Reminder guides · Checked 12 September 2026

How to make an iPhone reminder ring on Silent mode

On iOS 26.2 or later, Apple Reminders can schedule an alarm when you mark a reminder as urgent. Nudge Monster also offers optional system alarms through Monster mode. An ordinary notification and an alarm are different ways to get your attention.

Start with the option already on your iPhone

In Apple Reminders, open a reminder’s details, set its date and time, and enable Urgent. Apple says these alarms work with Silent mode and Focus. They sound on the device used for your Find My location. Check your iOS version if this option is missing.

Choose a Monster alarm in Nudge Monster

Create a reminder, select Monster mode, and allow alarm access when iOS asks. This permission is separate from permission for ordinary notifications. You choose the mode for each reminder, so an alarm can be reserved for a small number of tasks.

The free plan includes Monster mode on three reminders at a time. Pro removes that limit. Nudge Monster also brings live countdowns and birthday reminders into the same app.

Test the complete setup

1. Create a harmless reminder a few minutes ahead.
2. Confirm the date, time, and selected mode before locking your phone.
3. Try the Silent mode or Focus setting you normally use.
4. Check that you hear the alarm and understand how to dismiss it.

If the alarm does not sound, check that the reminder uses Monster mode and that alarm access is enabled. A working ordinary notification does not prove that alarm permission is enabled. Use the support page for the current troubleshooting steps.

Which reminder deserves an alarm?

Choose something where an interruption is useful: leaving for an appointment, moving laundry, or making a call. Keep less urgent tasks quieter. The useful test is whether the reminder helps you act without making every small task feel urgent.