iPhone Tips for Seniors: How to Use Focus Modes

[@Scott-Loftesness]

Great introduction to a complicated capability! Thanks for making this one - among your best!

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks. It's one of this topics that's on the edge for what I do. I'm glad I made it. Thanks so much for the encouraging comment and thanks for watching.

[@stanacho854]

Great video and at a reasonable pace for me as I'm also a "Senior". Appreciate you taking the time, this is such a valuable use of the iPhone. Never too late to learn .....cheers!

[@ivarfreland2529]

One of the best «how-to» videos I’ve ever seen on youtube - right to the point, no crap😊

[@gmcenroe]

Very helpful, I was having trouble because i had accidentally set do not disturb to on. I did not see that clicking on the "Do not disturb" screen with the moon icon toggles do not disturb on and off, white moon (off) purple moon (on) and my friends were telling me that I had notifications set to off even though I could see their text messages because I was using my phone or computer. Your method to setup custom focus screens was great! Thanks

[@richardpagan9308]

I like the way you explain things it makes it a lot easier to understand my focus mode was switching out automatically and I didn’t understand why thank you

[@Trackhoe075]

Just started using do not disturb and like many of us the other stuff seemed so confusing but after seeing your video I now think I may try to set up different home screens I now have different pages with folders that I just swipe to go to the next page and dive into those folders I think the way you demonstrated may be better it is certainly worth a try Thanks for sharing

[@lcook0825]

Nice video and very informative. Thanks Rich.

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@johnhallam1192]

I hope this guy is being sponsored by Apple, he’s better than any techno explanation

[@RichBowlin]

Ha! Thanks. Not sponsored by Apple. But there are few product sponsors that support the channel. I mainly make these to help folks learn how to use their iPhone and iPad. Plus my 94 yr old mom who watches my videos for tips from time to time.

[@geoffmiles4104]

My most useful Focus mode is the one I created for shopping. It's triggered when I reach certain supermarkets, and it brings up a single page with all my shopping apps. Very useful!

[@johnbs7516]

Thank you for explaining this. I have a couple set up for when I go bird watching or just out for a walk when I like quick access to my bird id and logging apps and my maps, camera etc. It doesn't help that Apple have several "home" screens I tend to just think about them as App pages.

[@RichBowlin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edmundpotrzeba6094]

Didnt know that but thank you because i can immediately see the benefits 👍👍👍👍

[@squeakyg2161]

I’m a youngie but I like “Grandpa’s” voice! And I was told them old folks have learned experiences! Sooo I check his video for advice. Hahaha 😂😂❤❤

[@kennykolourinc1250]

thanks rich I’ve been using focus mode a bit but didn’t really understand how to use it…now I have the basics I’m going to experiment even though I’m a retired guy so everyday is a Saturday and then theres Sunday 👍🏻

[@r.a.monigold9789]

I had no idea. Now I've got a clue. All because I watched your video, and "Focused" on what to do. Thank you!

[@RichBowlin]

Love the rhyme! Thanks you so much for the clever comment. Glad the videos are helpful.

[@lakegeneva4851]

Thank you I finally understand this 🎉

[@DrazenDragusica]

I’m using Focus. It’s very handy for everyone, who is changing work enviroment, and sometimes need a silent situation.

[@francanorberti3359]

Thank you. This was very helpful. I set up a focus for traveling and it was a lot simpler than I expected it to be.

[@RichBowlin]

Great to hear!

[@terriannvalentino8826]

Just found you, your amazing

[@zizzie4081]

I always found Focus confusing, and your video has clarified it, thank you. But now that I understand, it seems to be a solution to a problem that does not exist. I have my apps in Folders on my one home screen; when I travel, all my airline, travel apps are in one place. When I go shopping, all my store apps etc...Works great for me and no switching to another Home Screen. Am I missing something?

[@hermanrombouts276]

Very well explained .Thanks Rich .HR

[@deb7406]

Is this basically the same as creating a “New Profile”? If it is different would you do a video on that please?

[@paulhaskins5191]

Thank you Rich. This is incredibly useful. I did not really understand the power of these until I watched your video.

[@canuckchris5733]

I’ve been using iOS since day one. Apple has made these phones far more complicated for most folks I feel that with every new version they move settings around like a grocery store does It took me days to figure out where passwords went Your channel does what you say it does nicely but at 68 years old I have a flip phone I use for simplicity and leave the iPhone In the glovebox Flip it open push 3 and it calls my wife

[@HistoryNut-1701]

Focus Modes are indeed very helpful. They also can be set to sync across iCloud so you can have your iPad, Mac, etc, all change at the same time. It is beneficial if you use multiple devices to achieve task goals.

[@RichBowlin]

Great point. I probably should have mentioned it too. But I wasn't sure if I should even make this video as the topic seemed a little complex. So far though, it's been well received. I hope others see your comment. Thanks so much for watching!

[@barbpaul401]

I have do not disturb overnight with the exception of select family members. That way, I don’t get calls or voice mails during the night but if a family member has an emergency, they get through.

[@marshiahobson3727]

I use to have just one do not disturb mode for bedtime between 10:30 pm to 7 am before Apple came out with this focus mode. my Apple Watch automatically puts me in a focus mode when I exercise. I had avoided setting up other focus modes because it seemed complicated. But after watching this I’m considering making a travel mode to limit easy access to apps like banking apps so if I give my phone to someone to take my picture while traveling it wouldn’t be as easy for them to hijack personal info if they have to search 👀 for apps because it’s not on the Home Screen. Or if you have kids or grandkids you allow to play games on your phone you could make a kids mode that only had their apps on the Home Screen so they don’t accidentally mess up your Home Screen configuration. I was out to dinner with a friend who gave their phone to the valet attendant will dining because her Tesla car key/remote was on her phone. I don’t know if she just didn’t have a regular key with her to give the valet but maybe a focus mode would be good for this situation and even better if you could block them from accessing any other apps/pages. 🤔 the possibilities.

[@RichBowlin]

So you clearly get it. The options and scenarios are varied and many. But even if you just put together a few focus modes that handle the most common things, life is easier. Thanks so much for watching!

[@pmmm8440]

I miss my simple iPhone 6!

[@sgtgrantham]

Well I was hoping this was a way for me to get rid of the reading glasses. That’s what they need to come out with.

[@harleyquebecenrevue3580]

Great video, thank you. Wouldn’t it be great if you have a personal focus mode and a work focus mode and that if you were in work focus mode, all the work pictures would be the only photos displayed in your photo library , change to personal focus mode, then all you see is personal photos. Maybe one day it will happen. This way, your not showing your boss pictures of your grandson while showing pictures related to work.

[@momrow10]

How can I delete a focus screen?

[@tngolfgame]

Rich, another great job and presentation. I noticed in all of your videos that you never have a case on your phone. Are there times that you use one, if so what might that be?

[@RichBowlin]

Good eye! So I've always had a case on my phone until this past September. I decided to put a glass screen protecter on the iPhone and go caseless! I just love the feel of the iPhone without the case. My sister told me I will now, for sure, drop and break the phone. So far, so good!

[@tngolfgame]

I agree about the feel and look but I occasionally drop the darn thing and don't really want to replace it. I am using an Otterbox case, it is bulky and heavy, I would like to know if you had found anything that afforded you the protection but was not as I have described my case. @@RichBowlin

[@RJMEL24]

Much easier to create folders on Home Screen that contains all the apps needed for the folder features; Finance, Shopping, Travel, Office, Medical, News, Sports and so on, all on one Home Screen.

[@drinternatg6391]

Like the charger but it costs over £100 in the uk.

[@billdonohue2389]

Wow I was thinking focus mode had something to do with the camera?😂

[@davidw5416]

I use Focus myself, but in one of your examples you are being redundant, you added Contacts and Mail to the home screen but already had them both in the Dock area so could access them from any screen in that focus.

[@RichBowlin]

Wasn't sure if anyone would notice that. I forgot to remove those from the dock. Good catch!

[@charmainewelborn4276]

Hi Rich: When I created a focus mode the apps I put on it disappeared from my original Home Screen? What can I do to get them back?

[@RichBowlin]

If you turn the focus mode off you should be back to normal. Hope this helps!

[@nickwgash3760]

Good vid but honestly I just scroll a couple of times and I have everything. It's much simpler.

[@Chanel31113]

Please do videos for Samsung phones and tablets! I have family members who would benefit from having videos like this but they uses Samsung

[@elainehood6987]

All I do is answer, take pictures, and turn sound off. It’s just a phone…I’m retired, I quit complications long time ago…I’m not a slave to my phone..

[@neilalecock8642]

Good for you Elaine. You’re wasting your time looking at videos on this channel then aren’t you? 😂

[@elainehood6987]

@@neilalecock8642 and my money on this IPhone

[@mickwilson127]

If you take pictures it isn’t just a phone 🤷‍♂️

[@icookie51]

So why are you watching this video?

[@garymichaelgallien9382]

Not sure how bragging that you're a Luddite is a flex, but go off.

[@jimmycain8669]

If it wasn’t for Pandora music and AppleCar play I would just use a flip phone.

[@FunFlyingPilot]

Rich, I am a fan, but this is over the top bad. Under the guise of simplification, if is FAR too complicated and beyond confusing. Not Good!!

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks for the honest appraisal. Sorry this one was not for you. I hope to do better on my future videos.

[@Bailey2006a]

Wonderful to be patronized. Some of us devised the tech you’re touting…not every boomer is a doddering ludite. So, Yep, I’m scrolling on…

[@sharonmacnish9180]

Too fast for me, first video that my phone and me could not grasp

[@FredWilbury]

Well what can one say 😮

[@peterappel9154]

I don't know anybody who is using focus on iOS. For me, this is way too complicated and time consuming. I always use Airplane mode if I want to focus.

[@RichBowlin]

I don't think they've caught on with many people. But if you do want to take a few minutes to set them up I think they can be very useful. Thanks so much for watching!

[@MrBryce065]

Why can’t I follow you

[@RichBowlin]

You can! Just tap the Subscribe button and you'll be good to go!

[@barbaraorr953]

There are times when it is very easy to confuse me especially when it comes to modern technology This video was one of those times. My bad not yours.

[@RichBowlin]

I really debated about doing this video. Particularly since I'd sort of put off Focus Modes because they seemed to complicated. From the comments, I think this video was helpful to some and too much for others. I wish I could be a better teacher about these things. Thanks though, for watching.

[@barbaraorr953]

@@RichBowlin Yup, I'm in the "too much" category but that is not a reflection of your teaching abilities. You do a great job and I appreciate it. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@sharglickman8214]

I like your videos. Trying out the focus organizing. I hope with your help to make more efficient use of my phone and IPad. Ihave to listen several times to a video and am slowly Using more features. Too bad that Apple doesn’t seem able to help like you. But I tried their classes and the assumptions that I could follow their breakneck speed is crazy. I need to go slower and repeat things until I am sure about what I want to do. Loving this adventure. I am slowly going through the videos. Thanks very much

[@jeanneprice6736]

Too much. Why? Widget??

[@balajijograj4370]

Spelling mistake custom

[@johnmoore7689]

The worst iphone tutoria in my experience. Get to the point! Not get to the commercial!l

[@worrywart1311]

What a lot of time-wasting nonsense.

[@RichBowlin]

I thought that too in the beginning. Now that I use them, I find they're really helpful.

[@cooltechandmore]

this is so stupid, leave to apple to make this sound like a new innovation. Android has had this forever