Orbit Alarm too quiet or silent? How to fix it

It starts quiet and gets louder

That’s GRADUAL WAKE UP, which fades the sound in over 20 seconds. It’s on by default. If you’d rather it started at full volume, switch it off in the alarm editor.

Make sure Force Max Alarm Volume is on

In Settings, under ALARM SAFETY, Force Max Alarm Volume raises the alarm to full volume when it rings and stops it being turned down. It’s on by default. If it’s off, the alarm plays at whatever your phone’s alarm volume is set to.

Your normal volume comes back once the alarm is dismissed.

Check your phone’s alarm volume

Android has a separate volume for alarms, apart from media and ringtone. If Force Max Alarm Volume is off, set it in Android Settings → Sound → Alarm volume.

Did a reminder turn your volume down? (versions before 1.18.1)

In older versions, turning down a bedtime reminder, task or timer chime with the volume buttons could lower your phone’s alarm volume and leave it there. Update to the latest version, which puts your volume back afterwards. Then check your alarm volume once, in case an older version left it low.

Do Not Disturb

Android’s Do Not Disturb normally lets alarms through, but some setups block them. If the alarm editor shows “This alarm may stay silent”, tap FIX IN SETTINGS and allow Do Not Disturb Override.

Add vibration or light

For heavy sleepers, sound alone may not be enough. In the alarm editor:

VIBRATION PULSE: on by default.
FLASH TORCH: strobes the flashlight while the alarm rings.

Try a harsher tone

Some tones are gentle by design, like Gentle Chime. For waking up, try one of the harsher ones, such as Emergency Klaxon, Hull Breach Klaxon or Siren Alert. Use PREVIEW ALARM to hear each one before you choose.