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.
Before you start, ensure your iPhone or iPad is running a recent version of iOS/iPadOS to access all notification settings.
To manage time sensitive notifications, follow these steps to customize how and when you receive urgent alerts and messages on your device.
To disable 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, which is a few tiles down from the top. Then, 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. This allows you to customize notification settings for each app individually.
You can also disable Time Sensitive Notifications in Focus Mode. To do this, open the Settings app, tap Focus, which is located a few tiles down, and then tap a Focus Mode. If you only have “Do Not Disturb” configured, tap it to select it. Tap Apps, which is the tile on the right side of the screen, and then toggle off “Time Sensitive Notifications.” The switch will turn grey, and you will no longer receive these notifications while in the selected Focus Mode.
Additionally, you can disable all notifications completely for an app. To do this, open the Settings app, tap Notifications, and then 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 and 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.
Consider using Focus modes like “Do Not Disturb” for temporary notification pauses, as they offer more flexible control than completely disabling all alerts.
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.
