How to turn off Attention Aware Features on an iPhone
2 min read · 3 steps · Updated 4 October 2026
Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then Face ID & Attention, and switch off Attention Aware Features. The iPhone then no longer checks whether you are looking at it before it dims the display or lowers the volume of some alerts. The same switch is also under Settings, Face ID & Passcode.
- Device
- iPhone
- Shown on
- iOS 26.5 (iPhone 17)
- App
- Settings
- Path
- Settings › Accessibility › Face ID & Attention
- Real screenshots
- 3 of 3 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
An iPhone with Face ID uses its front camera to notice whether you are looking at the screen. While you look, it keeps the display from dimming and makes alerts quieter. Apple says this works even if Face ID itself is not set up. If alarms and ringtones seem to get quiet on their own, this switch can be the reason.
The screenshots show iOS 26.5 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows have the same names, with a slightly different look.
Step by step
Open Settings and tap Accessibility
Accessibility is in the first group of the main Settings list, below General.
Tap Face ID & Attention
It is under the heading Physical and Motor.
Switch off Attention Aware Features
In the picture the switch is on. The note below says what it does: the iPhone checks for attention before dimming the display, expanding a notification when locked, or lowering the volume of some alerts.
Good to know
Apple lists the feature for iPhone X and later, except iPhone SE, because it needs the TrueDepth camera.
In short: Settings, Accessibility, Face ID & Attention, Attention Aware Features off.
Links checked on 3 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.