How to Enable & Use Sleep Mode on Your iPhone

Key Takeaways
  • Sleep Mode silences notifications and dims the screen based on a set schedule, aiding in undisturbed sleep. Unlike Do Not Disturb, it's linked with the Health app for sleep tracking and includes a wind-down period before bedtime.
  • Sleep Mode can be activated through Focus settings or scheduled in the Health app. Users can customize their sleep schedule, select allowed contacts and apps, and set up wind-down activities.
  • To turn off Sleep Mode, use the Control Center or change settings in the Health app. This allows users to easily manage when their phone enters Sleep Mode, catering to different routines and preferences.

Bringing your phone to bed might seem convenient, but it can disrupt your sleep with notifications and bright screens. Fortunately, your iPhone has Sleep Mode to help you enjoy a restful night. If you’re not using it, you’re missing out on a helpful feature.

Sleep mode iPhone
Sleep mode iPhone

This guide covers Sleep Mode on an iPhone, explaining setup through Focus settings or the Health app. You’ll learn how it’s different from Do Not Disturb (DND) and how to turn it off. Enjoy uninterrupted sleep with these tips. The Health app offers more customization to fit your lifestyle.

1. Set Up Sleep Mode from Focus Settings

To activate Sleep Mode using Focus settings, follow these steps:

  1. Open “Settings” and tap on “Focus.”
    Tap on Focus
    Tap on Focus
  2. Select “Sleep“. If you use other Apple devices, turn on Share Across Devices to keep them all quiet at night.
    Choose Sleep from the options
    Choose Sleep from the options
  3. Choose which “People” and “Apps” can send you notifications during Sleep Mode.
    Modify People or Apps settings
    Modify People or Apps settings

It’s best to block all notifications but allow some contacts for emergencies. Adjust settings to fit your needs and choose a calm, dark wallpaper for your lock and home screens during Sleep Mode.

2. Set Up Sleep Mode Schedule in Health App

The Health app can help you set a regular bedtime and wake-up time. You can even have different schedules for weekdays and weekends.

Setting sleep schedules blocks notifications and lets others know you’re unavailable during this time. You can also start winding down from 15 minutes to 3 hours before bedtime. Sleep Mode uses your settings to help you wake up on time.

A guide to set up Sleep Mode using the Health app:

  1. Open the “Health app” and tap “Browse” at the bottom right.
    Tap on Browse from bottom menu
    Tap on Browse from bottom menu
  2. Select “Sleep.”
    Tap on Sleep from the menu
    Tap on Sleep from the menu
  3. Tap on “Get Started.”
    Tap on Get Started
    Tap on Get Started

↪ Set Up Your First Recurring Sleep Schedule

To create a repeat schedule in the Health app, follow these steps:

  1. Tap “Full Schedule & Options” under Your Schedule.
    Tap Full Schedule & Options
    Tap Full Schedule & Options
  2. Select “Set Your First Schedule.”
    Tap Set Your First Schedule
    Tap Set Your First Schedule
    You’ll have the following options:
  • Set the days for your schedule: Select which days to include, noted by full-color circles.
Set the days for your schedule
Set the days for your schedule
  • Adjust your bedtime and wake-up schedule: Move icons to set sleep and wake times.
Adjust your bedtime and wake-up schedule
Adjust your bedtime and wake-up schedule
  • Set the alarm options: Turn the alarm on or off, set sound, volume, vibration, and snooze.
Set the alarm options
Set the alarm options
  1. Tap “Add” when done.
    Tap Add to finish the setup
    Tap Add to finish the setup

↪ Add, Modify, or Delete Sleep Schedules

After setting up your first sleep schedule:

  1. Set up additional schedules: Add a different schedule for weekends with Add Schedule.
    Set up additional schedules
    Set up additional schedules
  2. Delete a schedule: Remove a schedule using the Delete Schedule option.
    Delete a schedule
    Delete a schedule
  3. Set Wind Down period: Choose the duration for winding down before bedtime using Wind Down.
    Set Wind Down period
    Set Wind Down period

Your iPhone automatically switches to Sleep Mode based on your set schedule.

How is Sleep Mode Different from DND?

Sleep Mode and Do Not Disturb (DND) are quite similar, both quieting notifications and allowing customized contact access.

DND restricts notifications and activities on the device, keeping it quiet without lighting up for incoming alerts. Suitable for focus times like meetings or studying, it doesn’t directly involve health features.

Sleep Mode dims the screen and activates DND. It’s linked with the Health app to track sleep patterns and goals, aiding in bedtime routines for better sleep.

How to Turn Off Sleep Mode on Your iPhone?

Turning off Sleep Mode on your iPhone is simple. Whether you need it off for one night or want to disable it completely, it’s just a few taps, allowing you to adjust your settings as needed.

Turn Off Sleep Mode via Control Center

Quickly turn off Sleep Mode using your iPhone’s Control Center:

  1. Access the “Control Center” by swiping down.
    Access Control Center
    Access Control Center
  2. Tap on “Focus.”
    Tap on Focus
    Tap on Focus
  3. Tap on “Sleep” (bed icon) to turn off Sleep Mode.
    Tap on Sleep
    Tap on Sleep

Turn Off Sleep Mode in Health App

If you want to stop Sleep Mode from automatically turning on, use the Health app. Go to the Browse tab, select Sleep, scroll to Your Schedule, and tap on Full Schedule & Options. Toggle off “Use Schedule for Sleep Focus.”

Turn off the Use Schedule for Sleep Focus toggle

FAQs

Does Sleep Mode track my sleep quality or duration?

Sleep Mode itself doesn’t track your sleep. However, it’s part of the Health app, which can monitor your sleep duration if you use your iPhone or Apple Watch. 

Is it possible to use Sleep Mode for naps during the day?

Yes, Sleep Mode isn’t just for nighttime. You can use it for naps too. Just set up a Sleep Focus schedule in the Health app or through the Focus settings for the times you plan to nap. Your iPhone will enter Sleep Mode during these times, minimizing distractions so you can rest peacefully.

Can I change the Sleep Mode on my iPhone from Siri?

Yes, you can adjust the sleep mode on your iPhone using Siri. Just say, “Hey Siri, turn on/off sleep mode.

Can Sleep Mode be automatically turned off based on location?

No, Sleep Mode settings are based on time schedules rather than location. However, you can manually turn Sleep Mode on or off anytime using Control Center or Siri, regardless of where you are.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Khalid Ali


Khalid is a versatile analyst honing his expertise for the past 5 years. With certifications from Google and IBM to back him up, his knowledge extends far beyond the routine coverage of the latest trends and in the industry.