To launch the app, select Start and select Alarms & Clock from the app list or type its name into the search box.
Alarms and timers work even if the app is closed or your device is locked. If you see a warning that notifications only show if the device is awake, make sure your device doesn’t go to sleep (Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep to adjust your device’s sleep settings).
Keep your laptop or tablet plugged in and make sure the volume on your device is high enough to hear the alarm or timer.
To respond to an alarm, select Snooze, or Dismiss the alarm to stop it entirely.
If you need to change the time zone of your clock, go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time. Use the drop down menu under time zone to choose your preferred time zone.
Readers like you help support Android Police. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.What do early risers, bakers, and routine lovers have in common? They all know the value of a good alarm clock. If you ever need an alarm, several Android apps can help you. Look no further than Android's default app, Clock, which celebrated one billion downloads in 2021.
It's easy to customize your alarm using Clock. Many of the best smartwatches can help by sounding the alarm from your wrist. If you need something more specific, an alternative app might pique your interest. Let's cut to the chase; time is of the essence!
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How to set an alarm using Clock
Clock comes pre-installed on Android devices and offers several nifty features. These include time displays from any time zone, stopwatch and timer options, as well as a sleep routine assistant. It also houses a sleek alarm tool.
Follow these steps to set an alarm using Android's default app:
- Open the Clock app.
- Tap Alarm in the lower-left corner.
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- Tap the + button near the bottom.
- Select the desired alarm time, then tap OK.
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Congrats, you've set an alarm! For now, it activates only once using the default settings. You can always customize alarms after you've set them.
How to customize an existing alarm in Clock
Clock's alarm customization is 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.
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- 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.
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- 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 Clock's options, your sounds, or other compatible apps (for example, Spotify, YouTube Music, or Pandora).
- Tap the triple dots in the upper-right corner for more apps or to get Help.
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- 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 triple dots for activity controls or to get Help.
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- Tap Delete to delete the alarm permanently.
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Now you've set your alarm to sound at the right time in the right way. If you're still not satisfied, check out some of the other alarm apps.
What are some alarm alternatives?
It could be that you don't like the default interface, or maybe you're seeking a more specific set of features. There are plenty of alternative options. Many of the alarm apps in the Play Store tick the same boxes as Clock, and some support additional features that range from sleep tracking to scheduling routines. In particular, several native apps aim to create a more holistic tool. You deserve a digital alarm setup that can do everything you need.
If you want to use a standard alarm
Clock is one of the best choices as far as pure alarm tools go. Still, some third-party options can do the job as well. Most apps have the same basic features as Clock while striving for unique designs and creative alarm strategies.
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Search Alarm in the Play Store and scroll past Clock to start your search. Some of the displayed apps have features like wake-up missions, while others focus more on visual customization. Most third-party alarm tools have paid premium versions and require additional permissions.
What about alarms for daily routines?
If you need features geared toward daily routines, you're in luck. Various apps can help to organize and prompt your important personal habits. Google Assistant and Google Tasks are great native tools that integrate with Clock. Although there are some decent third-party options, 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 probably a good call, no matter which alarm tool you choose. The cherry on top is that you won't have to pay for Assistant's full toolbox.
Alarms for sleep
Clock's bedtime routine assistant isn't bad, but it isn't the gold standard either. Other tools often track your sleep cycles, and 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 up during lighter sleep cycles.
If you're a chronic alarm snoozer, you may want to explore the deep list of third-party sleep trackers that tout smart alarms in the Play Store. Many third-party options offer free limited versions, and several can be paired with Google Fit.
Set alarms with ease
You won't need to feel alarmed the next time you encounter a time-sensitive issue. Say goodbye to those dreaded sleep-in mishaps and overbaked pies. You only need to grab your phone or the nearest Android device.
You can familiarize yourself with Google Assistant if you're thinking about using it. It's never a bad idea to investigate the many features made possible by smart devices.