2 Ways to Silence Your iPhone Based on Location Automatically
Want your iPhone to silence itself automatically at a workplace, university, or the library? While the Silent switch or thenew Action button(iPhone 15 Pro) can do the trick, there’s a clever way to automate this. Let’s see how to silence your iPhone based on your location.
There are two ways to do it natively on iPhone: schedule a Focus mode and create an automation in the Shortcuts app. Both will automatically mute your iPhone when you arrive at a particular location. Let’s check out both methods in detail.
1. Schedule Focus Mode Based on Location
On iPhone,Focus modehelps you focus bymuting calls, texts, and alerts. You can schedule a Focus mode to activate based on location, time, or app use. Here’s how to automate it based on a location:
1.Open theSettings appon your iPhone. Tap onFocusand chooseWork. you’re able to also choose other Focus modes. But if you plan to use this one for your office, we’ll go withWork.
2.UnderSet a Schedulesection, tapAdd Schedule.
3.From the pop-up, tap onLocation. Next, look up the address in the search box or choose a spot on the map. You can adjust the activation radius and add more locations if needed.
4.After that, customize your Focus mode:
iPhones also have a built-inFocus Status featurethat appears mostly when you text someone in Messages app. Enable it inSettings > Messages > Focus. Your contacts can see that a Focus mode is active on your iPhone and it won’t notify you of their messages.
The Messages app also displays aNotify Anywayoption to force-send urgent messages. That allows contacts to bypass Focus mode restrictions whenever necessary.
2. Turn On Silent Mode Automatically Using Shortcuts
For iPhones without Focus mode (iOS 14 or older) support or those who prefer a simpler approach, you can silence your iPhone using the Shortcuts app. Here’s how:
1.OpenShortcutsapp and go to theAutomationtab.
2.Tap+on the top-right corner. ChooseArrive.
- Choose your location(search for it), adjust its radius, and tapDone.
4.Set the options to runAny TimeandRun Immediatelyand hitNext.
5.Since this is a new Automation, tapNew Blank AutomationunderGet Startedsection.
6.TapAdd Action. Search forGet Silent Modeand select it from the results. If you get an error that says “This action is not compatible with your iPhone,” search forSet Volumeinstead.
7.Next, tap onMediaand selectRingtone. Then, tap on the volume level slider and drag it down to0%.
8.Finally, hitDoneto save your automation.
You can tap thePlaybutton in the bottom-right corner to test your automation.
Whenever you arrive at this location, your iPhone will automatically silence the ringer volume. Similarly, you can set another automation that reverts the volume to 100% when you leave that location.
Tip:You can also silence your iPhone automatically when you connect to your workplace Wi-Fi network. In the step 2 above, chooseWi-Fiand select the workplace network.
Beauty of Automation
The Focus mode or Shortcuts app is a good enough option to politely put your phone on silent without touching the ringer or Action button. The benefit of the Focus mode is that you don’t have to touch the Action button at the side any more. However, the Shortcut method seems more efficient if you travel often and don’t have to worry about missing any calls, texts, or messages.
Ritik Singh
With over 7 years of experience in tech, Ritik currently heads content at Techwiser.com. His journey started by sharing knowledge and helping others in online communities. That passion soon turned into a career in tech journalism, backed by a formal education in Electronic Media. He’s held editorial roles at GadgetsToUse and PC-Tablet, and has contributed to popular publications like HowToGeek and TheWindowsClub. With over 2,000 how-tos, reviews, and in-depth guides under his belt, Ritik has helped millions of readers get more out of their tech—from smartphones to smart homes.
