How to create custom Focus on iPhone

Prerequisites & Requirements

• •iPhone running iOS 15 or later.
• •Sufficient storage space to install updates if necessary.
• •Access to the Settings app on your iPhone.
• •Apple ID signed in to iCloud for syncing Focus modes across devices.

Method 1: Creating a Custom Focus Mode via Settings

• •Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on 'Focus'.
• •Step 2: Tap the '+' icon in the top right corner to create a new Focus mode.
• •Step 3: Choose a template (e.g., 'Custom', 'Do Not Disturb', 'Sleep', etc.) or select 'Custom' to start from scratch.
• •Step 4: Name your Focus mode and select a color and icon to represent it.
• •Step 5: Tap 'Next' to configure allowed notifications from people and apps.
• •Step 6: Review your settings and tap 'Done' to save your custom Focus mode.
• •Step 7: To activate the Focus mode, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center, then tap on the Focus icon and select your new mode.
• •Step 8: To verify it worked, check the status bar for the Focus icon and ensure notifications are filtered as set.
• •Step 9: If it doesn't work, revisit the Focus settings to ensure the correct apps and contacts are allowed.

For iOS 16 and later

• •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above to create a Focus mode.
• •Step 2: In the 'Options' section, you can now set a schedule or location-based triggers for your Focus mode.
• •Step 3: Use the 'Focus Status' toggle to share your Focus status with apps.

For iOS 15

• •Step 1: Create a Focus mode as described above.
• •Step 2: Note that scheduling and location-based triggers are limited.

Method 2: Creating a Custom Focus Mode via Control Center

• •Step 1: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
• •Step 2: Press and hold the Focus icon (crescent moon) to see available Focus modes.
• •Step 3: Tap 'Focus' at the bottom of the menu to access more options.
• •Step 4: Tap 'New Focus' to create a custom mode.
• •Step 5: Follow the prompts to name, customize, and set up notifications for your Focus mode.
• •Step 6: Activate your new Focus mode directly from Control Center.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• •Error: 'Focus mode not activating' - Solution: Ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version and that the Focus mode is enabled in Settings.
• •Issue: 'Notifications still coming through' - Fix: Check the allowed notifications settings in your Focus mode to ensure the correct apps and contacts are selected.
• •Problem: 'Focus mode not syncing across devices' - Workaround: Ensure you are signed into the same Apple ID on all devices and that Focus syncing is enabled in Settings > Focus.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

• •Keyboard shortcut: Use 'Siri' to activate a Focus mode by saying, 'Turn on [Focus Name]'.
• •Hidden feature: Use the 'Focus Status' option to inform others when you are in a Focus mode, allowing them to know you may not respond immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expert Tips