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Need some peace and quiet? Then you need Do Not Disturb in your life

If you need to make sure your phone isn’t ringing when you’re busy, then you really need this.

YOU KNOW THE feeling, you’re busy, you don’t want to be interrupted by calls or texts yet silent mode just isn’t doing the trick.

If you know this situation all too well, then Do Not Disturb is what you need. The feature has been around on certain devices for a while, but for those who aren’t familiar with it, it gives you some peace of mind from emails, texts and calls when you need it like when you’re sleeping or just need an hour of peace and quiet.

If you’re not using it yet, here’s how to activate it.

iPhone

iOS comes with its own Do Not Disturb feature which is accessible from the command centre (activated when swiping from bottom to top). While this is a quick activation, further details about can be found in settings, allowing you to set specific times for its activation.

It has some nice features such as allowing certain numbers to bypass those settings if they ring repeatedly, so if someone is ringing you because of an emergency, they will get through.

Do Not Disturb

Android

Depending on what Android device you have (or what version in some cases) this will differ between devices, but all of them are found in settings. For example, HTC has a Do Not Disturb function hidden in Sounds, while Samsung has named it Blocking Mode.

Those who have Android Lollipop will be able to activate it by pressing the volume button and selecting none or priority, or go straight to settings. If your phone doesn’t have a Do Not Disturb feature, then you can download the conveniently titled Do Not Disturb app which offers similar functionality.

android-interruptions-565x500

Windows Phone

Alongside Cortana, Windows Phone 8.1 received a new feature called Quiet Hours, which is effectively Do Not Disturb under a different name. The only problem is Cortana still has yet to make its way over here, meaning this feature is still out of reach.

For now, the closest experience you have to a Do not Disturb feature is an app called Quiet Hours, although what it really does is just put your phone on silent mode automatically. The real problem is it says it only works with Windows Phone 8 further limiting its use.

Quiet Hours Quiet Hours / Windows Phone Quiet Hours / Windows Phone / Windows Phone

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7 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Moran
    Favourite Stephen Moran
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    Dec 28th 2014, 11:31 AM

    When you deactivate Do Not Disturb on iPhone, a mini-eclipse happens right in front of your eyes.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Siobhan Fleming
    Favourite Siobhan Fleming
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    Dec 28th 2014, 12:27 PM

    Or just use flight mode?

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Byrne
    Favourite Mark Byrne
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    Dec 28th 2014, 1:10 PM

    Then your calls go to voicemail. This way you’ll still see missed calls but your phone won’t ring or vibrate or light up. I think :)

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Siobhan Fleming
    Favourite Siobhan Fleming
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    Dec 28th 2014, 1:33 PM

    Thanks. I often use flight mode for a bit of peace, must try this.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin Flaherty
    Favourite Eoin Flaherty
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    Dec 28th 2014, 11:52 AM

    On a Sony Xperia phone, press and hold the power button, a menu will pop up showing screen capture options power and restart options. On the bottom there will be 3 icons. Silent, Vibrate and normal. Switch to silent for a Do not disturb mode.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Hooded Biscuit
    Favourite The Hooded Biscuit
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    Dec 28th 2014, 7:58 PM

    Yea muting calls is great and all but no one is really going to call much in the evenings. It’s the constant buzzing and beeping of email, whatsapp, text message, Facebook notifications that wreck my head

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute GrandDame
    Favourite GrandDame
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    Dec 28th 2014, 4:10 PM

    Just don’t do what my husband did and had it switched on and didn’t realise. Brought “broken” phone to shop and told needed to buy new one which he did!

    11
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