Where to find vibration settings on your iPhone
Vibration settings live in the Settings app under Sounds & Haptics (on newer iPhones) or Sounds (on older models). Open Settings, scroll down, tap the option for sounds, and you will see toggles and sliders for different types of vibration. The exact names and options shift slightly between iPhone models and iOS versions, but the location is always in this same menu.
You can also reach vibration controls from Settings > Accessibility > Touch if you want to adjust how your phone vibrates for accessibility reasons — for instance, making vibrations stronger or adding haptic feedback to keyboard taps.
Key Takeaways
- Vibration settings are in Settings > Sounds & Haptics, where you can turn vibration on or off for calls, texts, and notifications.
- You can set different vibration patterns for different contacts by creating a custom vibration in Contacts, then assigning it to that person.
- Silent mode (the physical switch on the side of your iPhone) mutes sound but usually still allows vibration unless you turn it off in settings.
- Haptic feedback — the subtle taps you feel when you type or interact with the screen — is separate from vibration and can be adjusted independently.
Turning vibration on or off for calls and texts
Open Settings > Sounds & Haptics. You will see a toggle labeled Vibrate on Ring and another labeled Vibrate on Silent. The first controls whether your phone vibrates when someone calls while the ringer is on. The second controls whether it vibrates when the physical mute switch (on the left side of your iPhone) is in the silent position.
If you want vibration for calls but not for notifications, turn on Vibrate on Ring and leave Vibrate on Silent off. If you want vibration only when your phone is silent, do the opposite. You can also turn both off if you prefer no vibration at all.
Creating a custom vibration pattern for a specific contact
Open the Contacts app and select the person you want a custom vibration for. Tap Edit in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Vibration (you may need to scroll further to find it). Tap Create New Vibration.
Tap the screen in a rhythm to create your pattern — tap fast, slow, or in any sequence you want. When you are done, tap Stop, then tap Play to hear it back. If you like it, tap Save and give it a name like "Mom" or "Work". Now whenever that contact calls or texts, your phone will vibrate in that pattern instead of the default one.
This works only for calls and texts from that specific contact. Notifications from apps will still use the default vibration pattern.
Adjusting haptic feedback separately from vibration
Haptic feedback is the subtle tapping sensation you feel when you type on the keyboard, tap buttons, or interact with the screen. It is separate from vibration for calls and texts. To adjust it, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and look for Haptic Strength or System Haptics.
You can usually choose between Off, Weak, Medium, or Strong. If you find keyboard taps distracting, turn haptics off. If you want stronger feedback when you interact with the screen, move the slider up. Some people like haptics on for typing but off for notifications, so experiment to find what feels right for you.
How the mute switch affects vibration
The physical switch on the left side of your iPhone controls the ringer, but it does not automatically control vibration. When you flip the switch to silent (you will see an orange line), the ringer turns off but vibration continues — unless you have turned off Vibrate on Silent in settings.
This is useful if you are in a meeting and want your phone to alert you silently. It is also why some people are surprised their phone still vibrates even though they switched it to silent. If you do not want any alerts at all — no sound and no vibration — you need to both flip the mute switch and turn off Vibrate on Silent.
Troubleshooting when vibration is not working
If your iPhone is not vibrating when you expect it to, check three things first. One: make sure Vibrate on Ring or Vibrate on Silent is actually turned on in Settings. Two: check that the mute switch is not in silent mode if you are expecting vibration while the ringer is on. Three: restart your phone by powering it off and back on, which often fixes temporary glitches.
If vibration still does not work, your phone may have a hardware issue with the vibration motor. You can test this by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and tapping the volume slider up and down — you should feel a small vibration with each tap. If you feel nothing, the motor may need repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have vibration on for calls but off for text messages?
Not with the built-in settings — vibration for calls and texts is controlled by the same toggle. However, you can create a custom vibration pattern for specific contacts and set it to a very subtle pattern, or you can use Do Not Disturb to silence texts while allowing calls through with vibration.
Why does my iPhone vibrate even when the mute switch is on?
Because Vibrate on Silent is turned on in your settings. If you do not want vibration when the mute switch is active, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and turn off Vibrate on Silent.
Does turning off haptics save battery?
Slightly, but not enough to notice in daily use. Haptic feedback uses very little power. If you turn it off, it is usually because you find it distracting, not for battery reasons.
Can I set different vibrations for different apps?
Not directly through settings. You can only create custom vibrations for individual contacts in your Contacts app. For app notifications, you are limited to the default vibration pattern, though you can turn vibration off for specific apps in Settings > Notifications.