What Are Focus Modes?

Introduced in iOS 15 and significantly expanded in later versions, Focus modes are Apple's evolution of Do Not Disturb. Instead of simply silencing everything, Focus modes let you define exactly who and what can reach you — and even change how your iPhone looks while a Focus is active.

How to Create a Focus Mode

  1. Open Settings → Focus.
  2. Tap the + button in the top right corner.
  3. Choose a preset (Work, Personal, Sleep, Fitness, etc.) or select Custom to build from scratch.
  4. Follow the setup wizard to configure allowed contacts and apps.

Allowed Contacts and Apps

You can whitelist specific contacts whose calls and messages will come through even when Focus is on. Similarly, you can allow notifications from specific apps — for example, allowing your calendar app during Work Focus while silencing social media.

A useful setting here is Allow Calls From: choose Everyone, Contacts Only, Favorites, or specific groups.

Focus Filters: App-Level Customization

iOS 16 introduced Focus Filters, which let you change app behavior based on your active Focus. For example:

  • Switch Safari to a specific Tab Group when Work Focus is on.
  • Show only a specific Mail account during a Work Focus.
  • Display a custom Calendar set relevant to your current Focus.

To add a Filter, go to your Focus settings, scroll down to Focus Filters, and tap Add Filter.

Custom Home Screen and Lock Screen

Each Focus mode can have its own Home Screen pages — so your Work Focus shows only work-related apps, and your Personal Focus shows everything else. You can also link a specific Lock Screen to each Focus, changing wallpaper and widgets automatically.

To link a Lock Screen, press and hold on your Lock Screen, tap Customize, then associate it with a Focus mode from the Focus button at the bottom.

Automating Your Focus

You don't have to manually turn Focus modes on and off. Automation options include:

  • Time-based: Automatically activate during set hours (e.g., Work Focus from 9am–6pm).
  • Location-based: Turn on when you arrive at a specific place (e.g., gym triggers Fitness Focus).
  • App-based: Activates when you open a certain app.

Focus Status

When a Focus is active, your iPhone can share your Focus status with contacts, letting them know you have notifications silenced. They still have the option to notify you anyway if it's urgent. You can control this under Settings → Focus → Focus Status.

Tips for Getting the Most from Focus

  • Start simple: even one well-configured Focus (like Sleep) can make a big difference.
  • Use the Shortcuts app to trigger Focus modes based on complex conditions.
  • Revisit your allowed apps list regularly — your needs change over time.
  • Use Share Across Devices to sync Focus settings between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Getting Started

Focus modes reward the time you invest in setting them up. Even a basic Work Focus that silences social media during office hours can dramatically improve your productivity. Start there, then expand as you get comfortable.