Power of Background Sounds

Apple’s “Background Sounds” feature lives within the iPhone’s Accessibility settings. It includes several ambient audio options—such as rain, ocean waves, stream, fire, and balanced noise—that mimic the effect of a white noise machine.

Image generated by Canva AI | iPhone users sleep better just by turning on a sound feature hidden in their settings.

Unlike external devices, this feature doesn’t require any additional downloads or hardware. Users can adjust volume levels, control playback, and layer sounds over other media, which makes it flexible for more than just sleep.

How to Turn It On and Customize It

Anyone with iOS 15 or later can access the tool easily. Here’s how to activate and personalize it:

Open Settings > Control Center > Tap “Add a Control” > Scroll to the Hearing section > Add Background Sounds to your Control Center

Once added, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen. Tap the three-note icon, select a sound (such as ocean or rain), and adjust the volume. Many users prefer the ocean setting for its repetitive and consistent wave pattern.

For extra control, open the settings within Background Sounds. You can:

1. Choose whether the sound plays over other media
2. Enable playback even when your phone is locked
3. Adjust volume independently of other apps

This turns the iPhone into a simple, effective sound machine that travels wherever you go.

One Drawback Worth Considering

Image generated by Canva AI | Avoid nighttime sound breaks by changing your call settings first.

Despite its usefulness, Background Sounds isn’t perfect. If your phone is set to “Sleep Mode,” it might allow select calls in case of emergencies.

Here’s something that’s thrown off a few users: even a spam call—yes, one of those endless unknown numbers—can stop the audio in its tracks. The sound won’t return until the call ends, leaving you in silence mid-sleep or mid-relaxation.

If you’re sensitive to those kinds of disruptions, consider setting up “Do Not Disturb” and fine-tuning which calls get through. A few taps in your settings might save your night.

Why This Matters for Better Sleep

Apple's Background Sounds is a popular choice for people who want to enhance their sleep without spending a lot of money because of its ease of use. Its customizable settings, easy access, and sound variety make it a surprisingly powerful wellness tool hiding in plain sight.

As sleep continues to affect daily performance and mental clarity, having a no-fuss tool like this available at your fingertips matters. While not every phone feature delivers, this one quietly helps people drift off—and stay asleep.

With the right settings and sound selection, iPhone’s Background Sounds can turn restless nights into peaceful sleep. It offers control, calm, and convenience—without costing a dime. That’s one tech trick worth keeping close, especially when rest feels out of reach.