AITA for Asking Coworker to Silence Phone Typing Sound?

AITA for addressing coworker's loud iPhone typing sounds, prompting a tense confrontation? Colleagues weigh in on office etiquette and communication skills.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
25 Dec 2025

AITA for Asking Coworker to Silence Phone Typing Sound?

In the fast-paced world of office life, where we often share tight spaces, maintaining a harmonious work environment can be a delicate balancing act. A recent Reddit thread sheds light on a seemingly minor yet relatable workplace conflict between two coworkers, igniting a discussion about etiquette and personal boundaries.

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The original poster (OP) found himself increasingly distracted by the sound of his neighbor's iPhone typing notifications—those distinct clicks and whooshes that can echo through the silence of an office. After weeks of growing irritation, OP decided to address the issue directly, asking his coworker if it was necessary to have those sounds on.

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While he claimed to have approached the conversation calmly, his coworker reacted defensively, suggesting that OP's own pen-clicking habit was equally bothersome. This exchange raises several questions about how we communicate our needs to those we work alongside and whether it's fair to expect others to modify their behavior for our comfort.

As responses pour in, the thread showcases a variety of perspectives, with commenters exploring the nuances of office etiquette, personal annoyances, and the importance of gentle communication. Are we sometimes too quick to point fingers?

Or is it reasonable to request a quieter environment in a shared workspace? Join the conversation as we unravel the complexities of this everyday dilemma.

Original Post

So, dude that sits in the office next to me (like 0,5m away) had the typing sounds on his iPhone turned on. Not VERY loud, but relatively loud, enough for it to cut through the radio and drive me insane for weeks.

Every message he typed, it was just this constant distinct iOS clicking sound, plus the little whoosh sending sound and the screen lock click at the end. Today asked him, "Hey, is it really necessary to have those sounds on?" Not aggressively or something but I guess you could hear that I was annoyed in my voice and it could come off as offensive in some way.

He got mad and said (actually pretty much yelled) that thw way I click my pen after writing something down is annoying too. I told him it's not the same, because he's CONSTANTLY texting with someone and it's really distracting to hear that noise over and over.

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Especially in a place where people are trying to focus and work. He turned the sounds off eventually.

Still, now I'm sitting here wondering if was I being an a*****e for pointing it out. I just assumed it's basic office etiquette to have your phone on silent or at least not audibly typing like you're in your own living room.

AITA?

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