Calendar Alerts Not Loud Enough? Check These iPhone and Android Settings

Start With the Reminder App

First confirm that the event appears in the calendar account connected to the app, that the correct calendar is enabled, and that a reminder is set. If Callendar is involved, check Google Calendar connection and sync status as well as the alert option for the event.

A calendar notification and an alarm-style alert use different system features. Changing one volume slider may not affect the other.

On iPhone

• Open Settings → Notifications and check that the relevant calendar or reminder app is allowed to notify you.
• Review the app’s sound and alert style. Focus can silence or limit notifications depending on your settings.
• If the app uses Apple AlarmKit, confirm that alarm access was granted. Apple notes that AlarmKit authorization is required before its alarms can be scheduled; see the AlarmKit guide.
• Check the volume and sound you use for alerts, then run a test reminder.

On Android

• Open Settings → Apps → the calendar or reminder app → Notifications. Check the relevant notification channel, sound, and importance; labels vary among manufacturers.
• Review Do Not Disturb and notification volume settings.
• If the app schedules exact alarms, check its “Alarms & reminders” special access. Android notes that users can grant or revoke this access; see Android’s alarm guide.
• On Android 14 or later, check whether the app is allowed to use full-screen alerts. See Android 14’s full-screen intent guidance.

Test in Your Usual Phone State

Create a test event with the lead time you plan to use. Keep the phone in its normal work mode, including the usual sound, Focus, or Do Not Disturb settings. Confirm when the alert appears, whether it makes sound, and whether the meeting link opens.

Callendar offers call-style reminders for Google Calendar events. Actual behavior can vary by device, operating-system version, permission, and plan. A test is the best way to check your setup.