iOS 26.1 Alarm Change Sparks User Confusion, But a Fix Exists

A new iOS update has left many iPhone users fumbling for their alarms. Apple’s iOS 26.1 changed how you turn off your morning alarm from the Lock Screen. The familiar tap-to-stop button is gone, replaced by a slide gesture.This design shift aims to prevent accidental dismissals. Many people have turned off their alarm completely when they only meant to hit snooze. The change forces a more deliberate action first thing in the morning.

How to Revert to the Old Alarm Stop Button

You are not stuck with the new slider if you do not like it. Apple provides a simple toggle to bring back the single-tap Stop button. The setting is buried in the Accessibility menu.Open the Settings app and tap on “Accessibility.” Next, select “Touch” under the Physical and Motor heading. At the bottom of this menu, you will find the “Prefer Single-Touch Actions” toggle. Switch it on.The change takes effect immediately for your next alarm. This setting reverts the interface to the previous design. You can always switch back to the slider by turning the toggle off.

Wider Push for Refined User Interactions

This alarm tweak is part of a broader effort to refine the iOS experience. According to Bloomberg, Apple is continuously adjusting interface elements based on user feedback and usage data. Small changes like this can have a big impact on daily routines.For now, users have a clear choice. They can adapt to the new, more deliberate slide gesture. Or they can quickly restore the old tap button with a few taps in Settings.

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The iOS 26.1 alarm update offers a choice between convenience and prevention of mistakes, putting user preference back in their own hands.

Info at your fingertips

Why did Apple change the alarm button in iOS 26.1?

The change was made to reduce accidental alarm dismissals. The slide gesture is a more deliberate action than a simple tap, making it harder to turn off your alarm by mistake when you meant to snooze.

How do I get the old tap-to-stop alarm button back?

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch. Then, toggle on “Prefer Single-Touch Actions.” Your next alarm will feature the classic Stop button instead of the new slider.

Does this change affect the snooze function?

No, the snooze function remains unchanged. You can still tap the snooze button on the Lock Screen to get a few more minutes of sleep.

Will this setting affect any other parts of my iPhone?

Enabling “Prefer Single-Touch Actions” primarily affects the alarm interface in the Clock app. It is not known to significantly alter other system-wide gestures or app behaviors.

What if I change my mind and want the slider back?

You can easily switch back. Just return to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and toggle off the “Prefer Single-Touch Actions” option. Your alarm will then use the slide gesture again.