Focus Mode

What are Focus filters and how to use them on iPhone or iPad

Two iPhone mockups showing Focus Filters on screen with a tiny purple Focus icon in the middle of the image

Focus on iPhone lets you choose which apps and people can reach you when a specific Focus mode is active. For example, during the Do Not Disturb Focus, you can set your iPhone to only alert you of calls & texts from family members and notifications from a few essential apps such as Slack and Mail.

iOS 16 has improved the Focus feature by introducing Focus filters, and in this tutorial, we will tell you what it is and how to use it on your iPhone or iPad.

How to show an emoji or symbol in your iPhone status bar

Show emoji or symbols on iPhone status bar

Focus mode lets you silence alerts and notifications so that you can focus on other tasks. When a Focus mode is active, it shows an icon in the top status bar and Lock Screen. You can customize this icon with one of 38 symbols such as smiling emoji, books, graduation cap, home, train, fire, bulb, sunset, heart, star, guitar, and more.

Here's how to show an emoji on the top of your iPhone screen.

How to set up and use Focus mode in iOS 15 on your iPhone

Focus mode is a new feature in iOS 15 which lets you focus on your work, sleep, or any other activity. The feature adds a more personal and customizable touch to the Do Not Disturb mode. It also works across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 12 Monterey. If you've installed the iOS 15 beta on your iPhone, then you can test out the new Focus mode.

How to let calls from specific contact groups through Do Not Disturb

Exclude people from Do Not Disturb on iPhone

Do Not Disturb (DND) is a handy feature that lets you keep yourself from being notified when you want some quiet, peaceful time. It does so by silencing all call, text, and app notifications on your iPhone or iPad.

However, there are times when you want peace from all apps and notifications but don't mind getting call or text notifications from a select few people.

In this tutorial, we show you how to exclude certain contacts from the Do Not Disturb feature in iOS. After that, you will get their calls even during times your iPhone is in Do Not Disturb Focus mode.