Settings That Reduce Distracting Notifications and Protect Focus Time
One notification can cost you 23 minutes of focus
Sort notifications into three levels
This does not mean turning off every notification. Sort them into what you truly need to know immediately, what can wait and be checked in batches, and what you do not need at all. In reality, most app notifications belong in the third category.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| Sort notifications into three levels | This does not mean turning off every notification |
| A basic cleanup that takes only 10 minutes | Adjust your settings once, and daily interruptions will drop significantly |
| Setting a “check time” is as important as turning notifications off | Quick checklist |
| Level | Criteria | Examples | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate | Someone may be inconvenienced if you miss it | Family calls, phone calls | Allow sound + vibration |
| Later | You only need to see it sometime today | Messengers, email | Badge only, sound off |
| Unnecessary | Things you can do without | Shopping, games, news | Block notifications completely |
A basic cleanup that takes only 10 minutes
Adjust your settings once, and daily interruptions will drop significantly. Spend just 10 minutes following the steps below. The most effective step is turning off notification previews on the lock screen.
- Go into your phone’s notification settings and turn off notifications for every app you have not tapped once in the past 2 weeks.
- For messenger, email, and social media apps, turn off sound and vibration and leave only the badge number.
- Turn off notification content previews on the lock screen so message contents are not visible even when you turn on the screen.
- Schedule Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb to turn on automatically during your daily work hours, such as 9 to 11 a.m.
- On your work computer as well, turn off desktop notification pop-ups for messengers and check them only at set times.
Setting a “check time” is as important as turning notifications off
Some people feel more anxious after turning notifications off and end up checking their phone more often. That is why it helps to decide in advance when you will batch-check messages, such as “11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.” When you have a promise to check at set times, you can focus comfortably in between.
- While focusing, place your phone face down so the screen is not visible, or put it in a drawer.
- Tell people who may need you urgently in advance, “When I’m busy, call instead of texting.”
- Try setting aside one weekend morning as a full “no-notification time.”