A soothing environment for a fussy baby can be hard to create when sleep is scarce. A new look at a familiar method shows that iPhone users can turn their device into a customizable white noise machine using Background Sounds, a feature Apple built into iOS a few years ago. The option has evolved, with new sounds added over time and more options on the horizon.
What Background Sounds offer
– The feature originally arrived with iOS 15, providing several ambient options you can loop, from natural sounds like rain, stream, and ocean to variations of white noise (bright, balanced, and dark).
– In 2024, Apple expanded the library by adding two more sounds—night and fire—and there are hints that future updates (including beta versions of iOS 26) may bring even more options like rain on a roof and babble reminiscent of a busy café.
– The goal remains simple: create a calming audio backdrop that can help soothe a crying baby and give caregivers a brief moment of respite.
How to enable Background Sounds on your iPhone
– Open Control Center.
– Tap the plus sign in the top left, then tap Add a Control near the bottom.
– Add the Hearing control (ear icon) to Control Center.
– In Control Center, tap the Hearing control, then tap the musical notes next to Background Sounds to turn the feature on. You can also select Background Sounds to open a menu and choose a different sound or adjust the volume.
Using Accessibility Shortcuts to control Background Sounds
– Go to Settings.
– Tap Accessibility.
– Tap Accessibility Shortcut.
– Tap Background Sounds.
– Now three taps of the side button will toggle Background Sounds on or off, making it quick to respond without navigating menus.
More control over your soundscape
– Open Settings, then Accessibility, then Audio & Visual, and select Background Sounds.
– Use the Background Sounds toggle to turn the feature on, and choose a sound under Sound.
– Adjust additional options:
– Use When Media Is Playing: keep Background Sounds active even when video or music is playing.
– Stop Sounds When Locked: stop the sounds when your device locks (disable this if you want them to continue playing in the background).
Practical tips for caregivers
– Try different sounds to see what soothes your baby best. While rain and ocean are popular, personal preference matters, and newer options like night and fire can offer a comforting variety.
– Use the feature in combination with other soothing techniques (gentle rocking, feeding, swaddling) and create a calm routine.
– Be mindful of volume. Start softly and increase gradually if needed to avoid overstimulation.
Why this matters
– Turning an iPhone into a customizable white noise device minimizes the need for additional gadgets, offering a simple, portable way to create a soothing environment for a baby and a short break for caregivers.
– The ongoing expansion of the sound library—along with quick-access controls—make it easier to tailor the acoustic setting to individual preferences and situations, whether at home or on the go.
Summary and outlook
With Background Sounds, iPhone users have a flexible, easy-to-use tool for soothing babies and reclaiming a moment of calm. As Apple continues to refine and expand the feature in newer iOS updates, more sound options and refined controls could further enhance the effectiveness of ambient audio as part of a soothing bedtime or soothing routine.
Additional note
If you’re exploring this for the first time, start with a gentle sound such as rain or ocean at a low volume and observe how your baby responds. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how quickly a baby settles down and how rested you feel afterward. Positive, practical steps like this can help maintain a healthier routine for the whole household.