Do Not Disturb is now a Focus mode on iPhone. It can silence or filter interruptions while still allowing the people, apps, and urgent notifications you choose.
Turn On Do Not Disturb Quickly
Open Control Center, tap Focus, then tap Do Not Disturb. Repeat the process to turn it off.
Customize It in Settings
Open Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb. Choose which people and apps can notify you, and review options for silencing behavior.
Create a Schedule
In the Do Not Disturb Focus settings, add a schedule when you want it to activate automatically by time, location, or another supported condition.
If Calls Still Come Through
Review allowed people, repeated calls, emergency bypass settings on contacts, and other Focus options. These can intentionally permit some interruptions.
Focus Status and Other People
Depending on your settings and apps, others may be able to see that notifications are silenced without seeing which Focus you are using. Review Focus Status sharing if you do not want supported apps to communicate that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Do Not Disturb the same as Silent mode?
No. Focus controls interruptions; Silent mode primarily controls alert sounds.
Why does it turn on by itself?
A schedule or automation may be enabling it.
Will alarms still work?
Clock alarms are not simply disabled by Do Not Disturb.
Summary
Use Control Center for quick Do Not Disturb changes and Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb for detailed rules and schedules.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.