Will My Alarm Go Off During a Call? iPhone Users Ask This Often

Ever been in the middle of a phone call and suddenly remember your alarm is about to go off? If you’ve asked yourself, “Will my alarm go off during a call on iPhone?” — you’re definitely not alone.

This question pops up all the time, especially for people juggling early morning alarms, reminders, and long chats. Let’s clear it up in plain, simple language.

Yes, Your Alarm Will Still Ring During a Call

Here’s the short answer: yes, your iPhone alarm will go off even if you’re on a call.

If you’re on a regular voice call:

• The alarm will still sound.
  
• It may ring a little softer, depending on your settings.
  
• If you’re using speaker mode, the person on the other end can probably hear it.
  

If you’re using AirPods or another Bluetooth headset, the alarm might play through your phone’s speaker instead of the headphones — which can be surprising if you’re in public.

What About FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom Calls?

Now, if you’re on a FaceTime call or using apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, or Instagram video:

• The alarm will still go off — loud and clear.
  
• It may briefly pause the audio or reduce the app volume.
  
• After the alarm ends, the call audio resumes normally.
  

This happens because iOS treats alarms from the Clock app as high priority. No app can fully block them.

Can the Other Person Hear My Alarm?

That depends on how you’re taking the call.

• Speakerphone: Yes, they’ll likely hear it ringing.
  
• Earphones/Bluetooth: Not always — it often rings through your phone speaker instead.
  
• FaceTime or app-based calls: They may not hear the actual sound, but they’ll notice a momentary audio glitch or silence.
  

Either way, it can be a little awkward — especially if the alarm name is something personal like “Doctor’s Appt” or “Water the plants.”

Does Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb Block Alarms?

Many people think Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode will silence alarms. They don’t.

• Alarms set through the Clock app still go off in any mode.
  
• However, third-party alarm apps (like Alarmy or Sleep Cycle) might act differently — sometimes they’re blocked by DND settings.
  

So if you have a critical alarm, the safest option is Apple’s built-in Clock.

iPhone vs. Android: Who Handles This Better?

Here’s a quick side-by-side:

Feature	iPhone	Android
Alarm during call	Always goes off	Usually goes off (varies by brand)
FaceTime/Video app alarms	Overrides app audio	Depends on app & phone
Alarm priority	Very high	Medium to high

iPhones are generally more consistent about making sure alarms always ring — even during calls.

Want to Prevent Alarms from Going Off During a Call?

If you’re jumping on a long meeting or sensitive phone call, and don’t want interruptions, here’s what to do:

1. Open the Clock app.
   
2. Go to the Alarm tab.
   
3. Slide the toggle off next to any alarm you don’t want ringing.
   

Or for a quick fix:

• Turn on Airplane mode (but this also ends active calls).
  
• Use a Reminder notification instead of an alarm — it won’t interrupt audio.

Handy Tips to Avoid Alarm Embarrassment

• Label your alarms clearly. Instead of “Alarm 2,” use “Feed the dog” or “Take pills.”
  
• Test it out with a friend. Make a call and let an alarm ring — see what happens with your setup.
  
• Use vibration only if you’re in a quiet room or live meeting.
  
• If your phone is on silent, the alarm still sounds — unless you turn it off manually.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether your iPhone alarm will go off during a call, now you know — it definitely will.

Apple makes sure alarms ring no matter what you’re doing, so you won’t miss anything important. Whether you’re deep in a FaceTime chat, on a work call, or listening to music, your iPhone alarm is built to break through.

Just remember to check your alarm times when you’re about to hop on a call — so it doesn’t surprise you (or your boss!).

FAQs