How to Use iPhone Focus Modes to Enhance Your Daily Routine

Focus Modes were a feature added in iOS 15 in September 2021 which changed the way users of iPhones handle notifications. This useful and highly effective feature enables you to configure the sound notifications in order to efficiently work in different modes, and the only crucial alarms will sound at the correct time. In your work, while having your workout, or before going to sleep, you may need some help with Focus Modes to avoid being distracted by unimportant things.

focus mode iphone

What is Focus Modes and How They Function?

They are called Focus Modes and they enable you to set up so called profiles for certain periods of time or activities which define which apps and contacts are allowed to get through to you. For instance, you can create a Work mode which will allow sending and receiving messages only from colleagues or a Sleep mode that will not let any notifications through. These modes are well integrated across all your Apple devices and thus it is possible to use them on your iPhone, MacBook or even Apple Watch.

My Go-To Focus Modes

After experimenting with various configurations, I’ve found two Focus Modes that are indispensable: There are two modes in the application namely the Rest Mode and Exercise Mode.

Rest Mode: This mode switches on a few minutes to my preferred sleeping time. It blacks out the screen, turns off all beeps and bloopers, and makes the lock screen with a dark, low light wallpaper. As for my MacBook and Apple Watch, they also enter the Rest Mode with the watch face displaying only the time so as not to disrupt me in the evening.

Exercise Mode: This is the mode which I depend on most especially when I go for gym exercises. It only allows for calls to come through, so I don’t get distracted by anything that is not important from work or from my family. This mode makes sure I am all focused on the exercise that I am doing but at the same time I can be easily interrupted in case of an emergency.

Do Not Disturb: My Ultimate Focus Tool is a very helpful guide to help me decide which goal to focus on at a particular time.

Do Not Disturb is also another mode that I need in Focus Mode routinely. I have set it in a way where anybody can call me but for messages I allow only my close family members. This setup is ideal when I require lots of concentration for instance when attending to a work meeting or any other crucial event and at the same time be on the lookout for family emergencies.

Bonus Tip: Theater Mode for Apple Watch.

If I want to watch a movie, I switch on the Theater Mode on my Apple Watch to watch the movie. This mode turns off all beeps, turns off all sounds and keeps the screen off. Its screen turns on when I touch it or when I raise my wrist and this has helped me not to disturb others. All you have to do is swipe up the control center and tap the icon that looks like a theater mask.

How to Set Up Focus Modes for the Best Output

Focus Modes for iPhone are incredibly helpful to control and reduce disturbances and to improve the productivity of work. Therefore, the user can adjust these modes according to one’s schedule to enhance the working performance and minimize stress levels. Whether its for work, for a break or for leisure these features are a convenient way to switch between modes and have control over the device.