The iPhone 5 includes a small “click” sound each time you lock or unlock the device. While some users find it helpful, others prefer a quieter experience—especially in meetings, at night, or in places where you want your phone to stay silent. Fortunately, turning off the lock/unlock sound on an iPhone 5 is quick and easy.
This guide explains exactly how to disable the lock sound, along with alternative methods for muting your phone completely and troubleshooting tips if the sound doesn’t turn off.
Why Turn Off the Lock/Unlock Sound?
Many iPhone 5 users choose to disable this sound for several reasons:
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Avoid noise in quiet environments
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Prevent distractions while working or studying
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Make the phone more discreet when locking/unlocking
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Save a bit of battery power by reducing unnecessary audio cues
No matter your reason, the iPhone 5 gives you full control over this setting.
How to Turn Off the Lock and Unlock Sound on iPhone 5
Follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Tap the Settings icon on your Home screen.
Step 2: Tap “Sounds”
Scroll down and select Sounds (sometimes labeled Sounds & Haptics on newer devices).
Step 3: Toggle Off “Lock Sound”
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a switch labeled Lock Sound.
Turn it OFF to disable both lock and unlock sound effects.
That’s it! Your iPhone 5 will now lock and unlock silently.
Alternative Method: Use the iPhone’s Silent Mode Switch
If you want to mute all system sounds—not just the lock sound—you can flip the hardware mute switch.
How to Do It
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Locate the small switch above the volume buttons.
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Flip it toward the back of the phone to turn Silent Mode ON.
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You’ll see an orange line indicating it’s muted.
Silent Mode instantly disables:
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Lock/unlock sounds
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Keyboard clicks
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Notification alerts (except alarms)
This is perfect when you need quick silence.
Troubleshooting: Lock Sound Not Turning Off?
If the lock sound is still playing after you disable it, try these fixes:
1. Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes a simple reboot refreshes the settings.
2. Check Silent Mode
Make sure the mute switch isn’t accidentally flipped.
3. Update iOS
If you’re using an outdated version of iOS 7 or iOS 8, updating can fix sound glitches.
4. Reset All Settings
Go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings (does not erase your data).
Final Thoughts
Turning off the iPhone 5 lock and unlock sound takes only a few seconds, whether you use the Settings menu or the Silent Mode switch. Disabling it helps keep your phone discreet, quiet, and less distracting—especially in environments where silence matters.