iOS 6 brings a new feature to iPhone and iPad that gives users more control over notifications.
The Do Not Disturb setting allows users to block all incoming notifications to stop interrupting calls, text messages, and other intrusions during a program or when users turn on Do Not Disturb.
After using Do Not Disturb for the past few months it has become one of my favorite features and it has definitely prevented a few late night wakes from noisy and bright notifications.
My iPhone and iPad light up at all hours of the night because I work with people in different time zones, but thanks to the Do Not Disturb feature, I’m no longer bothered by Facebook notifications and incoming messages.
This setting is also useful for ignoring iPhone when you’re going to a movie or on a date. All in all, Do Not Disturb is a great feature in iOS 6.
How to Use Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb in iOS 6 is quickly available as a toggle on the home screen, but users will need to dig deeper to configure Do Not Disturb mode.
Do Not Disturb controls notifications.
When Do Not Disturb is on, the status bar has a small moon icon next to the clock. When users see this, the phone will not light up, make a sound or vibrate while on the lock screen. iPhone or iPad will continue to receive notifications, not just notify users.
Tap and then tap to check Do Not Disturb mode.
Control Do Not Disturb in iOS 6.
On this screen, users can control the Do Not Disturb program and turn the mode on or off at certain times. The app doesn’t offer granular control over weekend schedules, daily settings, or calendar integration.
Set a schedule for Do Not Disturb.
iOS 6 allows users to allow calls from certain groups. This allows users to receive calls from a whitelisted caller group. I normally set this to favorites that include my immediate family and a person or two.
Allow some users to disturb in Do Not Disturb mode.
Another option is Recurring Calls. This allows users to let callers pass if they call twice within three minutes. This is a nice catch to let anyone reach out to you in an emergency.
What’s Missing in Do Not Disturb
Apple could take iOS 6’s Do Not Disturb mode even further with a few improvements.
More precise control of programming would be a welcome development. I want to keep the weekend and weekday hours different and integrate my calendar with the service.
The program’s iCloud sync would be nice if Apple offers better support for scheduling. It’s easy enough to set up the same schedule on my iPad, but I’d love to see manual Do Not Disturb mode syncing between devices.
Apple should also add better support for iMessages and texts. It would be great to allow a small group of people to send text messages that break Do Not Disturb mode. Or even a safe word that transcends Do Not Disturb.
