Use Do not disturb (DND) to quiet calls, alerts, and notifications while allowing selected exceptions. Use Modes and Routines when you want those quiet-time settings to be part of a wider, automatically triggered set of phone changes. They are not competing switches: a mode can turn on DND, and a routine can run actions when its conditions are met.
How the two features differ
| Feature | What it controls | How it starts | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do not disturb | Whether calls, notifications, alarms, and other sounds are allowed, according to the exceptions you set. Samsung also documents options to hide certain notifications. | Manually, or on a schedule; Samsung documents multiple schedules on supported interfaces. | Quiet time with selected callers, apps, alarms, or sounds allowed. |
| Modes and Routines | Actions that can change more than interruption handling. A mode can include DND and app restrictions, along with other available settings. | A mode can be started manually or configured to activate automatically. A routine runs actions when its chosen conditions are met. | A coordinated setup, such as enabling DND and restricting app use under selected conditions. |
Samsung’s available options and labels can differ by Galaxy model and software version. Its [DND instructions] explain schedules and exceptions; its [Modes and Routines instructions] cover modes, triggers, and actions.
Choose Do not disturb for straightforward quiet time
Start with DND if your main goal is to reduce interruptions and decide what can still get through. Configure exceptions for the people or apps that matter to you, and adjust alarm and sound behavior to suit your needs. You can turn DND on when needed or set a schedule so quiet time starts and ends automatically.
Samsung’s phone guidance describes configurable exceptions, so don’t assume DND always blocks every sound or notification—or that every Galaxy presents the same exception controls. Check the options available on your device.
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Choose a mode or routine for broader automation
Use a mode to bundle focus settings
A mode is the better fit when quiet time should be one part of a wider setup. Samsung’s “Stay focused” option can enable DND and restrict app use; custom modes can also include other available actions and appearance settings. A mode can be configured to activate automatically or started manually.
Use a routine to respond to conditions
A routine follows an “If” and “Then” pattern: choose conditions under “If,” then select the actions to run under “Then.” Samsung also says routines can be started manually. Use one when you want chosen actions to occur in response to conditions, rather than only setting a simple DND schedule.
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Which actions and triggers appear depends on the device and software. Samsung notes: “The availability of Modes and Routines may vary by device and software version.” See its [Samsung Galaxy setup guidance] for details.
Use them together when quiet time needs more than DND
If you want calls and alerts managed alongside app limits or other phone changes, combine the features: configure a mode to enable DND and apply the other settings you want. Use DND by itself when its exception controls are all you need. This is a choice about scope, not an either-or decision.
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Find the settings on your Galaxy
- For a mode or routine: Samsung US directs users to Settings > Modes and Routines. Choose a mode to configure or create a routine using its “If” and “Then” options.
- For DND: Open DND from the Quick settings panel or device settings, then review its schedule and exception controls.
- Check your software version if the labels differ: Samsung UK says that on Android 14 and Android 13, features previously in the Bixby Routines app are available under Settings > Modes and Routines. On Android 12 and Android 11, routines are provided through the Bixby Routines app. These instructions do not guarantee that every Galaxy model has identical menus or features.
Samsung’s UK guidance was updated 16 March 2026. See [How to use Routines on your Samsung Galaxy device] for its Android-version guidance. Menu names and availability can still vary by device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep phone and watch guidance separate
Samsung’s separate smart-watch instructions say, “Do not disturb mode silences all notifications, with the exception of alarms.” That statement applies to the watch guidance, not every Galaxy phone configuration: phone DND supports configurable exceptions. Consult the [Samsung watch instructions] if you are setting up a watch.
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