There are many ways to set an alarm on your Android phone. Some are faster than others. Whether you need to set a timer while cooking or want to set up a morning alarm, your Android phone has you covered. This guide shows how to set an alarm using the Clock app that's preinstalled on many Android phones and other methods for setting an alarm quickly.
You can follow this guide on any Android phone. If you don't have your phone to hand, you can set a reminder on your Wear OS smartwatch even without Wi-Fi or data. Don't have a smartwatch? Many of our favorite smartwatches are available for budget-friendly prices.
How to set an alarm using the Clock app
Clock is preinstalled on many Android devices and offers several nifty features. These include time displays from any time zone, stopwatch and timer options, and a sleep routine assistant. It also houses a sleek alarm tool.
Here's how to set an alarm using the Clock app:
- Open the Clock app.
- Tap Alarm in the lower-left corner.
- Tap the + button near the bottom.
- Select the desired alarm time, then tap OK.
Setting an alarm this way is a one-off process. It doesn't repeat after it rings. You can adjust the alarm or cancel it after creating it.
How to customize an existing alarm in Clock
The Clock app's alarm customization features are simple yet effective. You can use your favorite song as the alarm sound or schedule it for later in the week, among other useful options.
- Open the Clock app and tap Alarm in the lower-left corner to open the alarm page.
- Tap the previously set alarm time on the left side and adjust as needed.
- Tap the oval button across from the set time to toggle the alarm on and off.
- Tap the down/up arrow in the upper-right corner to open and close the drop-down menu.
- Tap Add label to give the alarm a name, then tap OK to save.
- Select which days of the week you want to schedule the alarm.
- Tap the bell icon to open the alarm sound options.
- Choose the alarm sound from the Clock's options, your sounds, or other compatible apps (for example, Spotify, YouTube Music, or Pandora).
- Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner for more apps or to get Help.
- Tap Vibrate to toggle alarm vibration.
- Tap Google Assistant Routine to open the Google Assistant options.
- Choose from various Google Assistant actions (tap + Add action to see more options), then tap Save.
- Tap the three dots to display the activity controls or to get Help.
- Tap Delete to delete the alarm permanently.
You've set your alarm to sound at the right time in the right way. If you aren't satisfied, check out the other alarm apps.
What are some alarm alternatives?
The Clock app is the most straightforward way to set an alarm quickly on your Android phone, but plenty of alternative options exist. For example, many of the alarm apps on the Play Store offer more features, ranging from sleep tracking to scheduling routines. You can also set alarms with your voice. We walk you through the quickest ways to set an alarm without using the Clock app.
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Standard alarms on the Android Clock app
Clock is one of the best pure alarm tools. However, some third-party options can do the job. Most apps have the same basic features as Clock while striving for unique designs and creative alarm strategies.
Search for Alarm in the Play Store and scroll past Clock to start your search. Some displayed apps have features like wake-up missions, while others focus more on visual customization. Most of these alarm apps have paid premium versions and require additional permissions.
Use routines and voice prompts to keep on task
If you need features geared toward daily routines, various apps can organize and prompt your important personal habits. Google Assistant and Google Tasks are great tools that integrate with Clock. Some decent third-party options exist, but Assistant shines the brightest because of its uniquely helpful Assistant Routines component.
This feature prompts you to begin and complete scheduled regimens, guiding you through them as needed. Knowing how to use Google Assistant Routines is a good call, no matter which alarm tool you choose. The cherry on top is that you don't have to pay for Assistant's complete toolbox.
You can also set an alarm with your voice through Google Assistant. Say, "Hey, Google, set an alarm for..." to set an alarm. Google Assistant repeats the time to you to confirm when the alarm will ring.
Use Google Fit, your Nest Hub, or an app in the Play Store for more options and features
The Clock app's bedtime routine assistant isn't bad, but it isn't the gold standard. Other tools often track your sleep cycles. Some wait for the perfect moment to wake you up. Most of these alternative tools require a monthly subscription or one-time purchase.
Google Fit and Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) can function together as a complete sleep-tracking system. Nest Hub includes alarm and sleep-tracking features, while Google Fit provides more detailed sleep analysis. The main downside is that Nest Hub's alarm doesn't wake you during lighter sleep cycles.
If you're a chronic alarm snoozer, explore third-party sleep trackers that include smart alarms in the Play Store. Many third-party options offer free limited versions. Several can be paired with Google Fit.
Set alarms with ease and never wake up late again
The range of alarm options on your Android phone lets you set alarms in the best way for you. If the default alarm sounds don't suit your taste, set your Spotify music as an alarm.
