Need a hand? Email [email protected] and we'll get back to you, usually within 1–2 days.

Requirements

• iPhone running iOS 26 or later. Checkmate Alarm uses Apple's AlarmKit so your alarm rings even when the phone is locked or silent.

How it works

1. Create an alarm and choose a time, days, difficulty, and puzzle type.
2. When the alarm rings, a chess puzzle appears.
3. Solve the puzzle to dismiss the alarm and start your morning sharp.

Frequently asked questions

My alarm didn't ring (or doesn't ring when locked/silent).

Make sure you allowed alarm permission when prompted (you can re-enable it in iOS Settings), that you're on iOS 26 or later, and that the app stays installed. Once permission is granted, AlarmKit rings through silent mode and Focus.

How do I turn the alarm off?

Solve the chess puzzle on screen by playing the winning move(s). Stuck? A hint becomes available after about 30 seconds.

I can't solve the puzzle.

A wrong move resets the puzzle so you can try again — use the hint, or choose an easier difficulty in the alarm's settings. The top of the screen always shows the puzzle type, how many moves to find, and which colour you're playing.

What puzzle types are there?

Checkmate is free. Fork, Pin, Skewer, and Discovered Attack are part of Checkmate Pro.

Daily Puzzle and Practice.

You can play a Daily Puzzle and practice anytime from the Home screen — these count toward your rating and streak too, no alarm required.

How do streaks work?

Your streak counts the number of days you solve at least one puzzle.