How do I turn on notifications for my focus timer?

Focus uses notifications to tell you when a session or break has finished — so you can start the next one or extend the current one right from the alert. Long-press a notification to see all the options.

Make sure notifications are allowed in the Settings app, under Notifications. For alerts that reach you even when a system Focus is on, keep Time Sensitive notifications enabled — choose Leave On the first time, or turn it on in System Settings.

On the Mac, you can switch on full-screen notifications that cover the screen and play a sound, so you never miss a break. Notifications also appear on a paired Apple Watch.

Notifications on Mac and Apple Watch

On your Mac

If session and break alerts aren't showing up, check System Settings > Notifications > Focus and make sure notifications are allowed. Choose the Alerts style so they stay on screen until you respond — banners slip away quickly. It's also worth a glance at Do Not Disturb: when it's on, it quietly holds notifications back.

When a session ends, Focus also shows the same options right in the app window, so you'll catch the moment even if a notification passes you by.

On Apple Watch

Session alerts can reach you on the wrist too. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Notifications, and make sure Focus is allowed. That's all it takes.