Ever noticed how your iPhone doesn’t dim the screen while you’re reading? Or how notification sounds soften when you’re looking at it? That’s Attention Aware features in action—Apple’s smart screen-tracking technology that makes your iPhone feel more intuitive. But should you keep it on or disable it?
Let’s break down how Attention Aware features work, their impact on battery life, privacy concerns, and whether they’re right for you.
What Are Attention Aware Features on iPhone?
Attention Aware features use the TrueDepth camera system, the same technology behind Face ID, to detect whether you’re looking at your iPhone screen. When enabled, your iPhone adjusts its behavior based on your attention, making the experience smoother.
Key Functions of Attention Aware Features:
- Prevents Screen Dimming – If you’re looking at your iPhone, it won’t dim or lock, even if your Auto-Lock setting is short.
- Lowers Notification and Alarm Volume – Your iPhone automatically reduces loud alerts when it detects you’re engaged.
- Expands Notifications on the Lock Screen – Some notifications reveal more details when your iPhone knows you’re looking at them.
Which iPhones Support Attention Aware Features?
These features require the TrueDepth camera, meaning they are only available on Face ID-supported iPhones:
- iPhone X and later (iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series)
- Not available on iPhone SE models (no Face ID)
How to Enable or Disable Attention Aware Features
By default, Attention Aware features are turned on, but you can manage them easily:
- Open the Settings app
- Go to Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your iPhone passcode when prompted
- Toggle “Attention Aware Features” on or off
These features work even if Face ID is disabled on your iPhone.
Should You Keep Attention Aware Features On?
While most users never think about these settings, there are pros and cons to keeping them enabled.
Keep It On If You Want:
- A more seamless iPhone experience – No more sudden screen dimming while reading.
- Privacy-conscious notifications – Expanded notification previews only when you’re looking at them.
- Reduced notification noise – Alert volumes automatically lower when you’re paying attention.
Consider Turning It Off If:
- You prefer manual control – Some users don’t like automatic brightness and volume adjustments.
- Battery life is a priority – The TrueDepth camera constantly monitors your face, which may slightly impact battery life.
- You have accessibility concerns – If you have vision impairments or difficulty maintaining eye contact, these features might not be useful.
Do Attention Aware Features Affect Battery Life?
Yes, but the impact is minimal. Since the TrueDepth camera continuously scans for your face, it slightly increases battery usage, but it’s not a major drain.
Battery Saving Tip:
If battery life is your top priority, disabling Attention Aware features can help—especially on older iPhones with weaker battery health.
Are Attention Aware Features a Privacy Concern?
Apple has a strict on-device privacy policy, ensuring that your facial data never leaves your iPhone.
Privacy Facts About Attention Aware Features:
- All processing happens on-device – No data is sent to Apple or third parties.
- Face ID data is stored securely – Not uploaded to iCloud or any servers.
- Extremely low risk of false unlocking – Less than 1 in 1,000,000 chance of someone else unlocking your phone with Face ID.
If privacy is your concern, there’s no risk in using these features.
Common Issues and Fixes
Many users report unexpected screen dimming or notification issues related to Attention Aware settings. Here’s how to fix them:
iPhone Screen Dims Even When Looking At It?
Fix: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Attention Aware Features and toggle it off and on again.
Alarms Are Too Quiet?
Fix: Disable Attention Aware Features. Some users report alarms lowering in volume when the phone detects attention, causing missed wake-ups.
Notifications Don’t Expand on the Lock Screen?
Fix: Make sure Attention Aware features are enabled. Also, check Settings > Notifications and enable “Show Previews.”
FAQs
What Happens If I Turn Off Attention Aware Features?
Your iPhone won’t detect your gaze, meaning:
- The screen may dim or lock even while you’re looking at it.
- Notifications won’t expand automatically.
- Alarms and notifications will always play at full volume.
Do Attention Aware Features Affect Face ID Unlocking?
No, Face ID works independently. These features only adjust screen behavior based on attention detection.
Can Attention Aware Features Be Enabled for Specific Apps?
No, it’s a system-wide setting. However, you can manage notifications per app in Settings > Notifications.
Do They Work on iPads?
Yes, but only on iPad Pro models with Face ID.
Should You Use Attention Aware Features?
- If you value a seamless, intuitive iPhone experience, keep them on.
- If you prefer manual control over brightness, alerts, or battery usage, turn them off.
For most users, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, making Attention Aware a useful, privacy-safe feature. Try it out, tweak settings, and see what works best for you.
Joyce Lewis is a talented journalist at 3Zebras, known for her insightful coverage of technology, gaming, and privacy issues. Her work delves into the human aspects of tech, from the politeness of virtual assistants to the security risks of smart toys. Joyce’s articles are engaging and informative, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.