How to Configure Focus Modes on macOS

Streamline your workflow on macOS by configuring Focus modes to silence notifications and filter content based on your current task.

1. Access System Settings. Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. Navigate to the Focus section in the left-hand sidebar to view your available modes.
2. Select or Create a Mode. Click on a pre-configured mode like Work or Personal to edit its settings. To create a custom mode, click the Plus (+) icon in the top-right corner, select Custom, name the profile, choose a color, and pick an identifying icon.
3. Define Allowed Notifications. Select Allowed Notifications to specify which apps and people can interrupt you. Toggle Allow Notifications from to select specific contacts, and use the Add App button to include essential software while in Focus mode.
4. Configure Focus Filters. Scroll down to the Focus Filters section to hide specific data within apps. Click Add Filter to restrict Mail accounts, Calendar schedules, or Safari tab groups to only those relevant to your current activity.
5. Set Activation Schedules. Locate the Turn on Automatically section. Click Add Schedule to trigger the Focus mode based on a specific time, your current location, or when you launch a particular application.
6. Enable Focus via Control Center. Click the Control Center icon in the macOS menu bar at the top right of your screen. Click the Focus tile to see your list of configured modes and click a mode name to activate it immediately.