Nothing takes you out of the game like a sudden notification of a message in the messenger or a reminder of a meeting. It’s especially annoying when an important fight is PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact interrupted by smartphone vibration and a pop-up banner. Fortunately, Android there are several ways to block notifications during a gaming session - from temporary shutdown to complete isolation.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply switch the phone to Airplane mode. But this disables not only notifications, but also mobile data, which is critical for online games. Others try to turn off the sound, but vibration and pop-ups still remain. In fact, modern versions of Android (since Android 9 Pie) have specialized tools for game mode, as well as hidden settings that allow you to fine-tune the behavior of notifications.

In this article, we will analyze all the relevant methods - from standard functions to third-party applications - so that you can play without distractions. The methods are suitable for devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands, but taking into account the features of their proprietary shells (One UI, MIUI, OxygenOS).

1. Do Not Disturb mode is a universal solution

The most reliable way to turn off notifications while playing is to activate the mode Do Not Disturb** (Do Not Disturb, DND). It blocks all sounds, vibrations and pop-ups, but does not affect the operation of applications or the Internet connection.

To enable it:

  1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
  2. Select Schedule or turn it on manually.
  3. In the section Exceptions check Alarms (if you need the alarm to go off) and Repeating notifications (for example, for important calls).

On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy) there is a separate item Game Mode inside Do Not Disturb. It is automatically activated when you launch games and turns off all notifications except system ones.

📊 How often are you distracted by notifications while playing?
Constantly
Sometimes
Sometimes
Never

2. Setting up notifications for specific games

If you want to leave notifications from instant messengers, but block them only during the game, use individual settings for applications. For example, in WhatsApp or Telegram you can turn off sounds and vibration, but leave pop-up banners - or vice versa.

How to do this:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Applications.
  • 🔍 Find the game (for example, Call of Duty: Mobile) and select Notifications.
  • 🔔 Turn off all switches or set the priority (for example, Sound only no vibration).

On Xiaomi and some other devices there is a function Notifications in the game — it allows you to show only the most important notifications (for example, low battery) and hide the rest.

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On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+ can be created Game profile in the sound settings. It is automatically applied when launching supported games and blocks all notifications except critical ones.

3. Using Game Mode

Many manufacturers add to their shells a special game modethat optimizes performance and blocks notifications. For example:

  • 📱 Samsung: Settings → Device care → Game mode.
  • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: Settings → Accessibility → Game turbo mode.
  • 📱 ASUS ROG Phone: Armoury Crate → Game profile.

In these modes, you can not only turn off notifications, but also:

  • 🔋 Lock the Home and Backbuttons so as not to accidentally exit the game.
  • 📶 Optimize Internet consumption for online games.
  • 🔊 Adjust the sound for headphones or speakers.

On Xiaomi Game Mode can automatically reduce screen brightness and lock auto-brightness to save battery power. This is useful for long sessions in Free Fire or Mobile Legends.

What should I do if Game Mode does not work?

On some devices (for example, Realme or Oppo) game mode may conflict with power saving mode. Try disabling battery optimization for the game in the application settings.

4. Blocking notifications through the quick settings panel

If you don't want to delve into the settings, you can quickly turn off notifications right during the game:

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
  2. Hold the icon with your finger Do not disturb (🔔 with with a crossed out bell).
  3. Select Until shutdown or set the timer (for example, 1 hour).

On Android 12+ You can configure Priority modewhich will only allow calls from selected contacts or repeated notifications (for example, if someone texts you twice in a row in Telegram).

Method Blocks sound Blocks vibration Blocks banners Works in online games
Do not disturb mode ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Game mode (Samsung/Xiaomi) ✅ ✅ ❌ (priority only) ✅
Disable notifications for the game ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅
Airplane mode ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ (turns off the Internet)

5. Third-party applications for blocking notifications

If standard methods do not help, you can use specialized utilities. Here are the top 3 proven applications:

1. Game Launcher (Samsung)

  • 🎮 Designed for devices Samsung, but works on other brands.
  • 🔔 Blocks notifications, optimizes performance and records gameplay.
  • 📥 Download on Google Play (free, without unnecessary water).

2. Game Tools (Xiaomi)

  • 🔧 Built in MIUI, but there is a separate version for other devices.
  • 🚫 Allows you to create a black list of notifications for specific games.
  • ⚡ Speeds up loading games by clearing RAM.

3. Do Not Disturb While Gaming

  • 🛡️ Universal application for blocking notifications.
  • ⏱️ You can set it to automatically turn on when you start the game.
  • 🔄 Powered by Android 8.0+.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications for blocking notifications require the right Accessibility or Overlay on top of other windows. Be careful - these permissions may be used to display advertising or collect data.

☑️ Checking the security of a third-party application

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6. Disabling notifications via ADB (for advanced)

If you are ready to delve into the system settings, you can disable notifications for specific packages via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for experienced users and requires connecting the phone to the computer.

Instructions:

  1. Enable Debug by USB in Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to unlock Developer settings).
  2. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell settings put global zen_mode 1

    This will enable the mode Do Not Disturb level system.

  3. To turn off notifications for a specific application (for example, Facebook), use: 
    adb shell appops set com.facebook.android OP_NOTIFICATION_ALERT deny

List of popular packages to block:

  • 📱 WhatsApp: com.whatsapp
  • 📱 Telegram: org.telegram.messenger
  • 📱 Instagram: com.instagram.android

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can disrupt the system. Before experiments, make a backup copy of your data via Settings → Google → Backup.

7. Alternative methods: disabling the Internet for instant messengers

If notifications come mostly from instant messengers, you can limit their access to the Internet during the game. To do this:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Select messenger] → Mobile data.
  2. Disable the switch Background mode.
  3. To completely disable it, use Saving traffic in the network settings.

There is a function Android 11+ there is a function Permissions for background processesthat allows you to prevent applications from running in the background. This does not block notifications completely, but reduces their frequency.

Another option is to use second space (if it is on your device, for example, on Huawei or Xiaomi). You can create a separate profile without instant messengers and run games there.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to turn off notifications for only one game?

Yes, to do this, go to Settings → Applications → [game name] → Notifications and disable all switches. You can also use game mode on devices Samsung or Xiaomi, where there is an option In-game notifications.

Why do notifications continue to arrive despite Do Not Disturb mode?

You have probably added the application to exceptions. Check Settings → Sound → Do not disturb → Exceptions and remove unnecessary apps from the list. Also, some system notifications (for example, about low battery) cannot be turned off.

How to return notifications after the game?

If you used the mode Do not disturb with a timer, it will turn off automatically. If the blocking was manual, swipe down the notification panel and tap the Do not disturbicon to deactivate it. For ADB commands, use: 

adb shell settings put global zen_mode 0

Will online games work if you turn off notifications?

Yes, blocking notifications does not affect your Internet connection. The exception is mode On an airplane, which disables all wireless networks. For online games (Fortnite, Apex Legends Mobile), use only Do not disturb or game mode.

Is it possible to turn off notifications only for the duration of full screen mode?

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI 4.0+) there is an option Hide notifications in full-screen applications. It automatically hides banners when the game is maximized to full screen. Find it in Settings → Notifications → Advanced.

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The most reliable way is a combination of Do Not Disturb mode and game profile. This is guaranteed to block all distractions without disrupting online gaming.