How to Configure and Customize Focus Modes on iPhone

Step by step

1. 1 min

   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. 1 min

   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.

   Note: Choose a unique icon and color to visually distinguish your custom mode.
3. 1 min

   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.

   Note: Enable Time Sensitive notifications to ensure you receive urgent alerts from apps not on your allowlist.
4. 1 min

   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.

   Note: Filters are powerful for isolating work-related accounts from personal profiles.
5. 30 sec

   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. 15 sec

   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.

   Note: The active Focus mode icon will appear in the status bar at the top of your screen.