howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-use-zen-space-on-a-oneplus/ · Checked October 2026 · OnePlus Nord 5 (CPH2709), OxygenOS 16.0.5.1201, Android 16

In this guide

Open Zen Space
Tap Get started
Allow notifications
Check the length first
Tap Start
Read the rules and tap OK
Tap Start to confirm
Wait for the timer
See your result
If you do not see this option
If this does not work
Good to know
Sources

Quick answer

Open Settings, Accessibility & convenience, Zen Space (under Modes), then tap Start next to Deep Zen or a Light Zen space. Deep Zen cannot be stopped once it starts: only the camera, answering calls and emergency calls work until the timer runs out.

9 of 9 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device: Android
Shown on: OnePlus Nord 5 (CPH2709), OxygenOS 16.0.5.1201, Android 16
App: Settings
Path: Settings › Accessibility & convenience › Zen Space › Get started
Real screenshots: 9 of 9 steps
Checked: October 2026
Sources: 1 official, linked below

Step by step

Open Zen Space
Open Settings, tap Accessibility & convenience and scroll to Modes. Tap Zen Space. You can also search Settings for zen space.
Done
Tap Get started
The first time, Welcome to Zen Space explains what a session does. Tap Get started.
Done
Allow notifications
Ours asked Allow Zen Space to send you notifications? We tapped Allow.
Done
Check the length first
Tap the time under a space's name (1 min > under Deep Zen) to see its Duration and Background. Done only lights up after you change one of them.
Done
Tap Start
Deep Zen sits at the top (1 min on ours). Under Light Zen, ours had Work (No limit) and Study (60 min), and New space adds your own. Tap Start on the one you want. Ours asked for calendar access first; we tapped Don't allow and the session still started.
Done
Read the rules and tap OK
Hello, Zen practitioner lists the rules: Deep Zen cannot be exited once started, all notifications are muted, all apps other than the camera are locked, and you can answer calls or make emergency calls. Tap OK.
Done
Tap Start to confirm
A Notice repeats that Zen Mode cannot be exited once started. Start counts down for a second before you can tap it. Tap Exit if you have changed your mind.
Done
Wait for the timer
The screen shows Time remaining, with Emergency call and a camera button at the bottom. Nothing else opens.
Done
See your result
When the time is up, a card shows the session (Deep Zen, 1 min Duration on ours) with Share and Zen for another 20 min. Tap the back arrow to leave.
Done

If you do not see this option

Can you stop a session early? Not Deep Zen: both screens before it starts say it cannot be exited once started, so check the duration first. OnePlus's OxygenOS 14 manual says you can exit Light Zen any time. Source: OxygenOS 14.0 User Manual
Zen progress on the lock screen? In Zen Space, tap the gear at the top right. Show progress on AOD (shows your Zen progress on the Always-On Display) was on on ours; Reminders is there too.

If this does not work

Phone seems stuck in Deep Zen? That is how it works: wait for Time remaining to reach zero. You can still answer calls, make emergency calls and use the camera.
Want to silence notifications but keep your apps? Use Focus mode instead: how to use Focus mode on a OnePlus.
Light Zen or Deep Zen? OnePlus's OxygenOS 14 manual says Light Zen lets you use selected apps and exit any time, while Deep Zen allows only photos and calls. Source: OxygenOS 14.0 User Manual

About this guide

Zen Space is OnePlus's focus timer. Deep Zen locks the phone for the time you set; Light Zen spaces such as Work and Study are gentler.

The screenshots are from our OnePlus Nord 5 with OxygenOS 16.0.5 and Android 16, in Dark mode, taken on 24 October 2026. We ran a 1-minute Deep Zen session for the pictures. It ended by itself.

Good to know

A gentler option: how to use Focus mode on a OnePlus.

In short: Settings, Accessibility & convenience, Zen Space, Get started, check the duration, Start, OK, Start. Deep Zen cannot be exited; it ends when the timer runs out.

Sources