Ever feel overwhelmed by notifications or app distractions? iOS offers a powerful feature called Focus Filters, which helps you customize how apps behave during different Focus modes. You can hide work emails during personal time or limit social media during work hours. Here’s how you can set up and use Focus Filters to improve your productivity and well-being.
What Are Focus Filters?
Focus Filters let you control app behavior based on your current Focus mode. For example:
- In Work Focus, only work-related calendars and emails show up.
- In Personal Focus, work notifications and emails are hidden.
- In Sleep Focus, only essential apps like Health and Clock remain accessible.
This feature ensures you interact only with the apps and information you need at any given time.
How to Set Up Focus Filters
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Focus.
- Select an existing Focus mode or create a new one.
- Scroll down and tap Add Filter.
- Choose from options like Calendar, Mail, Messages, or Safari.
- Customize your preferences. For example, select a work calendar during Work Focus or block social media sites in Safari.
- Tap Add to save your settings.
Practical Focus Filter Ideas
- Work Mode: Show only work emails and disable personal messages.
- Personal Mode: Block Slack and Teams notifications but allow messages from family.
- Study Mode: Block social media apps and allow educational resources.
- Driving Mode: Hide notifications and allow Maps to remain active.
Focus Filters are flexible and adapt to your daily routine, helping you stay more present and less distracted.