What Is Facebook’s New “Quiet Mode” and How Does It Work?
Facebook is launching a new “Silent Mode” feature for its iOS and Android apps, and it couldn’t have been a better time. Many of us are now even more glued to our phones than usual – thanks, quarantine! – and while apps like Facebook help us stay connected, there is such a thing as being too tightly connected.
As with any habit, it’s difficult to get rid of Facebook addiction, even if it’s no longer fun or satisfying. We hope that the new Quiet Mode will simplify shrinking – that is, as soon as this feature becomes available to you.
What Facebook’s new quiet mode actually does
When you turn on Quiet Mode, the app interface is hidden behind a full-screen notification, reminding you that this setting is on and showing you how much time is left before Quiet Mode ends.
Easy, right? Well, if you feel uneasy, you can click the Control Quiet Mode button to go to your settings and disable this feature at any time. You’re not locked out of the app, unfortunately, but it doesn’t force you to jump through multiple hoops to regain access.
Quiet mode turns off most (but not all) Facebook notifications. According to a Facebook post, the company is required by law to allow certain notifications, such as those related to privacy policy changes or account security, but it’s safe to assume that notifications for new messages, messenger replies, and other timeline interactions will be suppressed while Quiet Mode active.
This applies to notifications and icons sent by your iOS or Android device, as well as by the Facebook app itself. Silent activity still shows up in the notifications tab if you decide to check what your friends are up to. you just won’t get any warnings about it in silent mode.
How to turn on Facebook silent mode (when you can)
You can turn on Quiet Mode in the Facebook app:
- Tap the Hamburger menu tab.
- Scroll down and click Your Facebook Time.
- Tap the slider next to Silent Mode.
You can set how long the silent mode remains active each time you start it. You will also find tools to set up automatic quiet mode timers and the option to remind Facebook of screen time limits.
While Quiet Mode appears exactly when people probably need it the most, Facebook rollout has been known to be uneven, and Quiet Mode is no exception. It might already be available on your mobile app if you’re lucky, but most of us will probably have to wait a bit. Facebook expects all iOS users to get it within the next few weeks, while most Android users will have to wait until May or so.
Other options to disable Facebook
For those who don’t yet have Quiet Mode but need to immediately get rid of the endless parade of headlines and hot takes, there are other strategies to cut down on Facebook usage and screen time in general.
Facebook’s “Disable Notifications” option will turn off system-level notifications in much the same way as in silent mode, although notifications will still appear in the app; you need to close the application if you are trying to avoid the horrible chatter. This can also be turned on or off from the Your Facebook Time menu.
Other phone settings, including Do Not Disturb , Flip to Shhh, or even Airplane Mode , also temporarily suspend receiving notifications. And as a last drop, you can always uninstall the Facebook app, or even delete your Facebook profile completely. A little break is never bad, is it?