How to add contacts to the ‘Do Not Disturb’ allowlist on Pixel

Do Not Disturb will block everyone and everything unless you tell your Pixel not to, including important contacts. Here’s how to whitelist certain people and add them to your allowlist so they can reach you while Do Not Disturb is active.

At this point, Do Not Disturb has become a staple feature of every Android and Apple device. The tool essentially blocks all notifications from alerting you, whether that’s through vibration or notification “dings.” On the Pixel series, they still appear on the lock screen, but they’re limited and don’t become a distraction.

There’s a lot to customize about Do Not Disturb mode on Pixel, but one of the best features is the filter function, which acts as an allowlist for apps and contacts. People, apps, and alarms can be exceptions. A filtered notification or call/message gets priority and appears even if DND is on.

Allowlisting every app and contact in your phone is counterintuitive, so the best way to do it is by selecting emergency contacts and those you’d want to hear from, even if you’re trying to focus or stay off your device.

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How to add do not disturb filters for people

1. On your Pixel, head to the settings.
2. Find and tap Modes.
3. Tap Do Not Disturb.
4. Select People.
5. Choose whether to modify Messages or Calls.
6. Select Starred contacts and tap the settings cog next to it.
7. Add or modify your starred contacts to add them to the Do Not Disturb allowlist.

There are other options, too. You can allow all contacts to message or call you in DND mode, but that generally defeats the purpose. You can also edit priority conversations, though that takes a little more time to tune in.

With starred contacts allowlisted, anyone on that list can text/call your Pixel in with do not disturb on. The notification will go through as if the mode weren’t enabled. They won’t be silenced, though. To completely silence your phone in DND mode, you’ll need to set the Pixel to silent.

This function is great for those who want to focus or pay attention to a meeting or class without getting bombarded with notifications. If one of your contacts needs to get a hold of you, you won’t miss it.