Differences between Silent Mode and Do Not Disturb in iOS: Which is Better to Use

Silent mode

Silent mode is activated by switching the lever on the side of the device. Many have developed an instinct for a long time, and the hand itself reaches for this switch when you come to the cinema, to a meeting, or any other place where you need to be quiet.

Silent mode turns off all alarms, notifications, and sounds in apps and games. However, the iPhone continues to vibrate on incoming calls and messages, including the screen. Vibration can be turned off in the settings, but to prevent iOS from waking up the screen, you need to use the following mode.

Do not disturb

The Do Not Disturb feature lives up to its name, turning off the screen, any notifications and sounds, with the exception of calls from selected contacts. There are two ways to enable this function: manually (by clicking on the crescent moon icon in the "Control Center") or automatically based on the schedule specified in the settings.

When Do Not Disturb is active, a small crescent is displayed in the status bar. The schedule allows you to set the hours at which all calls, messages, and other notifications will be muted. When you turn on the corresponding toggle switches, you can configure the function in such a way that your favorite contacts, groups and any subscribers who will call a second time within three minutes will be called up to you. By default, Do Not Disturb is only active when the iPhone screen is locked. If desired, this setting can be changed, and calls will be muted even when you are using your smartphone.

Usage scenarios

The dramatic differences between silent mode and Do Not Disturb dictate their usage scenarios. Silent mode is easier to turn on and is more suitable for cases when the iPhone is in your pocket, bag or backpack, where it cannot prevent you from turning on the screen. If you don't want to miss an important call, make sure vibration is active in silent mode.

The Do Not Disturb function, on the other hand, is convenient when the iPhone is on the table or in the dock, in one word in plain sight. It is a little more difficult to turn on, but it will provide you with full concentration on the current activity and eliminate annoying notifications, messages or signals from games. For those who often turn on "Do not disturb" manually at certain times, we can advise you to bar calls for all subscribers, otherwise friends and acquaintances will simply not let you concentrate when you need it.