What iOS 27’s New Volume Controls Do
The new iOS 27 volume control feature lets you set independent volume levels for alarms, alerts, and ringtones, replacing the old single Ringtone and Alerts slider so you can fine-tune how loud each type of sound is on your iPhone without them affecting one another. For years, iPhone users have had to choose between being startled by a loud alarm or missing calls and notifications because everything shared the same volume. iOS 27 changes that by adding three separate controls: one for ringtones, one for alarms and timers, and one for alerts and system sounds. This brings iPhone closer to what Android users have enjoyed for a long time, giving you more precise control over noise, focus, and privacy. You can mute notification sounds while keeping your phone and alarm loud enough to notice.
Where to Find the New iPhone Volume Settings
To start using separate alarm volume and independent notification volume, you need to be running the iOS 27 Developer Beta or a later release that includes this feature. Once installed, open Settings and tap Sounds & Haptics. According to PCMag, this screen previously showed a single Ringtone and Alerts slider, but iOS 27 can expand this into three separate sliders: Ringtone, Alarms and Timers, and Alerts and System Sounds. If you do not see multiple sliders yet, do not worry—you unlock them with a toggle in the next step. For now, remember that these controls live in the same familiar place as before, under Sounds & Haptics, so you can keep managing your iPhone volume settings without hunting through new menus.
How to Unlock Separate Alarm, Alert, and Ringtone Volumes
On the Sounds & Haptics screen, look for the option labeled Match Ringtone Volume. This setting controls whether alarms and alerts follow your ringtone level or use their own. To enable separate sliders, turn Match Ringtone Volume off for Alarms and Timers and for Alerts and System Sounds. Once disabled, iOS 27 reveals individual sliders under each section, so you can set a louder ringtone for calls, a moderate alarm, and very quiet or muted alerts. According to Mashable, users who prefer a single unified slider can keep the toggle on instead of splitting their controls. This flexibility means you can choose between the old behavior and the new granular setup, depending on how much control you want over each sound type on your iPhone.
Fine-Tuning Your Alarm and Wake Up Volumes
With the new sliders active, drag the Ringtone control to adjust incoming call volume, and use Alarms and Timers to set how loud standard alarms and countdown timers will sound. The Alerts and System Sounds slider controls notification sounds, system chimes, and similar audio. PCMag notes one important detail: the Alarms and Timers slider does not change the Sleep Schedule or Wake Up alarm created through the Health-linked sleep settings. That Wake Up alarm already has its own volume control. To adjust it, open the Clock app, go to Alarms, tap Change under Sleep/Wake Up, then scroll to Sound & Haptics and move the dedicated volume slider there. This way, your morning alarm, everyday alarms, and alerts can all use different, carefully tuned volume levels.
Why Independent Volume Control Matters
Independent volume control in iOS 27 is a small change with big everyday benefits. You can mute notification sounds during meetings or focused work sessions without risking missed phone calls or a silent alarm the next morning. You can keep alarms loud enough to wake you while setting a lower ringtone for calls, and keep system sounds unobtrusive throughout the day. Mashable highlights that this is a “long-desired iPhone volume control feature” that Android users have had for years, so many people will be familiar with how useful it feels. Combined with existing Sleep/Wake Up alarm controls, iOS 27 volume control gives you granular sound customization that fits your schedule, your environment, and your tolerance for noise far better than the old all-in-one slider.
