--- title: BUSY and CUSTOM modes slug: bar/modes description: Learn how to use BUSY and CUSTOM modes to show custom statuses, reduce distractions, and let others know when you’re busy image: https://archbee-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/YLqyM9GUijN7JoLmv2cna_busy-custom-modes-prev.png docTags: createdAt: 2025-08-27T16:23:11.600Z --- ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/YyZUKWr1-5hX59oXbBqou_busy-docs-busy-custom-modes.png) BUSY Bar comes with two focus modes: :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9kfvnatDJKrHrIouR2b4d-20260306-150519.png" alt caption width="220" height="110"} and :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/FW9F1FGJAPCPxlsfpX144-20260306-150456.png" alt caption width="220" height="110"}. BUSY is intended as your main focus mode, while CUSTOM works as a status indicator for people around you. In practice, both modes offer the same functionality and can be fully adjusted to your preferences. *** # How to start a focus session on BUSY Bar ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Switch your BUSY Bar to :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9kfvnatDJKrHrIouR2b4d-20260306-150519.png" alt caption width="220" height="110"} or :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/FW9F1FGJAPCPxlsfpX144-20260306-150456.png" alt caption width="220" height="110"}. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Press :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9cerr6S5jJu3AvWCAOTer-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}** Start / Pause**. A focus session starts on your BUSY Bar and, if connected, in the BUSY App on your phone and desktop device. ::: :::: :::Iframe{iframeHeight="0" code=""} ::: *** # Control your focus session from BUSY Bar Once a BUSY session is active, the controls adapt in the following way: - ****:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/ZjM_I6D2HlStS7r9sH_9V-20260316-102821.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}** Start / Pause button** — Pause your focus session - ****:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/7YKaSwNYj7BVY8cjYPl-C-20260316-102822.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}** Scroll wheel** — Rotate to adjust time, or press to skip the current phase - ****:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/wi7xMxRuIxCMAmRWzm-iW-20260316-102821.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}** Mode selector** — Move to immediately end your session - :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/kOjxN6IQrspQMDuqFdM9u-20260316-102821.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}** Back button **— Immediately end your session ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/eE3AryegsRyZuOdHVeqI7-20260306-115731.png) :::hint{type="info"} :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/JzzAMWPfMWluW80KVupgz-20260311-152018.png" alt caption width="76" height="88"}** ****bout using the scroll wheel to adjust the time** In sessions with BUSY and REST phases (interval timer), rotating the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/nsAwZD5PgLJbX9tOp0m-D-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="96" height="96"} scroll wheel adjusts only the current phase. For example, if you extend a BUSY phase from 20 to 30 minutes, it returns to 20 minutes after the REST phase. To adjust the time of the entire session, you need to do it in the mode’s settings: 1. Switch your BUSY Bar to :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9kfvnatDJKrHrIouR2b4d-20260306-150519.png" alt caption width="220" height="110"} or :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/FW9F1FGJAPCPxlsfpX144-20260306-150456.png" alt caption width="220" height="110"}. 2. Go to **Setup -> Timer** to set the session duration. ::: *** # Control a focus session from BUSY App :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/QHcyDZeejE_E7ndcwFKpR_busy-app-icon.png" alt caption width="88" height="88"} **[BUSY App](https://busy.app/pages/app)** and **[BUSY account](https://docs.busy.app/bar/account)** create a seamless ecosystem across your BUSY Bar, phone, watch, and Mac. Start a focus session on any linked device and continue controlling it from another — all devices stay automatically synchronized. :::Iframe{iframeHeight="500" code=""} ::: ## Using mobile BUSY App Before you start, [log in to your BUSY account and link your BUSY Bar to it%page%](https://docs.busy.app/bar/account#log-in-on-your-phone) With BUSY App on your iOS or Android phone, you can set up, start, and control focus sessions running on your BUSY Bar and other connected devices. You can also choose which apps are blocked on your phone during a focus session. [Learn more%page%](docId\:t7klHajsRwOhzOxjk9OJ6) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/DION1nCkwm7yumRUza6Qw_busy-app-mobile-controls-1.jpg) ## Using BUSY App on your watch :::hint{type="info"} :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/JzzAMWPfMWluW80KVupgz-20260311-152018.png" alt caption width="76" height="88"} **BUSY App on your phone is required** BUSY App must be installed on the paired phone for it to work on watches. Currently, BUSY App is not available as a standalone app for watchOS or Wear OS. ::: With BUSY App on your watchOS or wearOS device, you can start and control focus sessions running on your BUSY Bar and other connected devices. The BUSY App on your watch can’t change the timer settings. For this, use the BUSY App on your phone or the BUSY Bar device, or the BUSY App on your Mac if synced. [Learn more%page%](docId\:t7klHajsRwOhzOxjk9OJ6) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/6Gs_dOsDgtDwj3fYzsf41_busy-app-watches-ui-new-1.png) ## Using desktop BUSY App (Mac only) Before you start, [log in to your BUSY account and link your BUSY Bar to it%page%](https://docs.busy.app/bar/account#log-in-on-your-mac) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/bFHI1dO7Av89Y0p4WErOb_busy-app-desktop-controls-1-1.png) With BUSY App on your Mac, you can set up, start, and control focus sessions running on your BUSY Bar and other connected devices. [Learn more%page%](docId\:t7klHajsRwOhzOxjk9OJ6) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/x5lIAmRfMq-lTG7OtMYbV_busy-app-desktop-controls-2-1.png) *** You can reduce distractions by blocking apps, syncing settings with the mobile app, and extending your setup with smart home integrations. Learn how to set up modes and block distracting apps: ::::LinkArray{contentSource="CUSTOM"} :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/KD_zDOCXoKGeYJXdlmoln_setup-on-busy-bar.jpg"} **[Set up modes on BUSY Bar](https://docs.busy.app/bar/modes/setup-on-busy-bar)** ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/q4CuySMLbI8AWb7f-Y5ct_setup-mobile-app.jpg"} **[Set up modes via mobile app](https://docs.busy.app/bar/modes/setup-mobile)** ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/d5VhG6veXd4QnzHfzJZiX_block-apps.jpg"} **[Block apps and notifications](https://docs.busy.app/bar/modes/block-distractions)** ::: ::::