Background Sounds on the iPad with iPadOS 17 or older

How to Turn Your iPad into a SOOTHING Sound Machine in Seconds!

Today I’m excited to show you how to use background sounds on your iPad, specifically with iPadOS 17 or older. Background sounds can help create a calming atmosphere, which is especially useful if you enjoy some ambient noise while reading, meditating, or simply relaxing. Whether it’s the gentle patter of rain, the soothing hum of dark noise, or other ambient sounds, having these options can significantly enhance your iPad experience. Let’s dive into how you can easily access and customize these sounds to suit your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Access Background Sounds

1. Open the Settings App:

   First, locate and tap on the Settings app on your iPad’s home screen. This is where you can manage all your iPad’s settings.

2. Navigate to Accessibility:

   Within the Settings app, scroll down and find Accessibility. Tap on it to open the accessibility settings. This section contains various features designed to assist users with different needs.

3. Go to Audio/Visual:

   Under the Accessibility settings, scroll to the Hearing section. Here, you’ll find an option labeled Audio/Visual. Tap on it to access audio and visual enhancements.

4. Find Background Sounds:

   In the Audio/Visual settings, you’ll see the Background Sounds option. Tap on this to explore the background sound settings.

5. Select Your Sound:

   Now, you can choose which background sound you’d like to hear. Tap on the sound to select it. Options may include various types of ambient noise such as rain, ocean, and more.

   • Adjust the Volume: Use the slider to set the volume of your chosen background sound to a comfortable level.
6. Additional Settings:
   • Play While Media is Playing: If you’d like the background sound to continue while you’re listening to music or watching videos, toggle this option on.
   • Stop Sounds When Locked: Choose whether the background sounds should stop when your iPad is locked by toggling this option.

Easier Access Through Control Center

Accessing background sounds through the Settings app can be a bit cumbersome. Luckily, there’s an easier way using the Control Center. Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Customize Control Center:

   Go back to the Settings app.

   • Scroll down and tap on Control Center.
   • Tap on the green plus sign (+) next to Hearing to add it to your Control Center. This adds a shortcut for easy access.
2. Use Control Center:

   To open the Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPad’s screen (if your iPad has Face ID). For older models, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

   • You’ll see an icon shaped like an ear. Tap on it to access background sounds.
   • From here, you can easily:
     • Turn on Background Sounds: Tap the ear icon to start playing your selected background sound.
     • Change the Sound: Tap to choose a different background sound.
     • Adjust the Volume: Use the volume slider to set the perfect level.
     • Access Settings Quickly: Tap on Background Sound Settings to jump directly to more detailed settings without going through the main Settings app.

Quick Tips

• Changing Sounds: Simply tap on the ear icon in the Control Center and select a new background sound from the list.
• Adjusting Volume: Use the slider within the Control Center to set the perfect volume level for your background sounds.
• Combining with Media: You can have background sounds play along with your music or videos by enabling the corresponding option in the settings.
• Quick Access to Settings: From the Control Center, tap on Background Sound Settings to quickly jump to more detailed settings.

Using background sounds can enhance your iPad experience, making it more pleasant and personalized. Whether you enjoy the sound of rain, prefer something like dark noise, or other ambient sounds, it’s all easily accessible with just a few taps. Give it a try and see how it can make your day a little more relaxing and enjoyable!

Stay tuned for more tips and guides for using your Apple devices. 😊