Star the people who matter
In your Contacts app, mark key people — family, your boss, your doctor — as starred (favorites). Android's priority rules can then treat them specially, so a starred message or call can break through settings that would otherwise silence everyone else.
Let exceptions through DND
When you turn on Do Not Disturb or a Focus mode, open its settings and allow exceptions for priority conversations and starred contacts. That way the phone stays quiet for the world but loud for the few people you chose.
Allow repeat callers
Enable “allow repeat callers” in DND settings. If the same person calls twice within 15 minutes, the second call rings through. It is the classic safety net for emergencies when you forgot to star someone.
Pin the alert you must answer
For a message that needs a reply you cannot give right now — a pickup time, an address — pin it with Dingpin. It stays at the top of the shade as a visible to-do so you do not forget to respond when you are free.
Quick setup checklist
- Star your key contacts.
- Set DND to allow starred contacts and priority conversations.
- Turn on repeat callers.
- Pin any message you must act on later.