How to make Do Not Disturb on iOS 15 work like it did before
I like iOS 15 but this one particular thing has been driving me crazy today. I could see how to set up Focus modes, and that looks useful. But I couldn't figure out how to just make Do Not Disturb work like it did in previous versions of the OS. Just open the phone, so to speak, and let all permitted applications and people send me notifications.
I finally found an answer here:
iOS 15 introduces a new Focus mode — here's how to use it to reduce distractions
I think the Tomsguide article above may refer to a beta, because it appears the procedure is slightly different on my iPhone XS. Here's how I did it:
Pull down from the top of the phone to get to the Control Center.
Find the Focus/DND button on the screen. It will be a rounded rectangle that either says "Focus," or has the name of a Focus on it: "Personal," "Work," etc.
Tap that button.
Tap Do Not Disturb to turn DND on.
Repeat to turn DND off.
It confused me that I had to tap a button that says "Do Not Disturb" to turn DND off. Reminds me of the famous Windows feature, where you click the Start button to shut it down.
Also—and even more confusing—when you turn off DND the little crescent-moon icon stays on the iPhone home screen a little while, leading a person to believe that DND is still on. Hopefully, Apple will fix this in an update.