This guide will show you how to disable Time Sensitive Notifications on your iPhone or iPad, whether for specific apps or within Focus modes, and explain what these notifications are.
How to manage time sensitive notifications
Follow these steps to customize how and when you receive urgent alerts and messages on your device.
Disabling time sensitive notifications in apps
- Open the Settings app, which is represented by a gear icon. Use this method to stop Time Sensitive Notifications from specific apps like Instagram or Snapchat.
- Tap Notifications. This option is a few tiles down from the top.
- Tap an app from the list under “Notification Style.”
- Toggle off “Time Sensitive Notifications.” This is the second option, and the switch will turn grey when disabled.
- If you prefer to disable all notifications from this app entirely, toggle off “Allow Notifications” instead.
- To disable Time Sensitive Notifications for more apps, tap the back arrow, select a new app, and then toggle off the setting.
Disabling time sensitive notifications in focus mode
- Open the Settings app (the grey cog icon). Use this if you want to prevent Time Sensitive Notifications from bypassing Do Not Disturb or any other Focus Mode.
- Tap Focus, located a few tiles down.
- Tap a Focus Mode. If you only have “Do Not Disturb” configured, tap it to select it.
- Tap Apps. This is the tile on the right side of the screen.
- Toggle off “Time Sensitive Notifications.” The switch will turn grey, and you will no longer receive these notifications while in the selected Focus Mode.
Disabling all notifications
- Open the Settings app (the cog icon). Use this method to disable all notifications completely for an app.
- Tap Notifications. This is next to a red icon with a white alarm bell.
- Tap an app from the list. To disable all notifications, you will need to select each listed app individually.
- Toggle off “Allow Notifications.” The switch will turn grey. Tap the back arrow to return to the previous page.
- Repeat for all apps where you wish to disable notifications.
- While not recommended, you can also turn off official government alerts by scrolling to the very bottom of the Notifications page and toggling off every alert under the “Government Alerts” header. This includes AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts, Public Safety Alerts, and Test Alerts.
Why this matters
Understanding and managing Time Sensitive Notifications is crucial for maintaining digital well-being and productivity. These notifications are designed by app developers to deliver urgent messages, but they can sometimes disrupt your focus or override your preferences, such as when you’re in a Focus mode like Do Not Disturb.
By taking control of these settings, you ensure that only truly critical alerts reach you when you need them, while less urgent notifications wait until you’re ready. This allows you to tailor your device’s behavior to your lifestyle, minimizing distractions and enhancing your ability to concentrate on tasks or enjoy undisturbed personal time.
