Make Do Not Disturb or Work Focus turn on by itself at set times

Why it happens

A Focus only switches itself on when it has a schedule. Without one, it waits for you to turn it on in Control Center. Each Focus can have several schedules, such as weeknights and Saturday mornings.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, and click Focus in the sidebar. Then click Do Not Disturb, Work or whichever Focus you want to run on its own.

2. Click Set a Schedule. Any schedules you already have are listed here, each with its own switch.

   Focus›Do Not Disturb›Set a Schedule

3. Click Add Schedule and choose what should start it. Time runs it between set hours on the days you pick. Location starts it when you arrive somewhere, like work or the library. App starts it while a chosen app is open.

   Focus›Do Not Disturb›Add Schedule…

4. For a time schedule, set From and To, tick the days, and click Done. For bedtime, something like 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM every day works well.

5. Check the new schedule appears in the list with its switch on. Next time that hour, place or app comes round, the Focus turns on and its icon shows in the menu bar.

Still not fixed?

1. Don't see a Work Focus? Click Add Focus… in Focus settings and choose Work, then give it a schedule the same way.

   Focus›Add Focus…

2. If it comes on at the wrong hours, open Set a Schedule again, click the schedule and fix the times or days. Turn off any old schedule you no longer want, or it will keep running.

3. A location schedule needs Location Services. Check it's on in Privacy & Security, and keep Wi-Fi on so your Mac can tell where it is.

   Privacy & Security›Location Services

4. If your iPhone keeps turning the Focus off or on at other times, Share across devices is passing its Focus to your Mac. Turn it off if you want your Mac to follow only its own schedule.

   Focus›Share across devices

5. If a schedule with its switch on still never starts after a restart, contact Apple Support.