A paired iPhone and Apple Watch; Control Center steps apply to watchOS 10 and later.
Focus works best when you decide in advance which contacts still matter. Set exceptions first, then start your focus block.
01Set the rules on iPhone
Open Settings > Focus and choose or create a mode. Set allowed contacts and apps, then review calls and time-sensitive notifications.
02Turn it on from Apple Watch
Press the side button to open Control Center, tap Focus, and choose the mode and duration.
03Confirm when it is over
Open Control Center again and turn the mode off when you want normal notifications back. If devices sync Focus, check the iPhone status too.
That’s it
The watch face shows the Focus icon; allowed notifications still arrive and other alerts follow your settings.
Questions you may have
Why are some messages still getting through?
Review allowed apps, contacts, repeated calls, and time-sensitive notifications. Focus follows the exceptions you left in place.
Based on official public information · 2026-10-21
Not tested on every model; features and interfaces may vary by device and software version.