Use a Silent Mode Backup

November 2023 — Tip of the Month

We've all experienced that awkward moment when someone's phone rings in a quiet setting. Maybe you've experienced it first hand — you thought your phone was on silent mode, but then RINGGGGG!.

Whether it's a classroom or boardroom, the unexpected ring or alert from a phone is distracting and embarrassing. To avoid this uncomfortable situation, here's a "backup silent mode" tip:

Turn down the volume.

Of all the PC.net tips from the past decade, this one might be the least profound. But it is effective. If you're entering a wedding, funeral, church service, or other occasion where your phone absolutely cannot interrupt:

1. Turn on silent mode.
2. Turn down the volume.

If your mute switch unexpectedly gets bumped and your phone rings, the blast radius will only be a few people sitting next to you rather than the entire room.

Important: I've found myself doing this even more with my new iPhone 15 Pro, which has an "action button" rather than a physical toggle for silent mode. While it's unlikely the button will get pressed for the two seconds it takes to switch modes, it's not impossible. Lowering the volume ensures I won't be "that guy" whose phone rings in the middle of the crowded room.

- Per Christensson