Do Not Disturb mode on Android silences most calls and notifications so you can focus or rest without interruptions. The two fastest ways to turn it on are from Quick Settings or the Settings app, and you can customize it so important contacts still get through.
How to use do not disturb mode on Android
Do Not Disturb is a built-in Android feature that blocks incoming calls, alerts, and most notifications. You access it either by swiping down to open Quick Settings or by navigating through the full Settings menu. The feature works the same way on most Android phones, though Pixel devices group it under a new "Modes" section. Google Assistant can control Do Not Disturb, but this requires Google Assistant in English (US) and Voice Match, and currently only works on Pixel and Android One phones.
Turn Do Not Disturb on or off from Quick Settings
This is the fastest method. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings, then tap the Do Not Disturb tile to turn it on or off. On Android, Do Not Disturb can be set to 'Total Silence,' 'Alarms Only,' or 'Priority Only' mode when toggling it on. On Pixel phones and Pixel Tablets, you will see a button labeled Modes instead; tap it, then tap Do Not Disturb, and finally tap Done.
Turn Do Not Disturb on or off from the Settings app
Open the Settings app and navigate to the Do Not Disturb page. On most Android devices, the path is Settings > Sound & vibration (or Sound) > Do Not Disturb. On Pixel phones and tablets, Google now groups this under Settings > Modes > Do Not Disturb. From here you can toggle the feature on or off and access all customization options.
Customize which notifications can interrupt you
By default, Do Not Disturb silences everything, but you can set exceptions. To allow calls from specific people, go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb > People > Calls. Here you can choose to allow calls from all contacts, from your starred favorites only, or from no one. You can allow repeat callers (if the same person calls twice within 15 minutes) as an exception. You can also set exceptions for messages, app notifications, and alarms. Note that some apps can still break through if their individual notification channels are configured to override Do Not Disturb, so check app notification settings if an unwanted sound occurs.
Set a schedule for Do Not Disturb
- Open the Do Not Disturb settings page (either from Quick Settings or the Settings app).
- Look for Schedules or Automatic rules and tap it.
- Tap Add rule or the plus (+) button.
- Give the rule a name, such as "Bedtime" or "Meetings."
- Set the start and end times, and choose which days of the week the rule applies.
- Customize what is allowed during this schedule (for example, allow calls from favorites or let alarms through).
- Save the rule. Your phone will now automatically enter Do Not Disturb mode at the scheduled times.
Fix Do Not Disturb when it turns on by itself
If Do Not Disturb activates unexpectedly, the most likely cause is an automatic schedule or rule you created and forgot about. Open the Do Not Disturb settings, go to Schedules or Turn on automatically, and review each rule. Turn off or delete any rule that you do not want active. Another common cause is a connected wearable, such as a Fitbit or smartwatch, that syncs its own Do Not Disturb mode to your phone. Check your wearable’s companion app for a setting that syncs modes or Do Not Disturb, and disable that sync to stop the phone from changing on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my alarm still sound when Do Not Disturb is on?
Yes, by default alarms are not silenced by Do Not Disturb. You can change this behavior in the Do Not Disturb settings if you prefer alarms to be silenced as well.
Can I allow calls from my favorites only?
Yes. In the Do Not Disturb settings, go to People > Calls and choose the option to allow calls only from your starred contacts or favorites.
Why did a notification make a sound even though Do Not Disturb was on?
Some apps have notification channels that are set to override Do Not Disturb. Check the app's notification settings inside the app or in Settings > Apps > [app name] > Notifications to see if any channel is configured to bypass Do Not Disturb.
What is the difference between Do Not Disturb and silent mode?
Do Not Disturb and silent mode both silence sounds, but Do Not Disturb gives you fine-grained control over which notifications and calls can break through, while silent mode simply mutes everything without exceptions.
Can I schedule Do Not Disturb to turn off automatically?
Yes. When you create a schedule rule, you set both a start time and an end time. The phone will turn Do Not Disturb off automatically when the end time is reached.
How do I find Do Not Disturb on iPhone?
On iPhone, Do Not Disturb is now folded into the Focus feature; you access it from Control Center by touching and holding the Focus button, then tapping Do Not Disturb if it appears.
