Using Do Not Disturb to stop phone notifications is a convenient way to reduce the number of phone calls you receive. However, sometimes you may need to turn off notify anyway so you don’t miss an important call. Here’s how to do it on your iPhone and Android.
Disable notifications for each person or for each Focus mode
When Focus is enabled, notifications from specific apps and people are blocked. This feature is designed to help you stay on task and limit notifications. If you have a busy life, you may want to silence certain notifications. However, it can be confusing to set up and manage Focus. Luckily, there are a few steps to follow.
In iOS 16, Focus mode can be automated to activate when you open a particular app or location. You can also link Focus with your lock screen. For instance, you can link the Focus button to your Apple Watchface. It is also possible to create a Focus profile that allows you to get notifications from selected contacts.
To get started, go to Settings and turn on the Focus feature. You will notice that a Focus icon appears on the status bar. The name of the focus is never shared with anyone, but you can set the icon to display a status message to let your contacts know that Focus is active.
Next, click on ALLOWED NOTIFICATIONS. You will see two sub-sections: People and Apps. Within the People section, you can choose to allow incoming calls, texts, or both. Also, you can choose to add people to the Allowed People list.
Next, you can choose to share your Focus with other devices. If you have another device that supports iOS 16, it will automatically recognize your Focus and show you the icon. Note that the feature only works for Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID.
You can also choose to manually turn on Focus. Using the Control Center, you can access the Focus mode by tapping on the Focus button in the upper right corner of your screen. There you can set the settings of the mode to suit your needs.
You can also configure the time-sensitive notifications that are only available in Focus. These notifications let you reach a person in the event of an emergency. They may not affect your People or your regular notifications, however. To disable the feature, go to Settings > Notifications and turn off Time Sensitive Notifications.
If you have not enabled Focus yet, you will likely be surprised at the options you have. You can set up a custom profile that includes specific people and apps. Additionally, you can configure the mode to block certain notifications and even set up automated modes.
For example, you can schedule your Do Not Disturb Focus to go on every night at a certain time. Or you can set up an automated mode that opens the Netflix app when Focus is on.
One final thing you should know about the Focus feature is that it cannot be used if you are not signed into iOS 16. While Focus is an important feature, it is best used when you have a free and clear mind.
Share your focus settings across devices
If you are an iPhone or iPad owner, you may be wondering how to share your Focus settings across devices. The good news is, iOS 15 and 16 make this a lot easier to do. This feature will sync your Focus mode changes with other devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
To get started, you’ll need to enable the feature on your primary device. Next, you’ll need to set your Focus mode. You can do this in the Control Center or Settings. There are several options available, such as setting your next bedtime or setting Focus when you arrive at work.
While you’re at it, you can also choose which apps you want to receive notifications from. You can limit the number of notifications sent from those selected apps. In addition, you can turn off the notification badges on your Home Screen. All you have to do is tap the three dots, and you’ll be given the option to do just that.
Sharing your Focus status will give your contacts and friends a quick heads up that you’re busy and you won’t be responding. They will be able to message you, though. However, if they do, they won’t be able to see your Focus status.
The good news is that you can now choose the exact Focus mode you want on each of your devices. On your iPhone, you can set your focus mode when you wake up, when you’re in a certain location, or when you open specific apps. For your iPad, you can switch between different Focus modes, and you can disable them.
Another option is to create your own Focus modes on each of your devices. This is a great way to reduce distractions, especially if you’re always on the go. Whether you’re looking for a way to stay focused on your work, or just to avoid being distracted by the latest social media trend, Focus is an excellent option.
With iOS 16, you can link your Focus profiles with your lock screen. That means you can see your Focus status on your lock screen even if you’re not using it. It’s a very nice feature, but you can also turn it off.
In addition to the aforementioned features, iOS 16 makes it possible to share your focus modes across devices. This is a big deal, since it’s not only an option on your iPhone, but on your Mac and iPad, too. Since each of your devices is bound by iCloud, this feature will help to prevent your Focus mode from changing if you switch devices.
Finally, the feature will also tell you what the most important Focus option is. You’ll be able to see which Focus mode is most likely to help you concentrate.
Is there a way to tell if someone’s phone is on Do Not Disturb?
Do Not Disturb is a feature that’s often set up on phones to block phone calls, messages, and media sounds. The purpose is to let through urgent and important calls while preventing distractions. When you’re on Do Not Disturb mode, all incoming calls and messages go straight to voicemail, and notifications such as text messages are silenced. If you’re not sure whether someone has put you on do not disturb, here are some of the symptoms you can look for.
First, check the time. You’ll know if it’s Do Not Disturb if the call doesn’t ring, but the phone is still on, or if the person calls you back after one or two rings. Usually, if you’re on do not disturb mode, a generic ringtone will be heard and an automated message will be delivered. This message will say that you’re on do not disturb mode, so try again later.
Second, check if the person has sent you a text. Sometimes, a text won’t go through, but the message is still there, without a notification. However, it’s more likely that a text will go through if the person has put your phone on do not disturb. To see if this is the case, open the Messages app. On an iPhone, if you’re sending a text, you’ll get a green notification. And if you’re on an Android, you’ll see a blue notification.
Third, you can check if the person has blocked mobile numbers. That way, you’ll be able to avoid getting texts from them. But you might have to do more than just tell them not to block you. Check with your network provider. They might have you switched off, or they might say that your number isn’t in service anymore.
Fourth, you may be wondering if there’s a way to bypass Do Not Disturb. Some people do this to get around certain settings on their phones. For example, you can set up a custom exception to allow your contacts to send you messages. There are also some exceptions you can create that will prevent your phone from going on do not disturb. These include VIP numbers and specific contacts.
Fifth, if you’re an Android user, you might not be able to tell if a person has put you on do not disturb. Your phone may be disconnected from your service provider, and there might be no signal. However, the phone can still receive notifications, such as those from the Notification Center. Depending on the type of phone you have, you may be able to see these notifications on the Lock Screen.
Lastly, you can check to see if the phone has an active voicemail. If there’s an active voicemail, the caller will hear an automated message. This message will say that the person is on do not disturb mode, so try again after a few rings.