What Happens When You Enable Do Not Disturb on Your Phone
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by constant notifications and interruptions on your phone? Well, luckily, there's a feature called Do Not Disturb that can help you regain control over your device. But what exactly happens when you enable Do Not Disturb mode? In this article, we'll answer all your questions and explain the ins and outs of this handy feature. So, let's dive in!
What Happens to Incoming Calls, Text Messages, and Other App Notifications When DND Is Active
When you activate Do Not Disturb mode, you'll still receive calls, text messages, and other notifications on your phone. The only difference is that your device won't ring or vibrate in response to those alerts. Instead, you'll see all the missed calls, messages, and notifications when you use your phone later.
Can You Make Calls, Send Messages, and Use Apps While Do Not Disturb Is Active?
Absolutely! Enabling Do Not Disturb has no effect on your ability to make calls, send text messages, or use apps. You can continue using your phone as you normally would, without any restrictions.
Will Others Be Able to Tell if Your Phone Is on Do Not Disturb?
No, others won't be able to tell if your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode. When someone calls you, their call will go to voicemail as usual. The only time people can tell your phone is on Do Not Disturb is when you use it while driving, as it sends an automatic message.
How to Enable or Disable Do Not Disturb on Android and iPhone
Now, let's walk you through how to enable or disable Do Not Disturb mode on your Android and iPhone.
How to Enable Do Not Disturb on Android
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Notifications > Do not disturb. If you can't find the Do not disturb option, use the search bar in the Settings app to locate it.
- Turn on the switch next to Do not disturb.
- You can also set a schedule for Do Not Disturb to activate automatically. To do this, tap on Add schedule, give your DND profile a name, define when it should kick in, and tap Save.
How to Enable Do Not Disturb on iPhone
- Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones) to access the Control Center.
- Tap on Focus, then tap on Do Not Disturb to enable it.
- If you want to schedule Do Not Disturb to activate automatically, tap the kebab menu (three-dot menu) next to the Do Not Disturb option and select Settings.
- Under Turn on automatically, tap Add Schedule to configure Do Not Disturb based on time, location, or app usage.
How to Allow Someone to Bypass Do Not Disturb on Android or iPhone
While Do Not Disturb provides peace of mind, you might not want to miss calls or messages from important people. Fortunately, you can allow calls and messages from specific contacts to ring even when Do Not Disturb is active. Here's how:
Add Exceptions for DND Mode on Android
- Open the Settings app and go to Notifications > Do not disturb.
- Under Allowed during Do not disturb, tap on Calls and messages.
- Tap on Add contacts and add the people who can reach you while DND is active.
Add Exceptions for DND Mode on iPhone
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Focus > Do Not Disturb.
- Under Allow Notifications, tap on People and add the contacts who can reach you while Do Not Disturb is active.
Why Does Your Phone Ring Even When Do Not Disturb Is Turned On?
On the iPhone, Do Not Disturb is set to allow calls through if the same number calls again within three minutes. This allows you to receive urgent calls even if Do Not Disturb is turned on. If you prefer, you can disable this feature in the iPhone settings.
Similarly, an Android phone may ring while in Do Not Disturb mode if the same person calls twice within 15 minutes. This setting can also be disabled in the Android settings.
Difference Between Do Not Disturb and Focus Mode on iPhone
Starting with iOS 15, Do Not Disturb mode has become a part of the Focus feature on iPhone. Focus mode is an advanced version of Do Not Disturb, offering more options and control. With Focus mode, you can customize the appearance of your home screen and lock screen based on specific focus profiles.
Does Do Not Disturb Mode Work Across Multiple User Profiles on Android?
Most Android phones support multi-user mode, allowing different users to have separate settings on the same device. If you enable Do Not Disturb on your profile and then switch to another user profile, the device will follow the settings defined by that user. So, if Do Not Disturb is disabled for the other user's profile, it will be disabled when you switch to it.
No More Disturbance
Do Not Disturb is an excellent feature that allows you to disconnect from the outside world and focus on your work. In addition to Do Not Disturb, there are numerous focus apps available that can help you stay away from your phone and be more productive.
Remember, it's essential to take control of your notifications and create a distraction-free environment when needed. With Do Not Disturb mode, you can reclaim your focus and enjoy uninterrupted time with your device.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”