How to Configure and Customize Focus Modes on iPhone

Master your notifications and reduce distractions on iPhone by configuring custom Focus modes tailored to your specific daily tasks.

1. Access the Focus settings menu. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on Focus to view the available default modes and configuration options.
2. Initialize a new custom Focus. Tap the plus (+) icon in the top right corner of the screen. Select Custom to create a personalized mode, or choose a pre-defined category such as Work, Reading, or Mindfulness.
3. Define allowed notifications. Select People and Apps within your chosen Focus mode. Add specific contacts and applications that are permitted to send notifications while the mode is active.
4. Apply Focus filters. Tap Add Filter to restrict content within your apps. You can hide specific calendar sets, mute conversation threads in Messages, or toggle Safari tab groups based on the active mode.
5. Set a schedule or activation trigger. Tap Add Schedule under the Set a Schedule section to enable the Focus automatically based on time, location, or app usage. Alternatively, use Smart Activation to let the iPhone trigger the mode based on signals like your location or app activity.
6. Toggle Focus via Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Press and hold the Focus button to view all available modes and tap one to activate it immediately.