Why I’m Getting Calls When Do Not Disturb Is On

No one likes to be interrupted by calls or messages while attending a meeting, watching a movie, attending a quiet event, or sleeping. People mostly use ‘Do Not Disturb’ function on their phones to avoid such unpleasant scenarios. However, as the user wants a more customized DND (Do Not Disturb) mode, companies like Google and Apple have added more ways to customize Do Not Disturb settings on the device. This means you can allow certain callers to bypass the DND settings and make an exception for some scenarios where a caller can reach you by repeating calls.

The problem with the method is if you set exceptions for a scenario while enabling the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, the system will remember these settings and continue to use them every time you turn on the DND mode on the device.

For example, if you have customized the DND settings on the device to allow your family members to bypass DND to call or send messages in an emergency, the system will use the same settings until you make changes from the Do Not Disturb menu.

Due to such exceptions, you may receive calls when Do Not Disturb is enabled on your device. In this post, we will guide you on how to disable such settings on iPhone and Android and customize DND according to your preference every time you use the service on the phone.

for iphone

Enable Always Silent from Settings

The default Do Not Disturb settings on iPhone can be the cause of calls even though the DND option is enabled. By default, iOS only mutes incoming calls and messages when the iPhone is locked. This means that if you are actively using the iPhone with DND enabled, you will receive calls and messages from users.

Fortunately, Apple allows you to change such settings from the DND menu. On iPhone, open the Settings app and go to the Do Not Disturb menu. Select Always from the Silence menu.

After that, iPhone blocks callers even while using the device.

Don’t Allow Calls From Anyone

Apple lets you select specific contacts as favorites for easy access from the Phone app. You can also access these contacts with a long tap on the Phone app icon. These favorites are automatically removed from the Do Not Disturb function. So, when Do Not Disturb is on, anyone in your favorite contact list can call or text you.

You need to change the DND settings from the iPhone Settings menu. On iPhone, open the Settings app and go to the Do Not Disturb menu. Scroll down to the Phone menu and select Nobody from Allow Calls From. Now no one, including favorite contacts, can call you while DND is on.

Disable Duplicate Calls

When you enable Do Not Disturb mode on iPhone, it will silence all contacts from calling you. However, if the same person tries to call you after three minutes, the call will bypass the DND mode on the device and ring your iPhone.

To combat this, you should disable the recurring call settings. Open the Do Not Disturb menu in iPhone settings and scroll down to the Repeated calls menu and disable the option.

for Android

On Android, each manufacturer applies their own skin on top of Stock Android, which also replaces the Do Not Disturb menu. As for this post, we’ll be sticking with Pixel devices running the latest version of Android OS alongside Google’s Do Not Disturb version on Stock Android.

Disable Exceptions from Do Not Disturb Menu

Let’s first understand the default exceptions to the Do Not Disturb function in Android. Google allows starred contacts and allows repeat callers (within 15 minutes) to bypass Do Not Disturb settings on Android. You can change the exceptions from the Do Not Disturb menu.

There are two ways to access the Do Not Disturb menu on Android. You can pull down the notification bar and long press the Do Not Disturb icon to access the menu or open the Settings app on your device and go to Sound > Do Not Disturb.

From the Do Not Disturb menu go to Calls and there you will see the exception settings. Google’s starred contacts are similar to iOS favorites. By default, starred contacts can call you even when DND is on.

Tap the Allow Calls menu and select ‘Do not allow calls’. I like how Google allows you to add/remove starred contacts from the DND menu itself. Go to the starred contacts menu and you can remove existing ones or add new ones.

You should also turn off ‘Allow Redialers’ to disable same callers from dominating DND functionality on your Android phone.

Live in a Distraction-Free Environment

Do Not Disturb mode can embarrass you in some situations if not used properly. And of course, you won’t want that. Use the settings mentioned above and make the necessary changes in the Do Not Disturb menu on iPhone or Android.

Next: Some Android OEMs also offer Silent mode. Read the difference between Do Not Disturb, Silent and Airplane mode on Android.