Noise Meter
How loud is it here, and is that OK? En español
Noise Meter shows the sound level around you as one big number, a colour and a plain answer, like "Very loud: harmful after about 2 hours". Start a session to keep the reading on your Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island, then see a summary when you stop.
Contact
Questions, problems or ideas: use the contact form and mention Noise Meter. We read every message.
What the colours mean
| Harmful | 100 dBA and up | Under 15 minutes |
| Very loud | 85–100 dBA | 8 hours at 85, 15 minutes at 100 |
| Loud | 70–85 dBA | Safe for a working day |
| Normal | 40–70 dBA | Safe all day |
| Quiet | Under 40 dBA | Safe all day |
Safe times follow the NIOSH guideline used for workplaces: 85 dBA for 8 hours, and half as long for every 3 dB louder.
Common questions
How accurate is it?
A phone microphone gives an estimate, usually within a few dB of a real meter, and it can read low above about 100 dBA. Noise Meter is not a certified sound level meter. Keep the bottom of the phone uncovered: a thick case or a pocket makes it read low.
Does it record me?
No. It measures the sound level only. It never records or keeps any sound, and no sound or level leaves your phone.
How do I get the reading on my Lock Screen?
Tap Start a session, then lock the phone. The reading shows on the Lock Screen and, on iPhones that have one, in the Dynamic Island. If it doesn't appear, open Settings → Noise Meter and turn on Live Activities.
The microphone is off. How do I turn it on?
Open the iPhone Settings app → Noise Meter → turn on Microphone.
The app says "Paused".
Another app, Siri or a call is using the microphone. Noise Meter starts measuring again on its own when it is free.
Are my sessions saved?
Not yet. The summary shows when you stop a session; tap Share to keep a copy before you close it.