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How to Whitelist Calls from Android’s Do Not Disturb Mode

Do Not Disturb mode, previously referred to as Silent Mode, is a handy feature when you don’t want to get disturbed with calls, notifications and alarms.

This is quite a lifesaver such as when you go to sleep or when you’re in a quiet place like a meeting or classroom.

However, there are scenarios when you’d still want to allow certain call notifications/rings even when in silent mode.

For instance, it could be from your emergency contact, a loved one or even a work line. We don’t want our bosses thinking we’re ignoring their calls do we?

Allow Specific Calls when in Do Not Disturb Mode

NOTE: These steps are for smartphones using a stock or nearly stock Android.

1. Go to your Settings and open Sound (Android 7 and later), Prompt & notification (Android 6.0) or Sound & notification (Android 5.0) then Do Not Disturb.

do not disturb
Open Do not disturb settings

You can also access this setting by opening the Quick Settings tray > Do not disturb > MORE SETTINGS

Via the Quick Settings

2. Next open Priority only allows.

priority only
Select Priority only allows

3. Go to Calls and select From starred contacts only.

starred contacts
Select From starred contacts only

4. Now go to your stock Contacts app and open the specific contacts you want to allow. At the top of each contact there’s a star icon. Tap on it to star that contact.

starred contact
Star the contact to allow

That’s it. Now every time you activate Do Not Disturb mode (Priority Only) you’ll get incoming call notifications (ringing and/or vibration) from the starred contacts while all other contacts will remain silent.

NOTE: When you turn on DO Not Disturb all always make sure that it is set to Priority Only otherwise if it’s in Alarm only or Total Silence this setting will be ignored.

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Kelvin Kathia

Kelvin Kathia is a writer that's passionate about sharing solutions to everyday tech problems. He's the founder and editor of Journey Bytes, a tech blog and web design agency. Feel free to leave him comments or questions regarding this post, or by leaving him a message on the contact page. If you found his content helpful, a donation is much appreciated.