Set a Custom Vibration Alert for a Contact on iPhone

You can create custom sounds and ringtones for text alerts, phone calls, and more on your iPhone, but did you know the same functionality exists for vibrations? Setting a special vibration alert for someone in your Contacts app enables you to recognize when a specific person is calling you or has sent you a text, without you even having to look at your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ screen.

Receiving a haptic alert for incoming calls and/or messages can be handy to have if, say, you're in a quiet environment and don't want to disturb the peace. A custom vibration alert can be useful if your iPhone is on silent in your pocket and you're currently in a meeting, for instance. Recognizing the vibration as someone specific means you can decide if you need to leave the room to take the call.

Follow these steps to set up a custom vibration for the person you have in mind.

How to Assign a Custom Vibration to a Contact

1. Launch the Contacts app on your iPhone.
2. Select a contact from the list.
3. Tap Edit in the top-right corner of the screen.
   
   

4. Tap Ringtone or Text Tone, depending on what your vibration to be associated with.
5. Tap Haptics.
6. Select a custom vibration under the Standard list, or tap Create New Vibration under Custom. If you chose the latter, tap the screen to create a vibration pattern, and when you're happy with it, tap Save.
   
   

7. Tap Ringtone or Text Tone in the top-left corner of the screen to go back.
8. Tap Done in the top-right corner of the screen.
9. Tap Done again.

Did you know that you can assign custom alert tones for WhatsApp contacts? Check out our guide to learn how.