Secret Codes guide
Background Sounds on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 3 min read
Quick answer
Steady ambient noise that keeps playing under calls and media. Background Sounds plays rain, ocean, stream or noise variants continuously to mask distracting environmental sound. It is at Settings, Accessibility, Audio & Visual, Background Sounds. The chosen sound downloads to the iPhone the first time.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Steady ambient noise that keeps playing under calls and media. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Steady ambient noise that keeps playing under calls and media. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Background Sounds?
Background Sounds plays rain, ocean, stream or noise variants continuously to mask distracting environmental sound. It is at Settings, Accessibility, Audio & Visual, Background Sounds. The chosen sound downloads to the iPhone the first time.
The setting that makes it useful rather than annoying is Use When Media Is Playing, which lets you set a lower background level while something else is playing. There is also a Volume slider and, in iOS 26, an Equalizer, a Tone choice between Broad and Focused, a Balance slider and a timer so the sound stops on its own.
Add it to Control Centre if you want to reach it quickly. It is a hearing accessibility feature but works just as well as a general focus tool.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility, then tap Audio & Visual.
- Tap Background Sounds and turn it on, then tap Sound to pick one.
- Set Use When Media Is Playing so it drops in volume under calls and music.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. The Equalizer and timer options are new in iOS 26. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Live Captions On Calls
- Sound Recognition
- Hearing Devices And Hearing Aid Compatibility
- App Privacy Report
- Flash For Alerts
- Significant Locations And Routes
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Background Sounds on iPhone?
Steady ambient noise that keeps playing under calls and media. Background Sounds plays rain, ocean, stream or noise variants continuously to mask distracting environmental sound. It is at Settings, Accessibility, Audio & Visual, Background Sounds. The chosen sound downloads to the iPhone the first time.
What else should I know about Background Sounds?
The setting that makes it useful rather than annoying is Use When Media Is Playing, which lets you set a lower background level while something else is playing.
What are the steps for Background Sounds?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Accessibility, then tap Audio & Visual. 3. Tap Background Sounds and turn it on, then tap Sound to pick one. 4. Set Use When Media Is Playing so it drops in volume under calls and music.
Where do I find Background Sounds?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Background Sounds?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Background Sounds work on?
It is published for any iPhone. Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. The Equalizer and timer options are new in iOS 26.
Does Background Sounds work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Background Sounds work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Background Sounds does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Background Sounds?
Live Captions On Calls. Real time on-screen transcription of what the other person is saying.
What else is in this category?
Sound Recognition. Have your iPhone notify you when it hears a doorbell, alarm or siren.
Can I find Background Sounds in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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