Allow specific contacts to bypass silent mode on iPhone

Hi, For privacy reasons, I always keep my iPhone on silent. I'd like a feature in the phone that allows me to set certain contacts I choose, to never be on silent. That way, I won't be in danger of not hearing their calls. It's a sort of exception to silent mode. Is that possible?

Posted on May 8, 2026 1:15 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 8, 2026 10:39 AM

What you are looking for exists as a feature. Open the Contacts app > Choose a Contact you want to bypass > Tap Edit in the top-right hand corner > Scroll down and select Ringtone > Turn on Emergency Bypass and save. In addition to the Contact bypassing Silent Mode, it will also bypass any Focus enabled.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 8, 2026 10:39 AM in response to Gigì24

What you are looking for exists as a feature. Open the Contacts app > Choose a Contact you want to bypass > Tap Edit in the top-right hand corner > Scroll down and select Ringtone > Turn on Emergency Bypass and save. In addition to the Contact bypassing Silent Mode, it will also bypass any Focus enabled.

Allow specific contacts to bypass silent mode on iPhone

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.