Does Android have a built in white noise machine?
White noise refers to a sound containing many frequencies with equal intensity. It is a type of background noise that can help mask other disruptive noises and promote better sleep. A white noise machine is a device that generates various white noise sounds to help block unwanted sounds in the environment so you can relax or fall asleep more easily.
People often use white noise while sleeping, studying, or working to help minimize distractions from erratic noises. The soothing, consistent sounds create a more stable auditory environment that encourages the brain to wind down. Research shows that white noise can improve sleep quality, increase focus, and provide other benefits for adults and babies.
Built-in White Noise on Android
Yes, Android does have a built-in white noise feature that can help users relax, fall asleep faster, or block out environmental sounds. This feature is included in the Clock app on Android phones from manufacturers like Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, and more. To access it:
1. Open the Clock app that comes pre-installed on your Android device.
2. Select the “Bedtime” tab at the bottom.
3. Tap on “Sounds” and you will see different white noise options like ocean waves, rain, fireplace, crickets, and more. There are usually 5-10 sounds to choose from.
Once you select a sound, you can play it and adjust the volume as needed. The sound will continue playing even if you exit the Clock app, until you go back and manually turn it off. This makes it easy to use the built-in white noise for sleeping, without having to keep the Clock app open (1).
The built-in white noise generator offers natural, high-quality sounds that can help cover up environmental noises that might disturb sleep. Taking advantage of this free, easy-to-use feature can promote better sleep and relaxation without having to download any third party apps (2).
Types of Sounds
There are several different types of white noise sounds available on Android devices:
- Rain – The gentle pitter patter of rainfall creates a soothing, steady background noise. Rain sounds can cover up distracting noises and make it easier to fall asleep.
- Thunder – For those who enjoy the drama of a thunderstorm, this white noise offers deep rumbles of thunder along with rain sounds.
- Waves – You can imagine ocean waves lapping against the shoreline with this peaceful white noise sound. The rhythmic whooshing of the waves provides a calming ambiance.
- Wind – The whispers of a gentle breeze rustling through trees produces relaxing white noise. This is often used to promote focus while working or studying.
- Fans/Air Conditioners – The steady hum of a fan is a familiar white noise sound that can help drown out bumps in the night. Variations include air conditioner and airplane noise.
- Static – The hissing sound of static from a radio or TV tuned to an empty channel is classic white noise. It helps cancel out random household noises.
Within these categories there are further options like light rain, tropical storm, oscillating fan, and so on. The range of white noise choices allows you to select the perfect soothing sounds for your needs.
Customization Options
One of the best features of Android’s built-in white noise is the ability to customize the sounds. Users can mix and match from over 20 high-quality sounds like ocean waves, rain, wind, and more to create their perfect customized mix.
The volume for each sound can be adjusted individually, so you can fine-tune the levels to suit your preferences. There’s also an overall master volume to control the complete mix.
Looping options allow you to set any sound to loop continuously or fade out after a duration you specify. This allows you to create combinations that slowly evolve over time for a more dynamic experience.
Additional handy features include separate left/right balance controls and the ability to save your favorite mixes for quick access later. The customizable nature makes Android’s white noise generator more versatile than most standalone machines.
As noted in this review, the extensive customization settings give users unmatched control compared to other white noise apps.
Benefits
Using Android’s built-in white noise can provide several benefits for sleep, focus, and tinnitus relief. Studies show that listening to white noise helps people fall asleep faster and improves sleep quality (Source:https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep/white-noise). The consistent ambient sound blocks out disruptive noises that can cause nighttime awakenings. It also reduces stress and promotes relaxation so you can drift off to sleep more easily.
In addition, the white noise sound can mask tinnitus symptoms and provide relief from ringing or buzzing in the ears (Source: https://www.sleepbetterny.com/pros-and-cons-of-using-white-noise-machines/). The neutral background noise makes the tinnitus less noticeable and distracting.
White noise may also improve concentration when working, studying, or reading. The steady ambient sound can drown out distracting noises that break focus. Some people find white noise helps them focus better in noisy environments.
Limitations
While Android’s built-in white noise feature offers a convenient way to access basic sounds, there are some limitations to be aware of.
First, the selection of sounds is relatively limited compared to a dedicated white noise machine or third-party app (Dailymail, 2020). The built-in sounds include whitenoise, brown noise, pink noise, and a few nature sounds like rain, ocean waves and wind. However, you cannot add custom sounds or access specialized audio content like binaural beats.
Another drawback is lack of customization options for things like sound volume, tone, pitch and playback duration (TMSoft, n.d.). With third-party apps, you often have more granular controls over the white noise experience.
There are also concerns around potential hearing damage from excessive use of white noise machines and apps, especially at high volumes and for children (Dailymail, 2020). While occasional use is likely safe, overuse could impact hearing over time. It’s recommended keeping volume at moderate, comfortable levels.
In summary, Android’s white noise features meet basic needs but lack the breadth of options, customization and safeguards of dedicated noise machines and apps. Using built-in sounds judiciously and complementing with other tools can help optimize benefits while minimizing risks.
Third Party Apps
While Android does have some basic white noise capabilities built-in, there are many excellent third party apps that provide additional features and customization options. Some of the most popular third party white noise apps for Android include:
White Noise by TMSOFT – This highly rated app offers over 40 high quality white noise and ambient sounds. It allows you to mix multiple sounds together, set timers, and adjust volume/pitch. There is also a separate baby edition tailored for little ones.
Relax Melodies – With over 100 sounds, this app provides the ability to layer sounds and music tracks to create custom mixes. It also includes bedtime stories, meditation tracks, and an alarm clock.
Noisli – Noisli features over 35 high definition sounds that can be combined and adjusted. It allows you to save your favorite mixes and includes productivity timers to help focus while working.
Compared to Android’s basic noise options, these specialized apps provide far more sounds, mixing capabilities, timers, alarm features, and other customizations for getting better sleep and relaxation.
Tips for Use
To get the most out of Android’s built-in white noise feature, here are some helpful tips:
Adjust the volume to a low level so it blocks out distracting noises but isn’t too loud. The Sleep Foundation recommends setting the volume just loud enough to mask background noises. Having it too loud can disrupt sleep.
Experiment with different sounds to find the most relaxing option. Some people prefer fan sounds, others rain noises. See what works best to drown out noises that might wake you up.
Use a timer to automatically turn off the white noise after falling asleep. This prevents the sound from disturbing you if you wake up in the middle of the night.
Place your phone far from the bed on a stable surface so the white noise plays clearly and consistently all night.
Activate Do Not Disturb mode so notifications don’t interrupt the white noise.
Consider using white noise along with other sleep aids like blackout curtains or eyed masks if outside light is also disrupting your rest.
Additional Uses
Beyond helping with sleep, the white noise feature on Android phones can have other creative uses as well. Here are some suggestions:
[https://medium.com/@DmnkBrn/10-creative-ways-to-use-white-noise-in-sound-design-5805cdb3aaff](https://medium.com/@DmnkBrn/10-creative-ways-to-use-white-noise-in-sound-design-5805cdb3aaff)
Use white noise to block out distracting sounds when trying to focus. The steady, constant background noise can help drown out disruptive noises like construction, traffic, or chatter.
Play white noise to soothe fussy babies or children. The calming sounds can help quiet crying babies or hyperactive kids.
Mask tinnitus symptoms by using white noise to cover up ringing in the ears.
Help pets with anxiety by playing white noise when loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks are present.
Use as background noise during meditation or yoga practice to promote relaxation.
Play white noise in public spaces like offices, waiting rooms, or libraries to increase privacy.
Help students concentrate during study sessions or test taking.
Use while traveling to block out plane, train, or car sounds that might disrupt sleep.
Play white noise during medical procedures to promote calmness and distraction from unpleasant sounds.
Mask unwanted conversations or noises to protect privacy in shared spaces.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points: Android does have a built-in white noise feature that can help you relax, fall asleep faster, focus, and block out unwanted sounds. The feature offers several types of sounds to choose from, like ambient noise, nature sounds, fans, and music ambient noises. You can customize the sound by adjusting the volume, loop duration, starting ambience, and more through the Sound settings or a white noise app. The benefits of using white noise on your Android device include better sleep, focus, and relief from tinnitus symptoms or noisy environments. However, the built-in sounds may be limiting, lower quality, or disruptive for some users. Third party white noise apps can supplement the built-in feature with more sounds, customization, higher quality audio and additional features. With some experimenting to find the right sounds, settings and app, Android’s white noise capabilities can be an excellent tool for relaxation, sleep and productivity right from your device.