I sat with a friend at the cinema, and while the movie was playing, I glanced at his phone. To my surprise, his screen was filled with numerous notifications—news headlines, weather alerts, social media updates, and countless others. I couldn’t resist asking, “How do you even focus with all that?”. Curious, I asked, “How do you cope with all these distractions?” He sighed, “These apps never stop. I try to ignore them. Sometimes I even restart my phone, hoping it’ll quiet them down, but it’s a losing battle.”
A phone restart offers only a fleeting moment of peace, like sweeping dust under the rug. The moment the device reboots, those notifications return with renewed vigor. Likewise, disabling mobile data merely postpones the inevitable; once you reconnect, the accumulated alerts burst through, overwhelming your screen.
My friend didn’t have to surrender to this constant digital distraction. Like many people, he wasn’t aware of the granular control his device offered. The power to silence the noise, to filter the alerts, was right at his fingertips. By understanding and adjusting your phone’s notification settings, you can regain control and create a more peaceful digital environment.
How to Take Control of Your Notifications (Android & iOS)
Ready to quiet those annoying alerts? Here’s a simple guide to help you manage your notifications:
1. Access the Notification Settings: Android or iOS:
- Go to “Settings” and select “Apps”
- Scroll down to see the list of applications on your phone.
- Select the app you wish to turn off notifications.
- Tap “Notifications” and toggle off to disable alerts from this app. On some phones, you can choose to ‘Silent’ instead of completely deactivating.
2. Consider App-Specific Settings:
Some apps have their notification settings within the app itself. Explore the app’s settings menu for additional customisation options.
3. Activate the “Do Not Disturb (DND)” Mode: I use the “Do Not Disturb” mode before I go to bed. You can try it to silence all or most notifications during specific times or events.
- Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Notifications’ > ‘Do Not Disturb’. Some phones have a DND mode button on the quick panel that you can toggle on for instant activation.
- Focus Modes (iOS): iOS also provides focus modes that allow for even more granular control of notifications, tailored to your activity.
4. Regularly Review and Adjust:
- Your notification needs may change over time. Periodically review your notification settings and adjust them as needed.
