DO NOT DISTURB: Focus Your Phone

Published January 27, 2026
DO NOT DISTURB: Focus Your Phone

A silent spiritual retreat is a time to slow down, listen, pray, and be fully present with God. One of the simplest ways to protect that space is by putting your phone into Focus Mode, which helps limit distractions without fully turning your phone off. Read on for both iPhone and Android instructions.

Here’s how to do it (it only takes about a minute):

Step-by-Step: Turning on Focus Mode for iPhones

  • Open Settings on your iPhone
  • Scroll down and tap Focus
  • Choose Do Not Disturb (or another Focus you’ve already created)
  • Toggle Focus ON

That’s it. Your notifications will be silenced and your screen won’t light up constantly.

Optional (But Helpful) Tweaks

  • Allow emergency contacts: In Focus settings, you can allow calls from specific people you've set as favorites, like your kid's school, doctor's office, family members, or emergency contacts.
  • Schedule it: Set Focus Mode to turn on automatically for the duration of the retreat.
  • Customize your screen: You can even choose a quieter lock screen to reduce visual noise.

If you need your phone for retreat materials or emergencies, Focus Mode lets you keep what’s necessary while setting aside what isn’t.

Step-by-Step: Turning on Do Not Disturb for Android

  • Open Settings on your Android phone
  • Tap Notifications (or Sound & vibration, depending on your device)
  • Select Do Not Disturb
  • Turn Do Not Disturb ON

Once enabled, notifications will be silenced so your attention can remain on prayer, reflection, and rest.

Optional (But Helpful) Tweaks

  • Allow important calls: You can choose certain contacts (like family or school offices) to come through if needed.
  • Set a schedule: Turn Do Not Disturb on for the full length of the retreat.
  • Limit visual distractions: Hide notification pop-ups so your screen stays calm and quiet.

May this small step help create the quiet space your soul is craving.

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