How to customize default alert times for Calendar events on iPhone and iPad

When you create events in the iOS Calendar app, you can easily set an alert to remind you of that event. But you’ll also notice that a time for the alert pops into your event alert automatically. This is the default time in your Calendar app, and you can change it to suit your preference.

Once you set the default alert time you want, you won’t have to change it when creating the event unless you really need to, and here’s how.

Calendar Event Types

Create the Calendar default alert times

You can easily change the default alert times for birthdays, events, and all-day events in your Calendar app.

1) Open the Settings app.

2) Scroll down and tap Calendar.

3) Tap Default Alert Times.

Access iPhone Calendar Alerts

4) Choose from Birthdays, Events, or All-Day Events. You can change each one individually.

5) Pick the alert time you want to use. Then, when you return to the Default Alert Times screen, you will see your choice next to the type of event.

Change iPhone Calendar Alert Times

You’ll notice that the alert times available for birthdays and all-day events are exactly the same. This is because birthdays are considered all-day events. You have more options for regular events like 15 minutes, one day, or one week before.

Change the alert times for events

Now, when you create a Calendar event, you will see the default alert set for you. And if you want to change the alert time for that particular event, just tap Alert and select your new time. You can also create another alert by tapping Second Alert and choosing a time.

Change Event Alerts

If you always want an alert one hour before an appointment, one week before a birthday, and one day before an all-day event, these default Calendar alerts are convenient.

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