An iPhone vibrates for calls, texts, and alerts by default, even when the ringer is on. If the buzzing is distracting, rattles on a desk, or wakes someone up, you can turn it off only when the ringer is on, only in silent mode, or everywhere. The settings differ a little between older iPhones like the iPhone 7 (iOS 15) and newer models on iOS 17 or later, so this guide covers both, plus how to stop vibration for specific apps.
Quick Answer
iPhone 7 (iOS 15): go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and turn off Vibrate on Ring and Vibrate on Silent. iOS 17 and later: go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Haptics and choose Never Play. To block all vibrations, including emergency alerts, turn off Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Vibration.
Turn Off Vibration on iPhone 7 (iOS 15 and Earlier)
- Open Settings.
- Tap Sounds & Haptics.
- Under Vibrate:
- Turn off Vibrate on Ring to stop buzzing when the ringer is on.
- Turn off Vibrate on Silent to stop buzzing when the Ring/Silent switch is set to silent.
Turn Off Vibration on iOS 17 and Later
- Open Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
- Tap Haptics.
- Choose one:
- Always Play — vibrate in ring and silent modes.
- Play in Silent Mode — vibrate only when silent.
- Don’t Play in Silent Mode — vibrate only when the ringer is on.
- Never Play — no vibration for calls and alerts.
This applies to iPhone models that support iOS 17 or later, including the iPhone 14 and newer.
Turn Off All Vibrations (Accessibility)
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
- Turn off Vibration.
This disables every vibration on the iPhone, including those for earthquake, tsunami, and emergency alerts. Use it only if you’re sure you don’t need them.
Stop Vibration for Specific Things
- A single alert type: in Sounds & Haptics, tap Ringtone, Text Tone, or another alert, tap Haptics (or Vibration) at the top, and choose None.
- One contact: open the contact, tap Edit > Ringtone or Text Tone > Haptics/Vibration > None.
- Keyboard taps: Sounds & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback, turn off Haptic (iOS 16 and later).
- System haptics: turn off System Haptics in Sounds & Haptics to stop the small taps when you use switches and controls.
- Third-party apps: many apps (messaging, games) have their own vibration setting inside the app.
Use Focus or Do Not Disturb Instead
If you only want silence at certain times, turn on Do Not Disturb or a Focus from Control Center. Calls and notifications are silenced (no sound or vibration) except for people and apps you allow.
Troubleshooting
- Still vibrating after turning settings off: check that the specific alert tone isn’t set to its own vibration pattern, and check app settings.
- Can’t find Vibrate on Ring: you’re on iOS 17 or later; use the Haptics menu instead.
- No vibration at all when you want it: make sure Accessibility > Touch > Vibration is on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off vibration save battery?
Slightly. The vibration motor uses a small amount of power, so the difference is minor.
Will my alarm still vibrate?
Alarms follow the alarm’s own sound settings. Edit the alarm in the Clock app and set Sound > Haptics to None if you don’t want vibration.
Can I make my iPhone vibrate only, with no ringtone?
Yes. Flip the Ring/Silent switch (or use the Action button on newer models) and keep vibration on in silent mode.
Summary
- iPhone 7: Settings > Sounds & Haptics, turn off Vibrate on Ring and Vibrate on Silent.
- iOS 17+: Sounds & Haptics > Haptics > Never Play.
- Turn off Accessibility > Touch > Vibration to block everything.
- Set individual tones or contacts to None for finer control.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.