How to Customize Focus Modes on iPhone

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Create a new Focus profile

   Open the Settings app and select Focus. Tap the plus (+) icon in the top right corner to initiate a new configuration. Choose a preset like Reading or Driving, or select Custom to define a unique profile name, color, and icon.

   Note: Custom names help distinguish your profiles in the Control Center.
2. 1 min

   Define allowed notifications

   Within your selected Focus mode, tap People or Apps. Select specific contacts or applications that are permitted to send alerts while the mode is active. Tap Allow to ensure urgent communication bypasses the silent filter.

   Note: Enable Allow Repeated Calls to ensure urgent contacts can reach you.
3. 1 min

   Configure lock screen and home screen pages

   Under the Customize Screens section, tap Choose for the Lock Screen or Home Screen. Select specific screen variations that show only relevant widgets and photos for this context. This visual separation enforces the purpose of the Focus mode.

   Note: Use this to hide distracting social media home pages while working.
4. 1 min

   Set intelligent triggers

   Scroll to Set a Schedule and tap Add Schedule. You can trigger the Focus based on time, a specific location, or whenever you open a particular app. Tap Smart Activation to allow your iPhone to use machine learning to turn the mode on when it determines you are likely in that context.

   Note: Location-based triggers require precise GPS permissions for the Settings app.
5. 1 min

   Apply Focus Filters

   Scroll to Focus Filters and tap Add Filter. Select an app or system setting to refine the internal data during this Focus. For example, choose Safari to only show a specific Tab Group or Mail to display only one selected account.

   Note: Focus Filters are only active while the Focus mode is toggled on.
6. 30 sec

   Enable across devices

   Ensure the Share Across Devices toggle is enabled at the bottom of the Focus menu. This synchronizes your active state and settings across your Apple ID signed-in devices. Your Mac and iPad will enter the same mode simultaneously.

   Note: This prevents your Mac from interrupting you when your iPhone is set to Do Not Disturb.