GUIDE

How to Get Birthday Notifications on iPhone

Your iPhone only notifies you of birthdays if you set an alert. Open Settings, tap Apps, then Calendar, then Default Alert Times, and choose an alert for Birthdays, for example one day before. The birthday must be saved on the contact. For a reminder at a time you choose, use a birthday app.

Updated October 2026

Download From App Store

Turn on birthday alerts

Make sure the birthday is saved on the contact: open the contact, tap Edit and add it.
Open Settings, tap Apps, then Calendar.
Tap Default Alert Times, then Birthdays, and choose an alert, such as on the day or one day before.
Check that notifications for Calendar are allowed in Settings > Notifications > Calendar.
In the Calendar app, tap Calendars and make sure Birthdays is turned on.

Limits

One alert setting applies to every birthday. You can’t pick a different time for your best friend.
The time of day is set by the system, not by you.
Birthdays from some accounts, such as Google, don’t always appear.

The easier way with Starrise Contacts

Starrise Contacts reminds you of every birthday and anniversary in your contacts at the exact time you choose, free. See the birthday reminder app.

Choose the time you want to be notified, so you reach out right on time.
See the gift ideas you saved for the person.
With Pro, reminders for name days, too.

Sources

Steps checked in October 2026 against Apple’s iPhone User Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone notify you of birthdays automatically?

Only if the birthday is saved on the contact and you have set an alert for birthdays under Default Alert Times in Calendar settings.

Can I choose the time of a birthday notification?

In the Calendar app you choose the day, not a time of your own. Starrise Contacts lets you pick the exact time.

Why did I get no birthday notification?

Check that the birthday is on the contact, that an alert is set for birthdays, that the Birthdays calendar is turned on and that Calendar notifications are allowed.

GET STARRISE CONTACTS

Try Starrise Contacts for free

Starrise Contacts works on the contacts already on your iPhone, iPad and Mac. No account, nothing to import. Free to download, with an optional Pro subscription.