Webex does not feature a direct "airplane mode" within the application itself. However, you can effectively manage interruptions and silence notifications through Webex's Do Not Disturb (DND) feature or by enabling your device's global Airplane Mode.
Webex Do Not Disturb (DND): Your In-App Solution
The Webex Do Not Disturb feature allows you to pause notifications specifically from the Webex application without affecting other apps or your device's overall connectivity. This is ideal when you need to focus but still want your device connected to Wi-Fi or cellular networks for other purposes.
-
How to Activate Do Not Disturb in Webex:
- Access Your Profile: In the Webex application, locate and click on your profile picture, which is typically in the top-left corner of the interface.
- Select Do Not Disturb: From the dropdown menu that appears, choose the "Do Not Disturb" option.
- Set Duration: You will then be prompted to select for how long you'd like your Do Not Disturb feature to be active. This can usually be set for a specific number of hours, until a particular time, or indefinitely.
- Confirmation: Once you've made your selection, the feature will become active, and your status will update accordingly.
-
What Happens When DND is Active:
- You will not receive new message notifications, calls, or meeting alerts directly from Webex.
- Your status in Webex will clearly indicate that you are in Do Not Disturb mode.
- People can click on your profile to see when your Do Not Disturb is up, providing transparency to your colleagues about your availability.
Device Airplane Mode: A Global Disconnect
Enabling Airplane Mode on your mobile device (smartphone or tablet) or even some laptops is a system-wide setting that completely cuts off all wireless communications. This includes cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
-
Impact on Webex:
- When your device is in Airplane Mode, Webex, along with all other internet-dependent applications, will lose its connection.
- Consequently, you will not receive any Webex notifications, messages, calls, or meeting updates as long as this mode is active and no Wi-Fi is re-enabled manually.
- This provides the most comprehensive way to ensure no digital interruptions from any app on your device.
-
How to Enable Device Airplane Mode:
- On iOS Devices: Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom for older models) to open Control Center, then tap the airplane icon.
- On Android Devices: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open Quick Settings, then tap the airplane icon.
- (Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device model and operating system version.)
Choosing the Right Mode for Your Needs
Consider the following comparison to determine whether Webex's Do Not Disturb or your device's Airplane Mode is more suitable for your current situation:
| Feature/Action | Webex Do Not Disturb (DND) | Device Airplane Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Silences notifications only within the Webex application. | Disables all wireless communications on your device. |
| Connectivity | Your device remains connected to Wi-Fi and cellular networks. | Disconnects from Wi-Fi, cellular data, and Bluetooth. |
| Other Apps | Other applications on your device continue to receive notifications normally. | No apps will receive notifications requiring connectivity. |
| Visibility to Others | Your Webex profile displays your DND status and its duration. | No direct indicator in Webex; your status will simply show you as offline or unavailable. |
| Primary Use Case | When you need to focus on tasks but remain online for essential work or other apps. | When you need a complete break from all digital interruptions, such as during a flight or deep focus work. |
- Practical Insights:
- If you are engaged in a crucial meeting or focusing on a complex task and only want to prevent Webex pings from interrupting you, while still needing internet for other applications (like the meeting itself), Webex DND is your best option.
- If you are traveling on a flight, want to conserve your device's battery, or simply desire a complete digital detox, enabling your device's Airplane Mode is the most effective approach.
- For ultimate peace and quiet, you can even combine both: activate Webex DND, then put your device into Airplane Mode for a comprehensive digital interruption shield.
By understanding these two distinct methods, you can effectively manage interruptions and maintain focus on your priorities within and outside the Webex environment.
