How to Turn Off Time Sensitive Notifications & Why You Shouldn’t (iOS 17)

Time Sensitive Notifications can be annoying because they break through your Focus modes and can cause interruptions. However, they can also give you critical information that you don't want to miss. While it is possible to turn them off completely, I recommend limiting which apps can send you Time Sensitive Notifications instead.

Jump To:

• How to Turn Off Time Sensitive Notifications Completely or Partially
• What Are Time Sensitive Notifications
• FAQ: What Does Time Sensitive Mean on iPhone

How to Turn Off Time Sensitive Notifications Completely or Partially

If you no longer want to receive Time Sensitive Notifications at all or if you want to limit which apps can send them to you, you can adjust your iPhone notifications settings.

1. Open Settings.
   
   
2. Tap Notifications.
   
   
3. Under NOTIFICATION STYLE, tap an app that sends Time Sensitive Notifications, such as the App Store.
   
   
4. Toggle Time Sensitive Notifications off (from green to gray.)
   
   

Go through your apps and toggle this on or off, depending on your needs. Most third-party apps don't have Time Sensitive Notifications, although the app developer is able to enable them. I recommend leaving Time Sensitive Notifications for apps such as FindMy, Health, and Apple's Support app. For more iPhone productivity tips, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter!

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What Are Time Sensitive Notifications

Time Sensitive Notifications are more important notifications that can break through your Focus modes. For example, the Health app can send you a Time Sensitive Notification reminding you to take your medications. Because these can impact your health and safety, I recommend going through your apps and only turning off Time Sensitive Notifications that aren’t important to you. 

The steps above will only allow Time Sensitive Notifications to break through your Focus modes. However, you can customize Focus modes to allow or not allow certain apps (and contacts) to send you notifications. Just keep in mind that if you allow notifications from an app, you’ll get every notification despite your Focus mode being on, not just the critical ones.

Now you have a better understanding of Time Sensitive Notifications and know how to turn them off! Next, learn how to instantly clear out all your iPhone notifications.