The ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND) feature on Pixel smartphones is invaluable for minimizing interruptions by silencing notifications and calls. However, there are times when you might want certain contacts to reach you, even when DND is active. Fortunately, Pixel devices offer a way to allow specific contacts to bypass DND, ensuring you never miss critical communications.
Understanding ‘Do Not Disturb’ on Pixel Devices
DND is designed to suppress notifications, calls, and alerts, allowing users to focus without distractions. While it effectively silences most interruptions, it doesn’t block them entirely; notifications still appear on the lock screen but without sound or vibration. This ensures that while you’re not disturbed, you can still access notifications at your convenience.
Customizing ‘Do Not Disturb’ with Allowlists
Pixel phones provide a customizable DND experience, allowing users to create allowlists—specific contacts or apps permitted to bypass DND settings. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring that important messages or calls aren’t missed during periods when DND is enabled.
Steps to Add Contacts to the ‘Do Not Disturb’ Allowlist
To ensure that certain contacts can reach you even when DND is active, follow these steps:
1. Access Settings: Open the ‘Settings’ app on your Pixel device.
2. Navigate to Modes: Scroll down and tap on ‘Modes.’
3. Select ‘Do Not Disturb’: Within the Modes menu, choose ‘Do Not Disturb.’
4. Choose ‘People’: Tap on ‘People’ to manage who can bypass DND.
5. Modify Messages or Calls: Decide whether you want to allow exceptions for messages, calls, or both.
6. Select ‘Starred Contacts’: Opt for ‘Starred contacts’ and tap the settings cog adjacent to it.
7. Add or Modify Starred Contacts: Here, you can add or adjust your starred contacts. Contacts marked as starred will be able to reach you even when DND is enabled.
Alternative Options
While the above method focuses on starred contacts, Pixel devices offer additional customization:
– Allow All Contacts: You can permit all contacts to bypass DND, though this may defeat the purpose of minimizing interruptions.
– Priority Conversations: For more granular control, you can designate specific conversations as priority, allowing them to bypass DND settings.
Ensuring Complete Silence
It’s important to note that while allowlisted contacts can reach you during DND, their notifications will still produce sound or vibration. If you prefer complete silence, consider setting your Pixel device to silent mode in addition to enabling DND.
Benefits of Customizing ‘Do Not Disturb’
Tailoring your DND settings ensures that you remain accessible to essential contacts without being overwhelmed by less critical notifications. This balance is particularly beneficial during meetings, classes, or focused work sessions, allowing you to maintain productivity without missing important communications.
