On iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, you can use Focus, an enhanced version of Do Not Disturb. This handy tool removes distractions so you can focus better. Since iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, you can choose to always silence notifications during Focus on iPhone or iPad.
Once you set a focus, you can decide which apps can send you notifications and who can contact you. You can choose to always silence notifications during focus, or only when your screen is locked.
Always silence notifications during focus
Focus allows you to minimize distractions and silence notifications. It is possible to always silence notifications during focus or only when your screen is locked. The latter option will then ensure that notifications are shown when your device is in use and unlocked.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Go to ‘Focus’
- Edit a desired focus
- Select ‘Options’
- Tap ‘Silence notifications’
- Select a desired option
If you choose ‘Always’, all notifications will be silenced during this focus, regardless of whether your iPhone or iPad is locked or unlocked. If you choose ‘When Locked’, notifications will be silenced when your iPhone or iPad is locked, but not when unlocked. You will still be able to receive notifications while using your device.
On a Mac, all notifications are always silenced while using Focus, unfortunately it is not possible to change this. Logical, because a Mac is usually always unlocked when in use.