Beeper iOS: Using Focus Modes with Beeper
Focus is Apple's way of cutting down distractions on iPhone and iPad. Because Beeper Labels support Focus Filters, you can decide exactly which of your Beeper chats are allowed to reach you, and when.
What is Focus?
Focus is a built-in feature on iPhone and iPad (iOS/iPadOS 15 and later, with Focus Filters available since iOS/iPadOS 16) that lets you silence notifications and filter what you see based on what you are doing. It builds on the classic Do Not Disturb mode: you can create as many Focus profiles as you like, such as Work, Sleep, or Personal, and each one follows its own rules.
How do I turn a Focus on or off?
- Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen).
- Tap Focus, then tap the Focus you want to use.
- Tap it again to turn it off. Focus profiles with a schedule or automation turn on and off by themselves.
Where do I create or edit a Focus?
Go to Settings > Focus. Tap + to create a new Focus, or tap an existing one to change who can notify you, add a schedule, or add Focus Filters.
Using Focus with Beeper
Beeper Labels support Focus Filters. That means you can organize your chats with Labels in Beeper, then tell each Focus which Label spaces should stay quiet. Because you can create as many Focus profiles as you want, you can set up a different one for every part of your day.
How it works in three steps
- Label your chats in Beeper. For example, add the Work Label to every work-related chat, no matter which network it comes from.
- Create a Focus on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings > Focus, tap +, and give it a name that fits the situation.
- Add a Beeper Focus Filter. In that Focus, scroll to Focus Filters, tap Add Filter, choose Beeper, and pick the Label space that iOS should silence while the Focus is on.
Example scenarios
Pick a scenario below to see how it is set up, then flip the Focus switch to preview which Beeper notifications still come through.
AFK & Weekends
Step away from work completely. Work chats stay quiet in the evenings and on weekends, while everything else still reaches you.
- In Beeper, add the Work Label to all work-related chats.
- Go to Settings > Focus, tap +, choose Custom, and name it AFK & Weekends.
- Under Focus Filters, tap Add Filter > Beeper and select the Work Label.
- Optional: tap Add Schedule and set it for weekdays after work hours and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Family Time
Be fully present with your family. During dinner or family outings, only family chats come through.
- In Beeper, add the Family Label to your family chats, and keep your Work and Friends Labels on the rest.
- Go to Settings > Focus, tap +, choose Custom, and name it Family Time.
- Under Focus Filters, tap Add Filter > Beeper and select the Work and Friends Labels.
- Optional: add a schedule (for example, every day from 6:00 to 9:00 PM) or a location automation that turns it on when you arrive home.
Workout
Busy group chats with friends can wait until you finish your workout. Family and work can still reach you if something important comes up.
- In Beeper, add the Friends Label to your friend and group chats.
- Go to Settings > Focus, tap +, choose Fitness (or Custom), and name it Workout.
- Under Focus Filters, tap Add Filter > Beeper and select the Friends Label.
- Optional: add an automation that turns it on at your gym's location, or when you start a workout on Apple Watch.
Frequently asked questions
How many Focus profiles can I use with Beeper?
As many as you like. Each Focus can have its own Beeper Focus Filter, so you can combine Labels in whatever way fits your routine.
Do I need Beeper Plus to use Focus?
Focus itself is an Apple feature and works with Beeper on any plan. Filtering by Label requires Labels, which are available with Beeper Plus and Beeper Plus Plus.
I turned on a Focus, but I'm still getting notifications from a Label I filtered. What should I check?
- Make sure the chat actually has that Label applied in Beeper.
- Go to Settings > Focus, open the Focus, and confirm the Beeper filter lists the correct Label.
- Check that the Focus is really on (look for its icon in the status bar or Control Center).
- Make sure Beeper is up to date from the App Store.
If it still isn't working, contact Beeper Support and let us know which Focus and Label you're using.