How to Easily Check Noise Levels on Your iPhone

Checking noise levels around you can be very helpful for protecting your hearing and understanding your environment. Your iPhone has built-in features that make it easy to measure sound levels without extra gadgets. This guide will walk you through simple steps to check noise levels using your iPhone.

You’ll learn how to use native apps and settings before exploring more detailed options. Each step is explained clearly so anyone can follow along, even if you’re new to iPhones.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to quickly and accurately check noise levels anytime. This skill can help you stay aware of your surroundings and keep your ears safe.

Let’s get started with the easiest ways to check noise on your iPhone.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. This ensures you have the newest features and security.
• Noise level monitoring requires the built-in microphone, so avoid using headphones or external mics for these tests.
• The accuracy of sound measurements depends on the microphone’s condition, so keep your iPhone clean and free of obstructions.
• Some features may not be available on older iPhone models. Check your iPhone model if an option doesn’t appear.

Step 1: Use the Built-in Noise App in iOS Health

Apple includes a Noise app as part of the Health app designed to monitor environmental sound levels. Here is how to set it up and use it:

1. Open the Health app on your iPhone. This app comes pre-installed on all iPhones running iOS 14 or later.
2. Tap on the Browse tab at the bottom right corner of the screen. This will let you explore different health categories.
3. Find and select “Hearing” from the list. This section contains hearing-related data including noise levels.
4. Tap on “Environmental Sound Levels.” This will show you noise data recorded by your iPhone when you wear compatible headphones.
5. Enable Noise Notifications if available. This will alert you when noise levels reach potentially harmful levels.

Why this is important: The Health app lets you passively monitor sound exposure, helping you avoid long-term hearing damage caused by loud environments.

Step 2: Use the Control Center Noise Meter (If Available)

On supported iPhones, you can add a Noise meter directly to your Control Center for quick access.

1. Go to Settings > Control Center.
2. Scroll down and find “Hearing.” Tap the green “+” button to add it.
3. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center.
4. Tap the ear icon. This will display current noise levels in decibels (dB).

This method is great for quick checks without opening apps. It gives you real-time noise data right on your screen.

Step 3: Use a Third-Party Noise Meter App

If you want more detailed information, you can download noise meter apps from the App Store. Some popular free options include “Decibel X” and “NIOSH Sound Level Meter.”

1. Open the App Store.
2. Search for “decibel meter” or “noise level meter.”
3. Choose an app with good reviews and install it.
4. Open the app and follow its instructions to measure noise. Usually, it will use your iPhone’s microphone to display noise levels in decibels.

Why choose a third-party app? These apps often provide more precise measurements, graph history, and customizable alerts. However, keep in mind that accuracy may vary depending on the microphone quality.

Step 4: Use Voice Memos or Other Recording Apps as a Basic Check

If you don’t want to install any apps, you can use the Voice Memos app to record sound and get a rough idea of noise levels by listening back.

• Open the Voice Memos app.
• Tap the record button and capture the sound around you.
• Play back the recording to hear how loud the environment was.

This method doesn’t give you numbers but can be useful for informal checks if you just want to know if a place is quiet or noisy.

Advanced Option: Use External Microphones for More Accuracy

For professional or very accurate noise measurements, you can connect external calibrated microphones to your iPhone using the Lightning or USB-C port.

These devices are designed to capture sound precisely and often come with companion apps for detailed analysis.

Why is this useful? Built-in microphones are convenient but not always perfectly accurate, especially in very loud or very quiet environments. External microphones offer better sensitivity and calibration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I check noise levels without headphones?

Yes, you can use the iPhone’s built-in microphone to check environmental noise, but for accurate hearing exposure tracking, compatible headphones are recommended.

Is the iPhone noise meter 100% accurate?

The iPhone’s microphone is good for general use but not as precise as professional sound level meters. For everyday checks, it works well.

Will noise notifications work with any headphones?

Noise notifications work best with Apple’s AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and other supported headphones that can monitor sound exposure.

Can I export noise level data from the Health app?

Currently, noise data can be viewed in the Health app but exporting options are limited.

What is a safe noise level to listen to?

Noise levels below 70 decibels (dB) are generally safe for long durations. Anything above 85 dB can cause hearing damage over time.

When Nothing Works

If you cannot find noise level features or apps aren’t working properly, try these steps:

• Restart your iPhone to refresh system functions.
• Check for iOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
• Reset all settings if you suspect configuration issues (Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings).
• Visit the official Apple Support page for hearing and sound for detailed help.

Conclusion

Checking noise levels on your iPhone is straightforward with the built-in Health app and Control Center features. For quick monitoring, these tools provide useful insights to protect your hearing.

When you need more detailed measurements, third-party apps and external microphones are excellent choices. Remember to keep your iPhone updated and clean for best results.

By following the simple steps in this guide, you can easily stay aware of your sound environment and make healthier decisions about noise exposure.