iPhone Focus Modes Guide 2026: Master Do Not Disturb
Focus modes on iPhone are way more powerful than the old Do Not Disturb. They customize notifications, hide distracting apps, switch lock screens, and even filter content within apps. Here's how to set them up right.
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⚡ Focus Mode Helpers
These accessories work with the various Focus modes.
Sync Focus modes across iPhone + Watch
Auto-pause for Sleep Focus
Bedside Standby with Sleep Focus
Find My works with Focus modes (selective alerts)
Cost Breakdown — All Options
| Where | Cost | Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Focuses (Do Not Disturb, Work, Sleep) | Free | Settings → Focus | Pre-built starting points |
| Custom Focus modes | Free | Settings → Focus → + | Make your own (e.g., Driving, Workout) |
| Focus Filters per app | Free | Edit Focus → add filter | Show only work emails, etc. |
| Custom Lock Screen per Focus | Free | Edit Focus → Customize | Auto-switches with Focus |
| Schedule Focuses | Free | Edit Focus → Schedule | Auto-on at specific times/locations |
Set Up Your First Focus — Work
- Settings → Focus → Work (or tap + to create)
- Allow Notifications: Add only contacts who can break through (boss, spouse)
- Add allowed apps: Mail, Slack, Microsoft Teams
- Customize Lock Screen: pick a calmer wallpaper, hide some widgets
- Schedule: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri (auto-on at this time)
- Optional: turn on at the office address (location-based)
Now during work hours, your iPhone is quieter. Family/non-allowed contacts are silenced — they only see you 'on Do Not Disturb'.
Set Up Sleep Focus
- Settings → Focus → Sleep
- Or sync with Health app's Sleep schedule
- Pair with Apple Watch for Sleep tracking
- Allow ONLY emergency contacts (urgent calls)
- Customize: dark wallpaper, no notifications, dimmer alerts
- Auto-on at your usual bedtime, off at wake time
Custom Focus — Workout Example
- Settings → Focus → +
- Pick 'Custom' and name it 'Workout'
- Allowed contacts: ICE / spouse only
- Allowed apps: Workout, Music, Health
- Schedule: based on workout times OR triggered by Apple Watch when you start a workout
Focus Filters — Hide Specific Content
Focus Filters are powerful. Per Focus, you can:
- Mail: Show only specific email accounts (work email only during Work Focus)
- Calendar: Show only specific calendars (hide personal events during work)
- Messages: Filter by allowed people only
- Safari: Use specific Tab Group
Edit any Focus → Filters → add app filters. App must support filters (most Apple apps do, growing list of third-party).
Best Practices
- Don't allow too many contacts in any Focus — defeats the purpose
- Use schedules to auto-switch — manually toggling is annoying
- Use different Lock Screens per Focus — visual signal of which mode you're in
- Apple Watch syncs automatically — Focus on iPhone = Focus on Watch
- Driving Focus is auto-detected — uses CarPlay, motion, etc.
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