How to Turn On & Off Do Not Disturb Mode [Android & iPhone]

I know how frustrating it feels when you’re trying to relax or spend time with your friends, and your phone keeps buzzing. Most of those notifications aren’t important, but they grab your attention anyway.

This is exactly why the Do Not Disturb (DND) feature is so useful. With a simple swipe from the top of your screen, you can activate it to block unwanted calls, silence alerts, and enjoy uninterrupted time, whether you’re working, relaxing, or just need a break.

In this blog, I’ll explain what DND mode means, show you how to set up Do Not Disturb on both Android and iPhone, and even cover how to start DND services with providers like Jio, Airtel, and VI.

When you turn on DND mode, it typically offers:

• Silences notifications from apps, calls, and text messages.
• Blocks unwanted calls while still allowing important contacts to reach you.
• Schedules DND during sleep, work, or meetings.
• Custom settings to allow alarms or priority alerts only.
• Helps reduce distractions so you can focus, relax, or even enjoy gaming without constant interruptions.

How to Turn On Do Not Disturb on Android & iPhone

Now that you know what DND mode can do for you, the next step is learning how to actually switch it on. The good news? Whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone, it only takes a few taps.

The process is slightly different on each device, but the idea is the same, you activate DND when you need quiet time, and your phone handles the rest by blocking unwanted calls and silencing notifications.

Let’s walk through it step by step, starting with Android.

Steps to Enable Do Not Disturb on Android Phone

Activating the Do Not Disturb feature on your Android phone is simple once you know where to look. You can access it quickly from the quick settings menu or adjust it further in the Do Not Disturb settings.

Here’s how to turn it on step by step:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the control center.
2. Look for the small disturb icon (it might look like a minus symbol inside a circle).
3. Tap the button once to toggle it on. This will instantly mute notifications, silence vibration, and reject calls unless you’ve added exceptions.
4. If you long press the icon, it opens detailed disturb settings, where you can customize its functionality.
5. Some Android versions let you schedule DND to turn on automatically, helpful during meetings, sleep, or work hours.

Note: On certain devices, the options may depend on the manufacturer (Samsung, Pixel, etc.), but Google has made sure the core feature stays consistent across iPhone and Android.

Steps to Set up Do Not Disturb on iPhone Device

On an iPhone, Do Not Disturb helps you focus without being distracted by notifications or calls. You can activate DND directly from your Settings or Control Center to manage alerts seamlessly.

Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Open Settings and tap Focus → Do Not Disturb to access all options.
2. Use the toggle to turn on DND instantly or customize allowed calls and notifications.
3. You can schedule DND for sleep, work, or important events, ensuring your phone automatically silences alerts at the right times.
4. For quick access, swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center and tap the crescent moon icon.
5. Long press the icon to see more options, including Bedtime mode, lock screen visibility, and exceptions for important contacts.

How to Turn Off Do Not Disturb on Android & iPhone

When it’s time to receive notifications again, you can easily turn off DND mode on both Android phones and iOS, restoring calls, and messages with just a tap.

The exact steps vary by device, but you’ll find the disturb icon in your control center or quick settings, allowing you to toggle it off in seconds.

Let’s start with Android.

Turning Off Do Not Disturb on Android Device

Disabling Do Not Disturb on your Android phone is just as easy as switching it on. Once you’re ready to get back to every call or chat, follow these quick steps:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
2. Find the Do Not Disturb toggle. It may look like a minus symbol in a circle.
3. Tap once to switch it off, you’ll start receiving notifications, email, and app alerts again.
4. If you want more control, long press the toggle to open detailed settings and check if any custom schedule is still active.
5. Exiting this mode won’t affect your stored data or running applications, it simply brings your phone back to normal notification behaviour.

Turning Off Do Not Disturb on iPhone

Disabling Do Not Disturb on iPhone is just as quick. When you’re ready to receive calls, messages, and app updates again, follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap the crescent moon button to switch it off.
3. You’ll instantly get notifications, email, and chat alerts back.
4. If you had a custom schedule, check Settings → Focus to stop it from running automatically.

How to Activate DND Service via Mobile Networks

Apart from the Do Not Disturb feature on your smartphone, mobile networks in India also provide a way to block unwanted calls and SMS through DND service activation. This option ensures you don’t get annoyed by unnecessary marketing messages, while still allowing important updates from your bank, travel bookings, or applications you trust.

Here’s how to enable DND with different carriers:

Activate DND Mode in Jio

If you’re a Jio user, you can easily activate or deactivate Do Not Disturb to stop promotional calls and messages. Jio gives you multiple ways to do this, through the MyJio app, the official website, SMS, or even a direct call.

Via MyJio App:

• Launch the MyJio app and head to your profile.
• Under Settings, open Service Settings and look for the Do Not Disturb option.
• From here, you’ll see different categories of promotional messages. Select the ones you want to block and tap Save.
• Finally, confirm the request by tapping Proceed.

Through Jio Website:

• Sign in on the official Jio portal.
• Go to Settings → Service Settings → Do Not Disturb.
• Choose the categories you don’t want to receive and hit Save.
• Submit the request to finalize.

Quick Options:

If you don’t want to use the app or website, you can:

• Send an SMS with START 0 to 1909.
• Or dial 1909 from your Jio number.

After completing the request, Jio will send you a confirmation SMS with a reference number. Your DND preferences are usually updated within 24 hours.

Activate DND Mode in Airtel

For Airtel customers, managing Do Not Disturb is easy. Instead of being interrupted by constant marketing texts or offers, you can quickly adjust your preferences through the Airtel Thanks app.

Using Airtel Thanks App

• Open the Airtel Thanks app.
• Tap More and head to Manage Services.
• Select Activate/Deactivate DND.
• Pick the categories you’d rather not receive (for example, finance, education, or health) and confirm.

Activate DND Mode in VI (Vodafone Idea)

If you’re a Vi subscriber, you can manage promotional calls and SMS using the Do Not Disturb service. Vi offers flexible options, allowing you to either block all marketing messages or only certain categories, depending on your preference.

Here’s how to activate it:

Via Vi App

1. Open the Vi app and go to Help & Support.
2. Select Service Requests and tap on Do Not Disturb (DND).
3. Tap the link to activate full or partial DND or block specific promotions.
4. Confirm your selection.

Via Vi Website

1. Visit the official Vi DND portal.
2. Enter your 10-digit Vi number and click Send OTP.
3. Enter the OTP received via SMS and verify it.
4. Select your preferred Full, Partial DND, or specific promotion blocks and confirm.

Via SMS

1. Create a new SMS.
2. Type FULLY BLOCK and send it to 1909 (toll-free).

Via Call

1. Dial 1909 from your Vi number.
2. Follow the interactive voice instructions to register your DND preferences.

Other Networks

For BSNL, MTNL, and other smaller carriers, activating Do Not Disturb (DND) is straightforward. You can send an SMS with START DND to 1909 or place a call to the same number and follow the voice instructions.

Once you register, the network updates your DND preferences promptly. This lets you reduce spam calls and promotional texts while still staying reachable for essential messages and updates from banks, travel, or verified services.

Tips to Customize Do Not Disturb Mode Settings

While standard DND options on your smartphone help you reduce interruptions, you can take control even further by customizing settings to suit your daily routine. Here’s how to get the most out of this feature:

• Schedule Alerts Wisely: Set specific times for DND during work, gaming, or relaxation hours to ensure your notifications don’t distract you.
• Allow Exceptions: Permit calls or messages from important contacts so you never miss urgent updates.
• Mute Applications Selectively: Some apps can be silenced without affecting others, giving you full control over distractions.

Even with these options, standard DND can’t block distractions if you spend too much time on certain applications.

This is where Qoli makes a difference. It monitors important notifications and messages while automatically blocking apps once your usage exceeds the time limit you set. With Qoli, you can enjoy true quiet time, stay productive, and focus without missing critical updates.

Final Thoughts

The Do Not Disturb feature is an essential tool for managing your time and minimizing distractions. Whether you’re focusing on work, enjoying downtime, or just trying to relax, it ensures you stay in control of notifications.

By activating and customizing DND, you can create uninterrupted moments throughout your day while still staying reachable for what truly matters.

Thanks a lot for reading this blog, I hope this blog has solved your query regaring regarding DND mode.