Apple has changed the way you turn off alarms on your iPhone with iOS 26.1, and your morning routine may need adjusting as a result. By default, the Clock app now requires a swipe to stop an alarm from the Lock screen, replacing the previous touch-based pause button that was redesigned in iOS 26.The snooze feature still works with a simple tap, but turning off an alarm completely requires the extra swipe.
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The change appears to be designed to prevent accidental deactivations when you try to reach your phone in the morning. By requiring a more deliberate action, it is less likely that you will silence the alarm when you want to snooze. If you don’t like the change, you can restore the alarm interface to the previous Pause button by following these steps.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Under the “Physical and Kinetic” section, tap Touch.
- Scroll to the bottom of the menu and enable the Prefer Single-Touch Actions.
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The change will take effect the next time you set an alarm. If you want to revert to sliding, simply disable the Prefer Single-Tap Actions option. This change has caused mixed reactions from users. Some appreciate the extra security the new feature provides, as it reduces the chance of the alarm being accidentally disabled. Others, however, find the sliding gesture less convenient, especially when they are half-asleep and trying to wake up.
Apple often experiments with new features and user interfaces to improve the user experience. The ability to change the alarm behavior through accessibility settings shows that the company takes into account the different needs and preferences of its users. It is important to note that this capability can be especially useful for people with motor difficulties, as it offers more options for customizing the device to their needs.
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Overall, the change in iOS 26.1 is an example of how Apple tries to balance ease of use with error avoidance. While it may take a little time for users to get used to the new feature, the ability to customize the alarm interface is a welcome addition for many.
