With the release of iOS 18, Apple has upgraded the Control Center, introducing powerful features to enhance your iPhone or iPad experience. One standout addition is the improved Background Sounds feature, particularly the new Fire sound, which has quickly become a favorite for boosting focus and productivity. In this guide, we’ll show you how to access and use this feature, based on the latest updates as of April 15, 2025.
What Are Background Sounds in iOS 18?
Background Sounds is an accessibility feature in iOS that plays ambient noises to help you focus, relax, or mask unwanted sounds. While it’s been available since iOS 15, iOS 18 added two new sounds—Night and Fire—bringing the total to eight. These sounds are perfect for creating a calming environment, whether you’re working, studying, or unwinding.
The Fire sound, in particular, has gained popularity for its soothing crackling effect, ideal for deep focus. Unlike the new ambient music feature in iOS 18.4, Background Sounds focuses on natural and white noise options, not music playlists.[]
How to Add Background Sounds to Control Center
Accessing Background Sounds is easy with the Control Center. Follow these steps to add the toggle:
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone or iPad (or up from the bottom on older models).
- Long-press anywhere on the screen to enter editing mode.
- Tap the “Add a Control” button.
- Scroll to the “Hearing Accessibility” section and select “Background Sounds.”
- Drag the toggle to your preferred spot in Control Center and tap outside to save.
Once added, tap the Background Sounds icon to turn it on or off, or long-press to choose a sound and adjust settings.[]
Exploring the Fire Sound and Other Options
iOS 18 offers eight ambient noises in Background Sounds:
- Balanced Noise
- Bright Noise
- Dark Noise
- Ocean
- Rain
- Stream
- Night
- Fire
The Fire sound, introduced in iOS 18, mimics the crackling of a campfire, creating a cozy and focused atmosphere. Users report it’s especially effective when paired with noise-canceling earbuds like AirPods Pro 2 for tasks like writing or studying. Long-press the Background Sounds toggle to select Fire or any other sound and adjust the volume with a dedicated slider.[]
Custom Settings for Background Sounds
Apple has made Background Sounds highly customizable. Here are some key options:
- Volume Slider: Adjust the sound’s volume independently of your device’s main volume.
- Play with Media: Enable this to keep Background Sounds playing alongside music, podcasts, or videos, with a separate volume slider for media playback.
- Stop When Locked: Choose whether sounds stop when your device locks to save battery or continue playing.
These settings make the feature versatile for different scenarios, like working in a noisy café or relaxing at home.[]
Why the Fire Sound Stands Out
The Fire sound has become a top choice for many users due to its unique ability to create a focused yet calming environment. Unlike other sounds like Rain or Ocean, which some find inconsistent, Fire delivers a steady, rhythmic crackle that’s perfect for deep work. Recent posts on X highlight its popularity, with users praising its addition to Control Center for quick access.
Research supports the benefits of ambient sounds, suggesting they can reduce stress and improve concentration in distracting environments. The Fire sound, in particular, has been noted for setting a productive mood without being overwhelming.[]
Latest Updates (Last 10 Hours as of April 15, 2025)
As of April 15, 2025, the Background Sounds feature, especially the Fire sound, is trending among iOS 18 users. A recent article from 9to5Mac highlights how the Fire sound has become a daily go-to for many, surpassing other Control Center toggles in usage. Social media posts on X also mention its seamless integration with Control Center, making it easier to activate during work or study sessions. No new sounds or updates to Background Sounds have been reported in the last 10 hours, but its accessibility and effectiveness continue to drive interest.[]
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Background Sounds and Ambient Music in iOS 18.4?
Background Sounds offers natural and white noise options like Fire and Rain, while Ambient Music in iOS 18.4 provides curated music playlists for moods like Productivity or Sleep.[]
Can I use Background Sounds with other apps?
Yes, enable the “Use When Media Is Playing” option to play sounds alongside music, videos, or podcasts
How do I access Background Sounds without Control Center?
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Background Sounds to enable and customize the feature. You can also set an Accessibility Shortcut by triple-clicking the side button.[]
Tips for Using Background Sounds
To get the most out of the Fire sound and other Background Sounds:
- Use noise-canceling earbuds for an immersive experience.
- Customize the volume to blend with your environment.
Conclusion
The iOS 18 Background Sounds feature, with its new Fire sound, is a game-changer for anyone looking to boost focus or create a calming atmosphere. Its easy access via Control Center and customizable settings make it a must-try for iPhone and iPad users. Whether you’re working, studying, or relaxing, the Fire sound could become your new favorite Control Center toggle. Have you tried it yet? Share your thoughts in the comments!