Abstract: The invention provides a method for temporarily changing an alert type of a cell phone to a desired alternative alert type and restoring the alert type after the expiration of a time interval established by the user of the cell phone. The method comprises the steps of: receiving user input identifying the desired alternative alert type; receiving user input identifying a desired alternative alert time interval; activating the desired alternative alert type; and restoring the initial alert type after expiration of the desired time interval. The method may further include the step of displaying a list of the available alternative alert types from which the user may choose in identifying the alternative alert type. The invention further provides a cell phone capable of implementing the method described above.