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How I use Android's hidden custom modes when I need to focus
Distractions are terrible. It seems like just when I’m getting into a flow, something pulls me out of it. The stoppage of said flow lasts as long as the distraction and the ramp-up time to get back into the flow — or (worse) the loss of an idea. It happens to me a lot, especially when I’m writing, which requires a high level of concentration.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid distraction, especially if you use Android as your OS. One such way is through Modes. Modes let Android block distractions during important periods. Out of the box, you’ll find modes for Do Not Disturb, Bedtime, and Driving. You can, however, create custom modes that are specific to your needs.
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For example, I created a Writing mode that shuts off notifications from everything and everyone (except certain contacts) and even disables all apps (including alarms) from interrupting. By doing this, I can have a totally distraction-free writing period. When that period is over, the floodgates open and the distractions hit me with full force.
But how do you create such a custom mode? It’s actually quite simple.
How to create a custom mode on Android
What you’ll need: The custom mode feature was added to Android 15 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release 2), so you’ll need a device running at least that version. I’m demonstrating on my Pixel. If you have a Samsung or other device, it may look a little different but you should still have the same basic options. That’s it. Let’s make some magic.
The first thing to do is open the Settings app, which can be done either via the Notification Shade (pull it down twice and tap the gear icon) or the App Drawer (tap Settings).
You’ll see the Modes option on the main page of Settings. Tap that entry.
Fortunately, Modes is quickly accessible from within Settings.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
At the bottom of the Modes page, tap “Create your own mode,” and then (when prompted) tap Custom.
You can even create a mode specific to when you arrive home (which is blurred out in my case).
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Next, type a name for your mode (such as Writing, Filming, or Class), and then select an icon for the mode. When you’ve taken care of that, scroll down and click Done.
You can create a custom mode or a flip to shhh mode.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You should now be on the custom Mode page, where you can tweak settings like which contacts, apps, and alarms can interrupt, and even configure display settings like grayscale, keep the screen dark, dim the wallpaper, and enable dark theme.
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You can also set a schedule for your custom Mode based on either a day and time or even a Calendar event. For my Writing mode, I disable every single distraction and use it manually (no schedule) because I use it randomly throughout the day.
Give your Mode an icon so you know exactly the Mode you want to select.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Once you’ve taken care of that, you’re done and the new custom Mode is available for you to use.
Enabling your new Mode
You don’t have to go to Settings > Modes to enable your custom Mode. Instead, there’s a Quick Tile available for Modes. Pull down the Notification Shade twice and you’ll see the Quick Tiles. If you don’t see the Modes tile, swipe to the left until you find it. If you still don’t find it, you’ll need to add it by clicking the pencil icon, locating the Modes tile, and dragging it to the top of the list.
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Enabling a Mode can be done from the Quick Tiles portion of the Notification Shade.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Tap the Modes Quick Tile and a new pop-up appears, where you can select the Mode you want to use. The one thing you have to remember is that you’ll have to disable the Mode when you’re done with the task. Otherwise, it will remain on unless you’ve set it for a specific schedule. You don’t want to miss out on important notifications or calls because you forgot to switch off your distraction-free mode.
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And that’s all there is to creating and using this handy Android feature. I work with Modes regularly and they help me do what I need to do without worrying that someone or something will knock me out of my flow.
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