Android’s Built-In Alarm Is Broken, But Google Says It’s Fixing It

Following several recent reports that the Clock app was failing to sound its alarm, Google is working on a fix for Android phone users. The reason for the intermittent problem was previously unknown but Google seems to have a handle on what is going wrong and plans on rolling out an update soon. This will be welcome news for those suffering the loss to their morning routine. Here’s what you need to know.

In 2018, Google announced that its Clock app would be getting a new capability, alarm sounds that can wake the user with music. The feature rolled out to phones running Android 5 or newer, which applies to a very large number of users. The key to this new ability was Spotify integration and only required the Spotify and Clock apps to be installed on the phone. The choice of a musical alarm then appears as an option when choosing the alarm sound. There isn’t a need for a Spotify subscription so free users can wake to music as well.

A fairly large number of Android phone users began to recently report that Google’s Clock app, the default for Android, was failing to play alarm sounds. Unfortunately, the problem didn’t seem to be consistent, making it hard to verify what was happening. However, the problem appears to have been tracked down to the Spotify integration and Google has announced via a Reddit post that it is working on a fix. It isn’t clear what has changed recently to lead to the problem, since Spotify alarms have been available for several years now. Regardless, Google is working on solving the issue and will roll out the fix soon. In the meantime, there is a workaround that reportedly allows reliable use of the Clock app’s alarm for those that are affected.

Google Clock Alarm Workaround

According to Google’s brief Reddit post that acknowledged the alarm clock problem, there is an easy solution to allow the alarm to wake up or alert the user to an appointment. Simply choosing a sound from the default list that is included with the Android phone, as opposed to a Spotify song, should allow the alarm to ring at the expected time. Once the fix rolls out, users should be free to reassign the alarm to a Spotify song if that is what’s preferred.

In the meantime, anyone that simply can’t stand waking to the built-in alarm sounds can use alternative apps and methods. Mornify is a well-rated alarm clock app with Spotify integration. Alarmy, which claims to be the highest-rated alarm app in the world, has an option for musical alarms as well. When in doubt, a separate device, such as a smart speaker or a traditional old-fashioned radio alarm clock will serve well. The wait shouldn’t be too long for an update that restores Spotify alarm capabilities to Google’s Clock app, resolving the problem without any additional purchases needed.

Source: Reddit

About The Author

Alan Truly
(1138 Articles Published)

Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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