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Enable Do Not Disturb in Ubuntu: A Quick Guide

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 5, 2022 Updated Sep 15, 2026 2 min read
Enable Automatic Suspension in Ubuntu Linux Easily
Enable Automatic Suspension in Ubuntu Linux Easily

Do Not Disturb in Ubuntu is a system setting that hides pop-up banners and stops alert sounds so you can work without interruptions. Turning on this mode takes less than five seconds using the desktop menu or a quick keyboard shortcut.

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Ubuntu sends all missed alerts straight to the top panel notification list so you can check them whenever you want. This feature lets you stay focused while making sure nothing important slips past you.

⚡ Quick Answer

Click the Clock in the top bar and toggle Do Not Disturb to On. Alternatively, go to Settings , then Notifications, and switch Do Not Disturb on. This silences all incoming notifications to help you focus.

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How to enable or disable do not disturb in Ubuntu Linux

To enable Do Not Disturb Ubuntu notifications, click the clock in the top bar of your screen to open the menu, then click the switch next to Do Not Disturb. This instantly hides all banner alerts and pop-ups so you can focus on your work. To turn notifications back on, just click the switch again.

Muting alerts prevents distractions during high-focus tasks.

Enabling or disabling the feature follows these steps:

Toggling Do Not Disturb directly from the top bar requires clicking the Clock. Access the Clock menu and adjust Do Not Disturb as shown below.

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Ubuntu Linux system menu showing Do Not Disturb option
do not disturb ubuntu linux system menu

Alternatively, the Ubuntu Linux Settings app handles this control.

Ubuntu Linux centralizes core controls in the System Settings panel. This hub manages everything from system configurations to user accounts and updates.

Activities overview in Ubuntu Linux desktop environment
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click on the System menu located at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.

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Ubuntu Linux top bar settings menu for notifications
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

Click on the Notifications tile to open the panel in the Settings app.

Inside the System Settings - Notifications panel, flip the Do Not Disturb switch to On to silence everything.

Turning on Do Not Disturb feature in Ubuntu Linux
ubuntu linux turn on do not disturb

Disabling Do Not Disturb restores normal notification behavior.

Standard alerts resume once the switch turns off.

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Specific applications also allow customized notification rules within the same panel.

Application settings to enable or disable Do Not Disturb
ubuntu linux application enable or disable

The process wraps up here, meaning the Settings app is safe to close.

Enabling Do Not Disturb helps minimize distractions and keeps you focused on your tasks.

  • Enabling Do Not Disturb in Ubuntu Linux helps users minimize distractions and stay focused on tasks.
  • Users can quickly toggle the Do Not Disturb feature from the top bar or through the Ubuntu Linux Settings app.
  • The Do Not Disturb feature silences notification banners to prevent distractions without entirely disabling notifications.
  • Disabling Do Not Disturb restores normal notification behavior on the Ubuntu Linux desktop.

Do not disturb mode in Linux?

Do not disturb mode in Linux, like in Ubuntu, helps halt interruptions during deep work sessions. Toggling the feature happens via the message tray in the top-middle of the screen. Alternatively, pressing the Ctrl+M keyboard shortcut opens the message tray to locate the Do Not Disturb button rapidly.

How to toggle do not disturb?

Using a different platform? On Android phones, head into Settings Notifications Do Not Disturb instead.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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