iOS 17: How to Turn On Focus Mode on iPhone or iPad

In today’s world, staying focused at work can be a real challenge when you’ve got a smartphone buzzing with notifications all day long. Apple’s Focus Mode feature, updated in iOS 17, makes it easier to minimize distractions and stay productive. In this guide, we’ll dive into what Focus Mode is and how to set it up on your iPhone or iPad.

Are you glued to your phone scrolling through social media, emails, or games? It’s time to reclaim your workday by turning on Focus Mode on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to enable it, tweak its settings, and set up a schedule for maximum productivity.

Related: How to Set Video As Live Wallpaper on iPhone in iOS 17

What Is Focus Mode on an iPhone or iPad?

Introduced in iOS 15 and updated in iOS 17, Focus Mode is a digital well-being feature that helps you stay on task by limiting notifications and distractions. You can tailor this mode by selecting which apps can send you notifications and during what times. Choose from pre-set Focus Modes like Work, Sleep, and Personal, or create your own custom modes.

How to Enable Focus Mode on Your iPhone or iPad

You can toggle Focus Mode on or off directly from the Settings app or your Control Center. Here’s how:

Method 1: Through Settings

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Tap “Focus” in the list of options.
• Select a pre-set Focus Mode or create a custom one.
• Customize your settings, then hit “Done” to activate Focus Mode.

Method 2: Through Control Center

• Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access the Control Center.
• Tap the Focus Mode icon (it looks like a crescent moon with a dot).
• Choose a pre-set mode or make a custom one.

Pro Tip: Before enabling Focus Mode, make sure to toggle on the “Share Across Devices” option. This lets you sync your Focus Mode settings across all your Apple gadgets.

How to Create a Custom Focus Mode

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap “Focus.”
• Tap the “+” symbol in the upper right corner.
• Select “Custom.”
• Name your custom Focus Mode and choose an icon.

• Tap “Choose People.”
• For notifications from selected contacts, choose “Allow Notifications From.” To silence selected contacts, choose “Silence Notifications From.”
• Tap “Add Contact” and select contacts, then tap “Next.”

• Tap “Choose Apps.”
• To allow notifications from selected apps, choose “Allow Notifications From.” To silence notifications from selected apps, choose “Silence Notifications From.”
• Tap “Add Apps” and select your apps, then tap “Done.”

Note: When setting up a custom Focus Mode, you can opt to either allow notifications from selected contacts and apps or mute them.

Customizing Your Lock Screen and Home Screen

iOS 17 lets you customize your Lock and Home Screens to remind you when Focus Mode is active.

For Lock Screen

• Scroll to the “Customize Screens” section.
• Select the Lock Screen icon.
• Choose an existing screen or create a new one.
• Tap “Done.”

For Home Screen

• Scroll to the “Customize Screens” section.
• Select the Home Screen icon.
• Pick an existing Home Screen or create a new one.
• Tap “Done.”

Related: Best Ways to Fix iOS 17 Battery Drain Issue on iPhone

How to Set a Schedule for Focus Mode

You can set Focus Mode to kick in automatically based on a schedule, your location, or when you’re using certain apps.

• Navigate to Settings > Focus > Schedule.
• Tap “Add Schedule” to specify when Focus Mode should activate, based on Time, Location, or App use.
• Customize app filters if needed. This lets you allow or block notifications from specific apps.
• Tap “Add Filter” for additional app options.
• Hit “Done” to save all changes.

• Time: Specify the exact time for Focus Mode to activate daily.
• Location: Choose a location (like your office) for automatic activation.
• App: Pick an app that will automatically trigger Focus Mode.

How to Use Focus Mode on iPhone or iPad

• Swipe down from the top right corner to access the Control Center.
• Tap the “Focus” icon.
• Tap the three dots beside the Focus Mode you want to use.
• Select from the available options to customize your experience.

How to Delete Focus Mode on iPhone or iPad

To get rid of a Focus Mode:

• Open Settings and tap “Focus.”
• Choose the mode you wish to delete.
• Scroll down and tap “Delete Focus.”
• Confirm your decision.

Wrapping It Up

Focus Mode on iOS 17 is your go-to feature for cutting out distractions and boosting productivity. Feel free to share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it’s helped you up your game.