How to Allow Urgent Calls in macOS 13 Focus

Focus modes in macOS 13 Ventura help you eliminate distractions, but you may still need to receive emergency phone calls. Apple includes a dedicated feature that allows repeated calls to bypass an active Focus mode if someone tries to reach you multiple times in quick succession. This guide covers the exact steps to configure your Focus settings in macOS 13 to ensure urgent calls always get through.

Enable Repeated Calls in Focus Mode

The primary way to allow urgent calls in macOS 13 is by enabling the "Allow Repeated Calls" setting. When active, a second call from the same person within three minutes will ring through rather than being silenced.

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
2. Click Focus in the left sidebar.
3. Select the specific Focus profile you want to customize (such as Do Not Disturb or Work).
4. Click on People under the "Allow Notifications" section.
5. In the pop-up window, locate the Allow Calls From section.
6. Turn on the toggle switch next to Allow repeated calls.
7. Click Done to save your changes.

Repeat these steps for any other Focus profiles where you want emergency calls to ring through.

Allow Calls from Specific Contacts

If you have specific individuals who should always be able to reach you on the first attempt, you can add them to your allowed list:

1. Return to System Settings > Focus and select your Focus profile.
2. Click People.
3. Under the "Allow Notifications From" section, click the Add (+) button.
4. Select the contacts you wish to whitelist and click Add.
5. Set the Allow Calls From drop-down menu to Allowed People Only or Everyone based on your preference.
6. Click Done.