Level 6 (10,138 points)

iPhone SE (3rd generation) timer alarm silent when locked on iOS27

(repeated from another Apple forum)

I have an iPhone SE, 3rd generation. After updating to iOS27, if I use the (legacy) timer when the phone is locked, the alarm does not sound at the end of the countdown. The timer works correctly, but does not produce a sound when it's completed.

The Timer does sound when the phone is unlocked, but not when it's locked. I need to use the timer with the phone locked because it is the only way to get the big repeat button when the timer is done. (image below) I need the large repeat button when doing repeated timed exercises. I've done a forced restart but the problem persists. The timer sounds correctly on my partner's 16e, so it seems like it just an SE problem or just a problem with my phone. Does it work correctly for others with an SE?I've checked Settings -> Apps -> Clock -> Notifications -> Banner/Sounds -> Alerts -> Lock Screen is enabled, and Banner Style set to -> Persistent.

Assuming this is a bug, I will leave feedback for Apple, but is there also any value to going to an Apple store and demonstrating the problem to an Apple Genius?

Posted on Sep 23, 2026 8:46 PM

2 replies

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Sep 24, 2026 4:05 AM in response to bobjbkln

Hi there

Please try this

Check New iOS 27 Volume Settings: iOS 27 introduced separate volume controls and a "Match Ringtone Volume" toggle under Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Double-check that your separate timer/alarm volume slider is turned up.

Disable Attention Aware Features: Some users find that Face ID or attention-aware settings interfere with lock-screen alerts. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Face ID & Attention and toggle off Attention Aware Features

bobjbkln Author

Level 6 (10,138 points)

Sep 24, 2026 9:13 PM in response to WheelieNick

Thanks for your help. I tried your suggestions but they did not fix the problem. My responses interspersed.

Check New iOS 27 Volume Settings: iOS 27 introduced separate volume controls and a "Match Ringtone Volume" toggle under Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Double-check that your separate timer/alarm volume slider is turned up.

Yes, everything is set correctly. Tried both with "set manually' and "match ringtone volume". I even turned on the toggle for "Lock Sound" which I think has nothing to do with this, but it made no difference. The sound does work fine when phone is not locked so I don't think it was any of those settings.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Face ID & Attention and toggle off Attention Aware Features This option does not exist under Accessibility on the SE3. (Nor is there a Touch ID and Attention).

So I guess it is a BUG. Would still like a report either way from someone else with an SE3.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256363840