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Attention Aware features on iPhone: what they do and how to turn them off (iOS 27)

By Updated 12 November 20262 min read

Device: iPhone 17e · Software: iOS 27.0.1 · Checked October 2026

Real screenshot · iPhone 17e, iOS 27.0.1

In short

Attention-Aware Features let the iPhone check that you are looking at it: it won't dim the display while you do, and it lowers the volume of some alerts. To turn them off, open Settings, Accessibility, Face ID & Attention, and switch off Attention-Aware Features.

An iPhone with Face ID uses its TrueDepth 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 alerts seem to get quieter on their own while you look at the iPhone, this switch can be the reason. Apple also says that if you say "Hey Siri" near more than one Apple device, such as an iPhone and a HomePod, Attention Aware features make sure the correct device responds.

3 of 3 steps show a real screenshot from our iPhone 17e.

Steps

0 of 3 steps
  1. 1

    Open Settings and tap Accessibility

    Scroll down the main Settings list to Accessibility, or type Accessibility into the Search field at the bottom of the screen.

    On our iPhone 17e Accessibility is directly below General and above Action Button, in the same group.

    iPhone screen: Open Settings and tap Accessibility
  2. 2

    Tap Face ID & Attention

    Scroll down the Accessibility page to the Physical and Motor section.

    On our iPhone 17e Face ID & Attention is the second row there, below Touch and above Switch Control.

    iPhone screen: Tap Face ID & Attention
  3. 3

    Switch off Attention-Aware Features

    Tap the Attention-Aware Features switch so it turns grey. The note below it says the iPhone checks for attention before dimming the display, expanding a notification when locked or lowering the volume of some alerts.

    Leave Require Attention for Face ID, the switch above it, as it is: it is a separate security setting for unlocking.

    On our iPhone 17e Attention-Aware Features was already off, Require Attention for Face ID was on and Haptic on Successful Authentication was off.

    iPhone screen: Switch off Attention-Aware Features

If you do not see this option

If this does not work

  • Alerts still get quieter while you look at the iPhone. Check that you switched off Attention-Aware Features and not Require Attention for Face ID, the switch above it. On our iPhone 17e the note under Attention-Aware Features says it is the one that lowers the volume of some alerts.
  • The screen now locks while you are reading. Apple says that with Attention Aware Features on, the iPhone won't dim or lock as long as it detects attention. You can set how long it takes iPhone to automatically lock. Go to Settings, Display & Brightness, Auto-Lock and choose a longer time; Apple notes this may increase power use.

Good to know

Apple lists the feature for iPhone X and later, except iPhone SE, because it needs the TrueDepth camera.

About this guide

Device
iPhone
Shown on
iOS 27.0.1 (iPhone 17e)
App
Settings
Path
Settings › Accessibility › Face ID & Attention
Real screenshots
3 of 3 steps
Checked
October 2026
Sources
6 official, linked below

What changed: the screenshots are now our own iPhone 17e on iOS 27.0.1, dark mode, and the wording is checked against those screens and Apple's iOS 27 guide.

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