iPhone repeatedly making unwanted tones in the background

What makes my phone tone every few seconds? If I’m on another app, it keeps toning in the background. I don’t know how to stop it. For instance, it keeps toning while I was writing this question. It’s very annoying! I enjoy a coloring app for the peacefulness, and the constant toning is so very distracting. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Posted on Nov 8, 2026 12:57 PM

1 reply

Mac Jim ID

Level 10 (105,996 points)

Nov 8, 2026 1:10 PM in response to jeani161

Check and see if you have a Shortcut installed on your phone that is doing it. Go to the Shortcuts app and check under All Shortcuts for any unknown shortcut or one that you recognized as being added recently.

There a quite a few "pranks" on Social Media where users are convinced to download a Shortcut or another user will share a Shortcut with you. They may have told you that it did something different and is causing the tones you are hearing. The one that was widely circulating recently on Social Media made a "moo" sound at certain intervals, but they can be used to create any sound they wish.