Tech Topic: Manage and Change Alerts in Apple Calendar
In this episode of Tech Topics with Bob, I explain how alerts work in Apple's Calendar app and how you can use them to stay on top of your events. Alerts are those little reminders—whether it's a pop-up, a sound, or a vibration—that let you know it's time to pay attention to something important. From haircuts to doctor appointments to social events, alerts make sure you're never late again.
In this video, I'll cover:
- What an event is in Apple Calendar (description, start/end times, and locations)
- The different types of alerts: pop-ups, sounds, badges, and haptics
- How to use default alert times on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Customizing alerts so you get notified when and how you want
- Setting up second alerts for extra reminders
- Using location-based alerts so Apple Maps can tell you when it's time to leave
- Managing notification styles, sounds, and haptics in Settings
By the end, you'll know how to set up alerts that actually work for you—helping you stay organized and on time without stress.
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00:00 Intro & agenda (what alerts are)
01:39 What is an event? (title, start/end, 1-hour default)
02:11 Locations & “Time to Leave” alerts
03:02 Events vs. Reminders (scope for today)
03:28 Types of alerts: banners, sounds, badges, haptics
04:39 iPhone demo: opening Calendar & viewing events
05:42 Change alert timing & add a second alert
08:02 Calendar vs. Settings: where to change what
08:34 Default Alert Times (iPhone/iPad/Mac)
09:52 Birthdays & all-day events; cross-platform notes
10:33 Notifications settings: HOW alerts appear
11:29 Sounds, tones & haptics (customizing feedback)
13:01 Banners & badges + live alert example
13:40 CarPlay, Show on Mac, Focus/Do Not Disturb, priority alerts
14:40 Invites, shared calendars & Siri-found events
16:07 Silent mode behavior; volume buttons; “Always play” haptics
18:05 Wrap-up & key takeaways