Explained: What is Share Focus Status on iPhones?

With iOS 15, Apple introduced Focus Modes, allowing users to customize how and when they receive notifications to stay focused on important tasks. Share Focus Status is part of this feature—it lets people know you’re in Focus Mode and not blocking their messages. This guide will explain Share Focus Status and whether you should enable it.

What is Share Focus Status?

There can be times when a loved one or friend tries to reach you but isn’t able to because of the Focus Mode. This is exactly where the Share Focus Status comes in. It allows apps to detect when you’re using Focus Mode and notifies the sender that your notifications are silenced.

While the feature works only on iMessage by default, you can give third-party apps like WhatsApp access as well. Further, if someone urgently needs to reach you, they can tap the Notify Anyway button to override Focus Mode and send a notification.

How to Enable Share Focus Status?

If you haven’t already configured Share Focus Status, it’s pretty easy to set up. Here is how:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to the Focus section.
   
3. Turn on Share Focus Status and select the specific Focus profiles where you want this feature enabled.
   

How to Disable Share Focus Status?

While you can disable Share Focus Status by returning to the Focus menu, you can also block specific contacts from using the Notify Anyway option if they’re bothering you with constant messages. Here is how:

1. Open the Messages app and go to the chat with the person you want to block.
2. Tap their profile picture at the top.
3. Disable the Share Focus Status option.
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Share Focus Status is a handy iOS feature that helps minimize distractions without completely blocking communication. If you want your loved ones to be able to contact you during distress, enable the feature.