Always Ring: Certain Contacts Bypass Silent or DND Mode (Android)

You’re waiting for an important call from someone special, but your phone is on Do Not Disturb (DND), Silent, or Focus Mode. The call never rings, and you miss it. Frustrating, right?

Don’t worry—you can allow specific contacts to bypass silent and DND mode so they always ring through, no matter what.

Whether it’s an urgent family call, a business client, or an emergency contact, this guide will show you all the ways to make sure you never miss their call again.

How to Allow Certain Contacts to Always Ring on Android

Method 1: Adjusting Do Not Disturb (DND) Exceptions

✅ Best for: People who want to allow specific contacts to bypass DND settings.

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Go to Sound & Vibration > Do Not Disturb (this may be under “Notifications” on some devices).
3. Tap People > Calls & Messages.
4. Select “Allow Calls From” and choose “Starred Contacts” or “Custom List”.
5. Add the specific contacts you want to bypass DND.
6. Tap Done to save the changes.

📌 Note: On Samsung’s One UI, this option is found under DND > Exceptions.

Now, whenever those contacts call you, your phone will ring even if DND is on.

Method 2: Setting Contacts as Favorites (For Silent Mode)

✅ Best for: Allowing important calls when your phone is in Silent Mode, but DND is OFF.

1. Open the Contacts or Phone app.
2. Select the contact you want to prioritize.
3. Tap the Star ⭐ icon or “Set as Favorite”.
4. Now, go to Settings > Sound & Vibration.
5. Tap Do Not Disturb (if available) and choose “Allow Calls from Favorites”.

📌 How This Works:

• Marking a contact as a Favorite lets them bypass Silent Mode.
• On Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus, Favorites can override DND too if exceptions are enabled.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party App (Do Not Disturb Manager)

✅ Best for: Bypassing both Silent & DND with customizable call settings.

If the above methods don’t work on your device, try using Do Not Disturb options:

1. Download Do Not Disturb Manager from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app, and it will prompt you to grant Do Not Disturb access to manage notifications.
3. Turn on this permission.
4. Once inside, tap “Allow Calls” to configure settings.
5. You’ll see four options:
   • From Anyone – All calls will ring through.
   • Allow Calls from Starred Contacts – Only starred contacts will ring.
   • Allow Calls from Contacts – Only saved contacts will ring.
   • Calls Aren’t Allowed – No calls will come through.
6. Select the option that best suits your needs.
7. Save your settings.

Now, whenever someone from the allowed list calls, your phone will ring even if it’s in Silent or Do Not Disturb mode.

📌 Tip: Use "Allow Calls from Starred Contacts" to ensure only priority people can bypass Silent/DND settings.

Method 4: Google Assistant Routine Override

✅ Best for: Automating contact priority using Google Assistant.

You can create a custom Google Assistant routine that automatically overrides Silent/DND for a specific contact:

1. Open Google Assistant (Say "Hey Google").
2. Go to Settings > Routines.
3. Tap New Routine and choose “When [Contact Name] Calls”.
4. Set the action to “Turn Off Do Not Disturb” and “Set Volume to 100%”.
5. Save the routine.

📌 Now, whenever this contact calls, your phone will automatically switch to ring mode!

Method 5: Custom Ringtones for Priority Contacts

✅ Best for: Making sure you notice important calls even when your phone is on vibrate.

1. Open the Contacts app and select a contact.
2. Tap Edit > Ringtone.
3. Choose a unique, loud ringtone (one that stands out).
4. Tap Save.

📌 Bonus: Some phones let you assign custom vibration patterns for priority contacts.

Method 6: Tasker Automation (Advanced Users)

✅ Best for: Automating DND/Silent Mode overrides using Tasker.

Tasker is an advanced automation tool that can make your phone ring at max volume when certain contacts call:

1. Install Tasker from the Play Store.
2. Create a new profile: Event > Phone Call > Incoming Call.
3. Set Caller to your important contact.
4. Create a Task:
   • Action 1: Turn Off DND
   • Action 2: Set Volume to 100%
5. Save and activate the profile.

📌 Now, when that contact calls, your phone will override Silent/DND automatically.

Comparison Table: Which Method Works Best?

Final Thoughts

With these methods, you’ll never miss an important call again—even when your phone is in Silent or Do Not Disturb mode.

Which method worked best for you? Drop a comment below and share your experience!