OnePlus is officially killing the Alert Slider and replacing it with a button

Ben Schoon | Mar 10 2025 - 6:30 am PT

OnePlus is killing one of its most iconic features, the Alert Slider, with a button, the brand has confirmed this week.

In a post on its community forums, OnePlus’ Pete Lau has confirmed that the Alert Slider is going away in future OnePlus devices. The change was rumored last month, but this is the first time OnePlus has officially talked about it.

The Alert Slider is a three-stage switch that jumps between ringer modes, including vibrate and silent, and has been in place on virtually every OnePlus device since the OnePlus 2 in 2015. The only “flagship” device lacking the hardware feature was the OnePlus 10T, a change that was immediately reverted on the OnePlus 11 a few months later. Oppo has also adopted the Alert Slider in recent years, including on its Find N5 foldable released last month.

Pete Lau explains that this change is “for the better,” as the Alert Slider will be replaced with a new customizable button on OnePlus devices. The post hints that this button may change its functionality depending on user needs, but will still be able to change ringer modes.

Advertisement - scroll for more content

The post says:

Smartphones today aren’t just tools packed with industry-leading specs (though we’ve got that covered). They’re intelligent companions. The new smart button is designed for that future, delivering a more personalized experience.

Imagine a button that adapts to you. Whether you’re a power user or prefer simplicity, this button works for you, not the other way around. Wherever life takes you, it seamlessly fits your lifestyle. It’s an innovation that is not just smart but intuitively yours…

One big question I know many of you have: “Will I still be able to switch sound profiles without waking my phone?”

The answer? Yes. Absolutely.

This was non-negotiable, and something I specifically asked of the team. I know how essential it is to be able to silence your phone quickly and easily, and that feature is staying intact with the new button. So while this is an evolution, the convenience and ease of use you love are not going anywhere.

There’s no mention of when this change will apply, but it’s easy to see where it might happen. A leaked roadmap suggests that a smaller “OnePlus 13T” could debut in April, with new Ace series devices the following month. Another true flagship won’t arrive until late this year, and there’s also no foldable coming either.

How do you feel about OnePlus removing the Alert Slider?