Ambient music is a great way to create a relaxing or focused atmosphere on your iPhone or iPad. With the introduction of the Ambient Sound feature in the Control Center, Apple has made it easier to access calming sounds like rain, ocean waves, and more. These sounds can help you concentrate, sleep better, or simply unwind after a long day.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Ambient Music from Control Center on your iPhone and iPad. Whether you’re new to the feature or just want to explore how to set it up, this step-by-step guide will help you enjoy soothing sounds anytime.
How to Use Ambient Music in Control Center on iPhone and iPad
1. Ensure You’re Running the Latest iOS or iPadOS Version
Ambient Music is available on iPhones and iPads running iOS 15 or later. To make sure you have access to this feature, update your device to the latest iOS or iPadOS version.
- Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. - Check for Updates
Tap General > Software Update and follow the instructions to download and install any available updates.
2. Add Ambient Sounds to Control Center
Before using ambient music in Control Center, you need to make sure it’s added to your Control Center for easy access.
- Open Settings
Go to the Settings app. - Go to Control Center
Scroll down and tap Control Center. - Customize Controls
Tap Customize Controls (on iPhones and iPads with earlier versions of iOS) or simply toggle on the Ambient Sounds option (on iOS 15 or later). If you have an older iOS version, tap the + sign next to Ambient Sounds under the “More Controls” section. - Rearrange Controls
Once added, you can also reorder how the controls appear in Control Center by dragging the items in the Included Controls section.
3. Access Ambient Sounds from Control Center
Once you’ve added Ambient Sounds to your Control Center, it’s easy to access them whenever you need them.
- Open Control Center
- On iPhone X or later, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
- On iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the Ambient Sounds Icon
Look for the Ambient Sounds icon, which looks like a small circle with a wave pattern inside. Tap it to start playing calming sounds.
4. Choose an Ambient Sound
Once Ambient Sounds is activated, you can choose from a variety of relaxing sound options. Here are the available sounds:
- Rain – A soft rain sound that can help you relax or focus.
- Ocean – The sound of ocean waves crashing against the shore.
- Stream – A gentle stream or river sound for a calm, natural vibe.
- Night – A soothing sound perfect for sleep, with sounds like crickets and a soft breeze.
- Bright Noise – A neutral sound that can help with focus or sleep.
To switch between these options, tap the Ambient Sounds icon again in Control Center and select the sound you prefer.
5. Adjust the Volume of Ambient Sounds
To get the right level of ambient sound for your environment, you can adjust the volume directly from Control Center.
- Adjust the Volume
Use the volume slider in Control Center to adjust the sound to your preference. You can also adjust the volume through the volume buttons on your device or using Siri by saying, “Set volume to 50%.”
6. Turn Off Ambient Sounds
When you’re done listening to ambient sounds, turning them off is simple:
- Tap the Ambient Sounds Icon Again
In Control Center, tap the Ambient Sounds icon once more to stop the sound from playing. - Close Control Center
Swipe up or down (depending on your device) to close Control Center after you’re done.
7. Use Ambient Sounds with Other Apps
You can use Ambient Sounds while listening to music or using other apps, but keep in mind that audio from other apps might override the ambient sounds. To enjoy them without interruption, turn off any other audio playback when using the ambient sounds.
- Play Music Simultaneously
If you want to play music along with ambient sounds, try using a music streaming app like Apple Music or Spotify alongside the ambient sound, but remember that the ambient sound volume will decrease when other audio is playing.
8. Use with Focus Modes (Optional)
If you’re using a Focus Mode on your iPhone (such as for studying, work, or sleep), you can combine the ambient sounds with your Focus settings to help create a better environment.
- Set Up Focus Mode
Go to Settings > Focus and choose a Focus mode. You can customize the mode to allow Ambient Sounds to play in the background while keeping notifications muted.
Why Ambient Music in Control Center is Helpful
Ambient music can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve focus. Whether you need a soothing sound to help you sleep, create a calm atmosphere, or stay productive while working, ambient sounds offer a versatile solution right from your device’s Control Center. Having easy access to these sounds on your iPhone or iPad makes it more convenient to enjoy relaxation or concentration at any time.
Final Thoughts on Using Ambient Music in Control Center
Using Ambient Music in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad is a simple yet effective way to enhance your environment with calming sounds. Whether for relaxation, sleep, or focus, this feature helps create the ideal atmosphere wherever you are. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily access and enjoy soothing ambient sounds at your fingertips.
