How to Enable & Use Sleep Mode on Your iPhone [2024]

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.

Taking your phone to bed might seem convenient, but it can lead to a restless night. Unwanted calls and messages might disturb you, and the bright light from your screen could interrupt your sleep. The cool thing is it is your mobile phone that can help you sleep better. You are missing a lot if you are an iPhone user and aren’t using Sleep Mode on it.

This guide will help you understand Sleep Mode on an iPhone. We’ll show you how to set it up through Focus settings or schedule it in the Health app of your iPhone. You’ll also learn how Sleep Mode differs from Do Not Disturb (DND) and how to turn Sleep Mode off. This way, you can enjoy a peaceful night without interruptions.

What is Sleep Mode on an iPhone?

What is Sleep Mode on an iPhone?

Sleep Mode on an iPhone helps you get undisturbed sleep by setting a specific time for your phone to be quiet. With this feature, you can stop notifications from popping up and tell others you’re unavailable.

You need to set a sleep goal in Sleep Mode, which begins when you decide to go to bed, as set in the health app. This way, your phone won’t interrupt your rest.

↪ What does Sleep Mode do on iPhones?

What does Sleep Mode do on iPhones?

Sleep Mode on iPhones is a unique setting that starts based on your bedtime schedule in the Health app. It’s great for setting alarms to ensure you wake up when needed. Sleep Mode also has features to help you sleep better.

  • Sleep Goals: Choose how many hours you want to sleep each night. This goal helps the app know your regular sleep pattern.
  • Sleep Screen: This makes your phone’s screen simpler during Sleep Mode. You can set it so only important notifications come through, helping you avoid unnecessary disturbances from apps and calls.
  • Sleep Schedule: After setting your Sleep Goals, pick a time to go to bed and time to wake up. Your iPhone will remind you when it’s bedtime, and an alarm will sound when it’s time to wake up.
  • Wind Down shortcuts: If you have bedtime habits, like listening to calming music or meditating, you can set up Wind Down shortcuts. These shortcuts start activities you enjoy before bed, helping you relax and get ready for sleep.

READ MORE: How to Fix Sleep Mode Not Working in Windows 10/11 ➜

How to set up Sleep Mode on your iPhone? 

Setting up Sleep Mode on your iPhone can be done in two ways: through the Focus settings and the Health app. Both methods are useful, but using the Health app gives you more control and options to customize your sleep experience.

This tailored approach ensures that your sleep schedule aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and preferences, making it a more versatile option.

1. Set up Sleep Mode on an iPhone from Focus settings

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

  1. Open “Settings” and tap on “Focus.”
    Tap on Focus
    Tap on Focus
  2. Choose “Sleep.” If you use other Apple devices, turn on Share Across Devices to ensure they all stay quiet at night. You wouldn’t want your iPad to disturb you if your iPhone is silent.
    Choose Sleep from the options
    Choose Sleep from the options
  3. Next, select “People”  and what “Apps” can send you notifications during Sleep Mode. 
    Modify People or Apps settings
    Modify People or Apps settings

It’s usually best to block all notifications, but you should let certain people contact you in case of emergencies. Adjust these settings to fit what you need. Additionally, you can pick a specific wallpaper for your lock screen and home screen while in Sleep Mode. Choose a dark wallpaper to keep things calm.

READ MORE: How to Get the Original iPhone Wallpapers on Any Phone ➜

2. Set up Sleep Mode schedule in Health on iPhone

The Health app on your iPhone can help you reach your sleep targets by letting you set a regular bedtime and wake-up time. You can even set different schedules, like one for weekdays and another for weekends.

When you set these sleep schedules, Sleep Mode keeps distractions away before and during sleep time. This means it can block notifications and calls and let people know you’re unavailable.

You can also start winding down anytime from 15 minutes to 3 hours before your set bedtime. Your Sleep Mode turns on when this wind-down period begins. You can pick an alarm sound, a vibration, or even a snooze option to make sure you wake up when you want. Or, if you prefer, you can choose not to have an alarm.

Here’s a simple guide to set up Sleep Mode using the Health app:

  1. Open your iPhone’s “Health app” and tap on “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. Scroll down a bit and tap on “Get Started.”
    Tap on Get Started
    Tap on Get Started

↪ Set up your first recurring sleep schedule

If you want a repeat schedule, you can do it with customization options on the Health app. After tapping Get Started, you can create a regular sleep routine by doing this:

  1. Scroll down to Your Schedule, then tap “Full Schedule & Options.”
    Tap Full Schedule & Options
    Tap Full Schedule & Options
  2. Set your first schedule by tapping “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: Tap a day at the top to include or exclude it. Your schedule will only be for the days highlighted with full-color circles.
Set the days for your schedule
Set the days for your schedule
  • Adjust your bedtime and wake-up schedule: Move the bed icon to set when you sleep, the alarm icon for when you wake up, or the half-circle between them to adjust both times together.
Adjust your bedtime and wake-up schedule
Adjust your bedtime and wake-up schedule
  • Set the alarm options: Turn the Alarm on or off. If it’s on, you can select a sound, how loud it is, a vibration, and if you want a snooze option.
Set the alarm options
Set the alarm options
  1. Once you’ve got your schedule how you like it, tap “Add.”
    Tap Add to finish the setup
    Tap Add to finish the setup

↪ Add, modify, or delete sleep schedules

Once you’ve set up your first sleep schedule, you have several options:

  1. Set up additional schedules: If you’ve set up a weekday routine, you might want to add a different one for weekends. You can do it with the Add Schedule option.
    Set up additional schedules
    Set up additional schedules
  2. Delete a schedule: If a schedule doesn’t suit you anymore, you can remove it. Just find the option to Delete Schedule option at the bottom of your screen.
    Delete a schedule
    Delete a schedule
  3. Set Wind Down period: Tap the Wind Down option and choose the duration, either minutes or hours, that you want to allow for winding down before your scheduled bedtime. Your Sleep Mode feature activates at the start of this wind down period.
    Set Wind Down period
    Set Wind Down period

Remember, your iPhone will automatically switch to sleep mode based on your set times.

READ MORE: Will My iPhone Alarm Ring During A Phone Call? 2023 Guide ➜

How is sleep mode different from DND?

Sleep Mode vs DND

Since the introduction of Focus modes, Sleep Mode and Do Not Disturb (DND) have become quite similar. Both allow you to quiet notifications, choose specific contacts that can reach you, and customize your lock and home screens, among other things.

While DND only restricts certain applications and activities on the device. You won’t be disturbed by your phone, as it will remain quiet, and the screen won’t light up for incoming notifications. It’s particularly useful during meetings while studying or when you want to focus without interruptions. This mode doesn’t directly tie into health and wellness features.

The Sleep Mode has two primary functions: it reduces the phone’s screen’s brightness and activates the Do Not Disturb feature. It’s integrated with the Health app, allowing you to track your sleep patterns and set goals for sleep duration.

It is designed to assist with your bedtime routine and ensure a better night’s sleep. It incorporates features from the Clock app, like setting your desired sleep schedule and wake-up alarm.

READ MORE: How to Use Do Not Disturb on iPhone [All iOS Versions] ➜

How to turn off Sleep Mode on your iPhone?

Turning off Sleep Mode on your iPhone is a straightforward process. If you don’t need the Sleep Mode for a particular night or want to disable it completely, it’s just a few taps away. This function gives you flexibility, allowing you to adjust your phone settings to suit your changing routines and preferences.

Turn off Sleep Mode via the Control Center

To quickly turn off Sleep Mode, use your iPhone’s Control Center. Here’s what to do:

  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. Find and tap on “Sleep” (it has a bed icon) to switch off Sleep Mode.
    Tap on Sleep
    Tap on Sleep

Turn off Sleep Mode in Health app

If you don’t like turning off Sleep Mode on your iPhone every time it activates, you can easily stop it from turning on by itself. To do this through the Health app, first, hit the Browse tab. Then, choose Sleep from the list. 

Scroll to the section titled Your Schedule. Here, tap on Full Schedule & Options. You’ll see option “Use Schedule for Sleep Focus” – just toggle this off, and your iPhone’s Sleep Mode won’t turn on automatically anymore.

Turn off the Use Schedule for Sleep Focus toggle

READ MORE: 25+ Best FREE iPhone Widgets in 2024: The Ultimate List! ➜

Final thoughts

Sleep Mode on an iPhone is a great tool for anyone who wants better sleep. You’ve seen how to set it up, whether you want to use the Sleep Timer in the Clock app to stop your music automatically or make a full sleep schedule in the Health app. 

We’ve gone through all the steps – from starting Sleep Mode to adjusting it and even turning it off when you don’t need it. These easy steps make your iPhone the perfect bedtime buddy. So, use Sleep Mode on your iPhone for a good night’s sleep every night. 

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.