iPhone now alerts you when someone calls your name: Here’s how to turn on this hidden Apple iOS 26 feature

iOS 26 new name feature: Ever missed someone calling your name because you were busy, wearing headphones or simply not paying attention? With Apple’s Name Recognition feature, your iPhone can help alert you when it detects your name being spoken nearby.

The feature, available on iOS 26 and later, continuously listens for your name and sends a notification when it recognises it. This can be particularly useful when you are working with headphones on, concentrating on a task or in a situation where you may not immediately notice someone trying to get your attention.

How Does Name Recognition Work On iPhone?

Name Recognition uses your iPhone’s audio recognition capabilities to identify when your name is spoken. During setup, you can teach the device how your name sounds by recording yourself or asking someone else to say it.


The feature can also recognise more than one name. This means users who regularly use a nickname, shortened name or different name in different situations can add multiple names.

How To Enable Name Recognition On iPhone

To turn on Name Recognition, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap Accessibility.

Step 3: Select Sound & Name Recognition.

Step 4: Tap Name Recognition.

Step 5: Select Set Up Name Recognition.

Step 6: Follow the instructions shown on the screen to complete the setup.

Once the setup is complete, the iPhone will be able to listen for the name or names you have added and notify you when it detects them.

How To Make iPhone Recognise More Than One Name

To add another name:

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.

Step 2: Go to Accessibility > Sound & Name Recognition > Name Recognition.

Step 3: Tap Add Name.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to add another name.

Step 5: Add Name Recognition To Control Center

If you expect to use the feature frequently, you can also add Name Recognition to the Control Center. This can make it easier to quickly switch the feature on or off without having to go through the Settings menu each time.

This may be particularly convenient if you only want your iPhone to listen for your name during certain activities, such as while working, cooking, exercising or using headphones.

Things To Keep In Mind

Name Recognition is available on iOS 26 and later and supports only select languages. Availability and supported languages may vary depending on the device and software configuration.

Apple also warns users not to rely on the feature in situations where missing a notification could result in harm, injury or an emergency. The feature is intended as a convenience and accessibility aid rather than a replacement for being aware of your surroundings or responding to important alerts.

Users should also remember that audio recognition features may not detect every instance of a spoken name. Background noise, distance, pronunciation and other environmental factors can affect recognition.

Why Name Recognition Can Be Useful

For people who frequently wear headphones, work in noisy environments or become deeply focused on tasks, Name Recognition can provide an additional way to notice when someone is trying to get their attention.

It can also be useful for users who may have difficulty hearing their name in certain surroundings. By sending a notification when the iPhone detects the name, the feature can provide an extra prompt that might otherwise be missed.

[With TOI inputs]