How to use Driving Focus on your iPhone to eliminate distractions in the car

woman driving — **You can turn off the driving mode on your iPhone, or enable it, either manually or automatically.**
**Luis Alvarez/Getty Images**

Driving Focus is an iPhone mode that acts like Do Not Disturb while you're driving.
When enabled, Driving Focus temporarily limits notifications like calls and texts.
You can turn Driving Focus on and off on your iPhone, or set it to turn on automatically.

iPhones can be a serious distraction when you're trying to get work done or even when you're having dinner with a friend. Silencing notifications can help decrease distractions.

When it comes to driving, there's a feature tailored specifically for keeping your eyes on the road and off your iPhone: Driving Focus.

You might know it as Do Not Disturb While Driving, though with newer iOS updates it's part of a Focus feature that includes Do Not Disturb, Driving, Sleep, and more.

Here's what you need to know about Driving Focus and how to use it.

What is Driving Focus on iPhone?

Driving Focus is an iPhone mode that helps eliminate distractions while you're driving. When Driving Mode is on, texts and other notifications are limited or silenced completely.

Incoming calls will only go through when your iPhone is connected to CarPlay, a car's Bluetooth system, or a hands-free accessory. If any text messages come in, you can ask Siri to read them to you so that you can keep your eyes on the road.

How to turn Driving Focus off

1. Open the Settings app. Tap Focus.

iPhone Settings app with Focus highlighted with a box and arrow. — Do Not Disturb and Driving Focus are similar features that are grouped together in Settings.
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2. Tap Driving.

Focus apps with Driving highlighted with a box and arrow. — Do Not Disturb, Driving Focus, and Sleep are different Focus features that silence iPhone notifications.
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3. Tap the toggle next to Driving to turn it off. When Driving Mode is off, the toggle is black.

Driving Focus menu with Driving toggle in the off position, highlighted with a box and arrow. — In this screenshot, Driving Focus is turned off.
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4. Alternatively, turn off Driving Mode in the Control Center.

5. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen. Touch and hold the Focus button, then tap Driving to turn it off.

How to turn Driving Focus back on

1. Open the Settings app. Tap Focus.

2. Tap Driving.

3. Tap the toggle next to Driving to turn it on. When Driving Mode is on, the toggle is green.

4. Alternatively, turn on Driving Mode in the Control Center.

5. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen. Touch and hold the Focus button, then tap Driving to turn it on.

Focus menu from Control Center with Driving highlighted with a box and arrow. — In this screenshot, Driving Focus is turned on.
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6. To turn on Driving Mode automatically tap While Driving, then select Automatically, When Connected to Car Bluetooth, or Activate with CarPlay.