How do I turn on do not disturb quickly?

iPhone: swipe down from top-right, tap the moon icon (Focus), then "Do Not Disturb." Android: swipe down from top, tap the Do Not Disturb tile.

How do I allow calls from important contacts?

iPhone: Settings then Focus then Do Not Disturb then People then "Allow Calls From" and choose "Favorites" or specific contacts. Android: Settings then Sound then Do Not Disturb then Exceptions.

How do I enable repeated callers?

Turn on the "Allow Repeated Calls" setting. If someone calls you twice within three minutes, the second call rings through — helpful for emergencies.

How do I set a bedtime schedule?

iPhone: Settings then Focus then Do Not Disturb then "Add Schedule" and set times. Android: Settings then Sound then Do Not Disturb then Schedules then "Sleeping" and set times.

How do I know that alarms still work?

Alarms from the Clock app ring even when Do Not Disturb is on. You will not sleep through your morning alarm.

How do I check missed notifications?

When you turn off Do Not Disturb or pick up your phone, all the notifications that came in while it was on are waiting for you in the notification center.

TekSure — Free Tech Help for Beginners & Seniors

Do Not Disturb mode silences incoming calls, texts, and app notifications so your phone does not ring, buzz, or light up. It is perfect for sleeping, meetings, meals, or any time you want peace and quiet without turning off your phone entirely.

When Do Not Disturb is on, everything still arrives — you will see the notifications when you check your phone. They are being collected, not deleted. The difference is your phone stays silent and the screen stays dark.

On iPhone: You can turn on Do Not Disturb two ways. The quickest: open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner) and tap the Focus button (the crescent moon icon). Select "Do Not Disturb." For more options, go to Settings then Focus then Do Not Disturb. Here you can allow calls from specific people (like family members), allow repeated calls (if someone calls twice within three minutes, the second call comes through — useful for emergencies), and schedule Do Not Disturb to turn on and off automatically at certain times.

On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings. Tap the "Do Not Disturb" tile (it might say "DND" or show a circle with a line through it). For more control, tap and hold the tile or go to Settings then Sound then Do Not Disturb. You can set exceptions for calls from contacts, allow repeat callers, and create automatic schedules. Samsung phones call this "Do not disturb" and it is in Settings then Notifications then Do not disturb.

Both platforms let you schedule Do Not Disturb to turn on automatically at bedtime and turn off in the morning. This is one of the most useful features for better sleep — no more getting woken up by a spam notification at 2 AM.

You can also allow specific contacts to break through Do Not Disturb. This way, if your kids, parents, or spouse calls, the phone rings — but everyone else gets sent to voicemail or silence.

Alarms still work during Do Not Disturb on both iPhone and Android, so you do not need to worry about sleeping through your morning alarm.