Secret Codes guide
Allow Calls During Focus on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 3 min read
Quick answer
Decide who can still get through while you're heads-down. Each Focus mode has its own list of people allowed to call. The Repeated Calls option is the important one: it lets a second call from the same number within three minutes ring through, which is what makes a genuine emergency reach you.
| What it does | Decide who can still get through while you're heads-down. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Decide who can still get through while you're heads-down. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Allow Calls During Focus?
Each Focus mode has its own list of people allowed to call. The Repeated Calls option is the important one: it lets a second call from the same number within three minutes ring through, which is what makes a genuine emergency reach you.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Focus and choose a Focus mode.
- Tap People, then Allow Notifications From.
- Turn on Allow Repeated Calls.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | iOS 15 and later. |

Related iphone calling features
- Dial Assist
- Wi-Fi Assist
- RTT and TTY
- Merge Calls Into A Conference
- Auto-Answer Calls
- Clear Your Recent Calls
See all iphone calling features or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.
Frequently asked questions
What is Allow Calls During Focus on iPhone?
Decide who can still get through while you're heads-down. Each Focus mode has its own list of people allowed to call.
What else should I know about Allow Calls During Focus?
The Repeated Calls option is the important one: it lets a second call from the same number within three minutes ring through, which is what makes a genuine emergency reach you.
What are the steps for Allow Calls During Focus?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Focus and choose a Focus mode. 3. Tap People, then Allow Notifications From. 4. Turn on Allow Repeated Calls.
Where do I find Allow Calls During Focus?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Allow Calls During Focus?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Allow Calls During Focus work on?
It is published for any iPhone. iOS 15 and later.
Does Allow Calls During Focus work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Allow Calls During Focus work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Allow Calls During Focus does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Allow Calls During Focus?
Dial Assist. Automatically fix country prefixes when travelling.
What else is in this category?
Wi-Fi Assist. Fall back to cellular when Wi-Fi goes bad.
Can I find Allow Calls During Focus in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.