Secret Codes guide
Sound Recognition on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Have your iPhone notify you when it hears a doorbell, alarm or siren. Sound Recognition listens continuously for specific sounds and sends you a notification when it hears one. The catalogue includes alarms, doorbells and knocks, sirens, appliances and a crying baby, and the sound models download to the device the first time.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Have your iPhone notify you when it hears a doorbell, alarm or siren. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Have your iPhone notify you when it hears a doorbell, alarm or siren. 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 Sound Recognition?
Sound Recognition listens continuously for specific sounds and sends you a notification when it hears one. The catalogue includes alarms, doorbells and knocks, sirens, appliances and a crying baby, and the sound models download to the device the first time.
On current iOS the path is Settings, Accessibility, Sound & Name Recognition, Sound Recognition. Apple folded the older standalone Sound Recognition item into that combined menu, which also covers your iPhone responding to its name. After turning it on, tap Sounds and switch on only the ones you care about.
Adding it to Control Centre is the practical move, because you will want it on at home and off in public. Apple is clear that it should not be relied on in circumstances where you may be harmed or in high risk situations.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility, then tap Sound & Name Recognition.
- Tap Sound Recognition and turn it on, then wait for the sounds to download.
- Tap Sounds and turn on only the ones you want to be alerted to.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. The Sound & Name Recognition grouping is the current iOS 26 wording; on iOS 17 it is Settings, Accessibility, Sound Recognition. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Background Sounds
- App Privacy Report
- Live Captions On Calls
- Significant Locations And Routes
- Hearing Devices And Hearing Aid Compatibility
- Location Services For System Services
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Sound Recognition on iPhone?
Have your iPhone notify you when it hears a doorbell, alarm or siren. Sound Recognition listens continuously for specific sounds and sends you a notification when it hears one.
What else should I know about Sound Recognition?
The catalogue includes alarms, doorbells and knocks, sirens, appliances and a crying baby, and the sound models download to the device the first time. On current iOS the path is Settings, Accessibility, Sound & Name Recognition, Sound Recognition.
What are the steps for Sound Recognition?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Accessibility, then tap Sound & Name Recognition. 3. Tap Sound Recognition and turn it on, then wait for the sounds to download. 4. Tap Sounds and turn on only the ones you want to be alerted to.
Where do I find Sound Recognition?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Sound Recognition?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Sound Recognition work on?
It is published for any iPhone. Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. The Sound & Name Recognition grouping is the current iOS 26 wording; on iOS 17 it is Settings, Accessibility, Sound Recognition.
Does Sound Recognition work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Sound Recognition work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Sound Recognition 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 Sound Recognition?
Background Sounds. Steady ambient noise that keeps playing under calls and media.
What else is in this category?
App Privacy Report. See which apps touched your microphone, contacts and network, and when.
Can I find Sound Recognition in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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