How to create a custom mode on Android
What you’ll need: The custom mode feature was added to Android 15 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release 2), so you’ll need a device running at least that version. I’m demonstrating on my Pixel. If you have a Samsung or other device, it may look a little different but you should still have the same basic options. That’s it. Let’s make some magic.
The first thing to do is open the Settings app, which can be done either via the Notification Shade (pull it down twice and tap the gear icon) or the App Drawer (tap Settings). You can also set a schedule for your custom Mode based on either a day and time or even a Calendar event. For my Writing mode, I disable every single distraction and use it manually (no schedule) because I use it randomly throughout the day.
Tap the Modes Quick Tile and a new pop-up appears, where you can select the Mode you want to use. The one thing you have to remember is that you’ll have to disable the Mode when you’re done with the task. Otherwise, it will remain on unless you’ve set it for a specific schedule. You don’t want to miss out on important notifications or calls because you forgot to switch off your distraction-free mode.
And that’s all there is to creating and using this handy Android feature. I work with Modes regularly and they help me do what I need to do without worrying that someone or something will knock me out of my flow.
