Set up sound detection alerts on iPhone
Sound mode is useful when the event you care about is audible rather than visible. You describe a sound, and on-device activity detection helps decide when a short audio clip should be checked by AI.
Describe the sound itself
Try “a dog is barking” rather than a guess about why it is barking. Keep the condition specific enough to distinguish it from ordinary background noise. A sound description is a target for analysis, not a promise that every occurrence will be recognized.
Test in the actual environment
Place the iPhone where the microphone is unobstructed and the sound is audible. Fans, television, echoes, and distance affect the recording. Run a test with normal background noise present, then inspect the detection and audio clip before changing settings.
Know what is sent for analysis
Sound checks send short audio clips for AI analysis. Use the app only where recording is permitted and respect others’ privacy. Camera mode instead checks an image crop. Choose the mode that fits the event rather than treating the two as interchangeable.
Keep the device ready
Keep the monitoring device awake with Snitch open and a working internet connection. Verify the chosen alert channel, including any receiver. Do not use sound detection as a replacement for smoke alarms, emergency systems, or other safety equipment.