Help & troubleshooting

Most common fixes

Start with the moment that failed.

The tag won't scan

Hold the top of your iPhone against the tag for a moment. Remove a thick case and try again. Standard tags may not work on metal. If it still fails, pair another tag and run a test alarm before relying on it.

Why run a test alarm?

Put the tag where you plan to keep it, then run a test alarm and scan the physical tag. Placement tests do not accept a backup QR code because it cannot prove the tag is within reach. Test again after moving the tag or changing phones.

Can every alarm use different tags?

Yes. Each alarm can use its own tags, order, scans per tag, backup QR code, and saved wait before Tagdawn requests a new alarm after Stop.

Why is there always a Stop button?

iOS requires every Tagdawn alarm to show Stop. Stop ends the current alarm. If a tag is still required, Tagdawn requests a distinct fresh alarm after the saved duration; exact timing can vary. A 1-second wait means “As soon as possible”, not continuous sound or guaranteed one-second timing.

What if I travel or sleep somewhere else?

Before bed, choose a tag at your destination, turn on a private backup QR code, or remove the tag requirement for that night. Run a test alarm if you will use a physical tag.

What if the tag is lost or unavailable?

If you enabled a backup QR code and still control it, scan that. Otherwise, press Stop, then edit or turn off the alarm using its without-tag recovery. Replace the missing tag before relying on that setup again.

What if my phone dies?

No phone alarm can ring without power. Charge your iPhone and use another backup when waking is critical.

What if my partner needs the sound off?

Press Stop to end the current alarm. If its tag is still required, Tagdawn requests a distinct fresh alarm after the saved duration. Scan the tag or turn off the alarm, and change the setup before sharing a room.

How private is the backup QR code?

Treat the backup QR code like a key. Anyone with the printout or image can use it. Keep it private and replace it if someone else gets a copy. You can generate a new backup code in the app at any time; the new code retires the old one.

Where do I scan a backup QR code?

Open the scan screen for the alarm that is ringing, then choose Scan backup QR code. The button appears only when that alarm has backup QR turned on. It is not shown on the main Alarms page or in the placement test.

Can a habit tag open Tagdawn while the app is closed?

A habit tag may show an iPhone notification while the phone is in use. Tap it and unlock if asked to open Tagdawn. For one linked habit, Tagdawn follows that habit’s setting: confirm first, add its saved value, or ask for a value. If several habits share the tag, choose one. If no notification appears, open Habits and choose Scan tag.