How to set up Do Not Disturb modes on your Android phone

Tired of constant pings and late-night notifications? Whether you're heading into a meeting or just trying to relax, Do Not Disturb mode on your Android™ phone gives you control over when and how your device alerts you. From scheduling quiet times to customizing exceptions for calls and texts, it’s easier than ever to silence distractions on your terms.

At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers with their tech care needs—including getting the most out of their Android devices. Here's how to set up and customize Do Not Disturb on your phone—and what to do if it’s not working as expected.

What is Do Not Disturb mode?

Do Not Disturb (DND) mode silences your phone’s sounds and vibrations while still letting you control important exceptions. You can block all alerts or allow certain contacts, apps, or reminders to break through.

Android also lets you create custom modes like Sleep, Work, and Driving—so you don’t have to toggle settings every time.

How to set up Do Not Disturb on a Samsung Galaxy phone

Samsung devices use “Modes and Routines” to customize DND and other focused settings.

Turn on Do Not Disturb manually

1. Swipe down to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Tap Do not disturb to enable it instantly.

Customize DND settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Modes and Routines or Notifications > Do Not Disturb.
3. Tap Do Not Disturb, then set:
   • Allowed calls and messages
   • Allowed apps
   • Alarms and sounds
   • Schedules

Create custom modes

1. In Modes and Routines, tap Add mode.
2. Choose a scenario like Sleep or Work—or create your own.
3. Set when the mode activates and what notifications or features are allowed.

How to set up Do Not Disturb on a Google Pixel phone

Pixel phones use Android's standard “Do Not Disturb” settings with Focus mode options.

Enable Do Not Disturb manually

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
2. Tap Do Not Disturb to toggle it on or off.

Customize DND settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb.
3. Tap Schedules or People & apps to set:
   • Exceptions for calls, messages, and conversations
   • Apps that can bypass DND
   • Event- or time-based schedules

Set up Focus or Bedtime modes

1. Open Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
2. Tap Bedtime mode or Focus mode.
3. Select when to activate it and what interruptions are allowed.

What if Do Not Disturb isn’t working?

If your phone keeps buzzing even when DND is on, try these fixes:

• Restart your phone to refresh settings.
• Double-check your exceptions to see if any contacts or apps are allowed through.
• Update your device to the latest Android version.
• Use Safe mode to check if a third-party app is interfering with your settings.
• You may want to reset your phone’s preferences in Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset app preferences.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Silent mode and Do Not Disturb?

Silent mode mutes all sounds, but notifications still show up. Do Not Disturb gives more control, letting you allow certain alerts while silencing others.

Can I allow repeat calls in Do Not Disturb?

Yes. Most Android devices let repeat callers (within 15 minutes) bypass DND if you enable the “Repeat callers” exception in the settings.

Will alarms still sound in Do Not Disturb?

Yes—unless you specifically disable alarms in the DND settings, they will sound as usual.

Can I schedule Do Not Disturb automatically?

Absolutely. Both Samsung and Pixel phones let you set DND to activate at specific times or events like bedtime or calendar appointments.