Waking up to birdsong can be a lovely way to start your day. Birdsong alarms provide a gentle and natural alternative to jarring beeps or buzzes. For iPhone users, getting birdsong alarms is easy with just a few adjustments to your iPhone’s native Clock app or by downloading an alarm app dedicated to birdsong. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through multiple methods to set up soothing birdsong alarms on your iPhone.
Use the Built-In Clock App
The simplest way to get birdsong alarm sounds on your iPhone is to use the built-in Clock app. Here’s how:
Step 1: Add Birdsong Audio Files to iPhone
First, you’ll need to add birdsong audio files to your iPhone. You can find free birdsong audio downloads online. Be sure the files are in MP3 or M4A format for compatibility.
Once you’ve downloaded the birdsong files you want, connect your iPhone to your computer. Open iTunes and sync the audio files to your iPhone’s music library.
Alternatively, you can use a cloud storage service like Dropbox to upload the birdsong files. Then open the Dropbox app on your iPhone and save the files to the iPhone.
Step 2: Set Birdsong as Alarm Sound
Next, open the Clock app and create a new alarm. Tap the “Sound” option to change the alarm sound.
This will bring up your iPhone’s audio files. Navigate to the birdsong file you synced and select it.
You can also select a playlist if you synced multiple birdsong files and want a different song each morning.
Step 3: Adjust Alarm Settings
Customize other alarm settings like time, label, snooze option, and repeat days. Make sure your iPhone’s ringer is turned on high enough to wake you up.
When your alarm goes off, your selected birdsong will play instead of the default jarring iPhone alarm noise.
Download a Birdsong Alarm App
If you want more customization and features for your birdsong alarm, consider downloading a specialized birdsong alarm app. Here are some top options:
Forest – Nature Sounds
Forest offers high-quality nature sounds and background noise to help you focus, relax, or sleep.
The app includes over 50 different birds from around the world, from songbirds to raptors and waterfowl. You can mix and match different birds to create your ideal morning chorus.
Other features include:
– Adjustable timers for alarms or sleep sounds
– Volume fading option for gentle wake up
– Works offline after files are downloaded
Songbird Alarm Clock
As the name suggests, Songbird Alarm specializes in realistic birdsong. With over 50 songbirds to choose from, you can create your own custom dawn chorus.
The app allows you to:
– Set multiple alarms with different birdsong
– Adjust volume, tempo, and interval between bird calls
– Record your own alarm sound or import audio
– Wake to different bird songs each day
Nature Sounds Relax and Sleep
This app includes high-quality nature recordings from around the world. Birdsong options include skylark, finch, owl, dove, and more.
In addition to alarm sounds, the app provides ambient nature backgrounds like ocean waves, rain, and forest. These can help you relax, focus, or fall asleep.
Other features:
– Mix and save custom soundscapes
– Timer and volume controls
– Graphic animation to go with sounds
– Audio collections available for download
Use Third-Party Alarm Apps
Don’t want to download a whole new app just for birdsong? Many general alarm clock apps allow you to set custom sounds from your media library.
Some top options:
Alarm Clock Xtreme
This fully customizable alarm app is available for both iPhone and Android. To set a birdsong alarm:
1. Import your birdsong files into the app’s alarm music library.
2. Create a new alarm and select the “Alarm Music” tab.
3. Pick your preferred birdsong track.
You can set snooze, volume fading, and other alarm features. The app also offers handy extras like weather reports with your alarm.
Sleep Cycle
Sleep Cycle combines an alarm clock with sleep tracking. To use birdsong:
1. Sync your audio files to the phone.
2. In the alarm settings, tap “Sound” and select your birdsong.
The smart alarm will wake you at the optimal time based on your sleep stage. The app provides sleep data and analysis.
I Can’t Wake Up!
This creative alarm app makes you complete tasks like math problems or memory games to turn off the alarm. You can choose your own audio or music.
Import birdsong files, then select as your alarm tone. To disable the alarm, you’ll need to shake the phone vigorously or complete the required wake up challenge.
Troubleshooting Birdsong Alarm Issues
While birdsong alarms are usually straightforward to set up, you may encounter a few technical issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Birdsong File Isn’t Showing Up
If your birdsong audio file isn’t appearing as an option for your iPhone alarm sound, try re-syncing the file or moving it to a different folder. The file may need to be saved directly in your Music library rather than a playlist.
Alarm Sound Reverts to Default
Sometimes the iPhone alarm will revert back to the default System Sound. To fix, open your alarm settings and re-select your birdsong file. Make sure your iPhone is updated and restart it if needed.
Alarm Volume Too Low
Check that the birdsong file itself is loud enough to wake you. Also verify the alarm volume slider and your iPhone ringer volume are both turned up high. Connect the phone to a speaker if needed to amplify the sound.
Birdsong Stops Playing
If your selected birdsong stops playing partway through the alarm, try a file in a compressed format like MP3. Extend the alarm duration in settings to give the full birdsong time to play. Or set the alarm to play a birdsong playlist rather than just one file.
Alarm Goes Off at Wrong Time
Double check that you’ve set the alarm for the correct time and day. The volume buttons on the side can sometimes accidentally set off the alarm, so make sure they are not pressed inadvertently.
Best Practices for Birdsong Alarms
Follow these tips to choose the most pleasant and effective birdsong alarm for your needs:
Pick Birds With Short, Repeated Songs
Birds like chickadees, kingfishers, bobolinks, and whip-poor-wills have short song patterns that repeat frequently. These work better than long, complex songs you’ll sleep through.
Use a 5-15 Minute Recording
Looping a short birdsong can get annoying. Find a longer 5-15 minute recording to simulate a chorus of birds waking at dawn. Fade in the volume over time for a gradual wake-up.
Mix Morning Bird Sounds
Look for variety in your birdsong alarm. Having different bird voices makes it sound more like a natural outside chorus.
Avoid Predatory Bird Calls
While crows or hawks may sound cool, their threat calls can stimulate fight-or-flight. Stick to gentle songbirds.
Install Near a Window
Placing your phone speaker near a window helps the sound resemble real outdoor birdsong. Your brain associates the sounds with dawn light.
Conclusion
Waking up to the sounds of nature can start your day off feeling refreshed and reconnected. With just a little preparation, iPhone users can easily set up pleasant birdsong alarms. Just find suitable birdsong audio files and designate them as your custom alarm tone in the Clock app or a third-party app. With the techniques in this guide, you’ll look forward to waking up to your own natural avian chorus. Sweet dreams and good morning!
