Everything Silent Except Phone Calls

[zepking]

This is probably a dumb question, but is there anyway to make everything silent except phone calls? in other words, I don't want any bells or sounds for texts, facebook, whatsapp, hangouts, etc...I only want sounds/ringing when I get a phone call. So far, I only know how to make everything silent, by clicking the volume button and then clicking the bell icon until its a crossed out bell.

 

[kate]

It's possible, the steps will vary between phones. The "Do Not Disturb" feature might be the easiest way:
https://support.google.com/android/answer/9069335


Android 9 and up
Change your interruption settings

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb. If you see "Do Not Disturb preferences" instead, you're using an older Android version.
3. Under "What can interrupt Do Not Disturb," choose what to block or allow.
   • People: Block or allow calls, messages, or conversations.
   • Apps: Choose which apps can send you notifications.
   • Alarms & other interruptions: Block or allow alarms, media, touch sounds, reminders, or calendar events.
4. To turn Do Not Disturb on or off, swipe down from the top of your screen. Then tap Do Not Disturb

Tip: With any settings, critical notifications show. For example, you can't block system security notifications.


Android 8 or below
Option 3: Priority notifications only
Important: This won't mute sounds from music, videos, games, or other media.

1. Pick which notifications are a priority.
   1. Open your phone's Settings app.
   2. Tap Sound > Do Not Disturb preferences > Priority only allows.
   3. Set your priorities.
2. Turn on "Priority only."
   1. Swipe down from the top of your screen with 2 fingers.
   2. Under Do not disturb or your current option, tap the Down arrow.
   3. Turn on Do not disturb.
   4. Pick Priority only.
   5. Choose how long you want this setting to last.
   6. Tap Done. You'll see Priority only.

 

[zepking]

It's possible, the steps will vary between phones. The "Do Not Disturb" feature might be the easiest way:
https://support.google.com/android/answer/9069335


Android 9 and up
Change your interruption settings

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb. If you see "Do Not Disturb preferences" instead, you're using an older Android version.
3. Under "What can interrupt Do Not Disturb," choose what to block or allow.
   • People: Block or allow calls, messages, or conversations.
   • Apps: Choose which apps can send you notifications.
   • Alarms & other interruptions: Block or allow alarms, media, touch sounds, reminders, or calendar events.
4. To turn Do Not Disturb on or off, swipe down from the top of your screen. Then tap Do Not Disturb

Tip: With any settings, critical notifications show. For example, you can't block system security notifications.


Android 8 or below
Option 3: Priority notifications only
Important: This won't mute sounds from music, videos, games, or other media.

1. Pick which notifications are a priority.
   1. Open your phone's Settings app.
   2. Tap Sound > Do Not Disturb preferences > Priority only allows.
   3. Set your priorities.
2. Turn on "Priority only."
   1. Swipe down from the top of your screen with 2 fingers.
   2. Under Do not disturb or your current option, tap the Down arrow.
   3. Turn on Do not disturb.
   4. Pick Priority only.
   5. Choose how long you want this setting to last.
   6. Tap Done. You'll see Priority only.

 

[zepking]

If I turn on do not disturb and set it so only calls can ring, will I still get the white icons (messages, whatsapp, etc) at the top of my phone screen when i check it for messages?
I'm using Android 11 on pixel 4a 5g

 

[kate]

If I turn on do not disturb and set it so only calls can ring, will I still get the white icons (messages, whatsapp, etc) at the top of my phone screen when i check it for messages?
I'm using Android 11 on pixel 4a 5g

I still get the notifications (white icons) when apps are silenced by Do Not Disturb.

 

[zepking]

Actually...it looks like when you set do not disturb on, it no longer shows the white small icons at top of the screen. There does seem to be an option under Do Not Disturb | Advanced | Display Options for Hidden Notifications

[ ] No sound from notifications (You will see notifications on your screen)

I'm gonna try it. But this leads to the question, will selecting this option lead to seeing only the white icon notifications that you have set to see, or will it default to putting all notifications visible?

I think its safe to say, like messages, notifications on Android are an absolute mess.

 

[Xavier Black]

With tasker you could..