FACEBOOK users may be missing out on a handy hidden mode.
It can make the app much better – and it’s free to turn on.
The special feature is known as Quiet Mode and (bizarrely) is designed to help you use the app less.
It launched around three years ago, but it’s mostly unknown.
It was designed as a way to shut off from social media.
Facebook likely figured that it was better to give users the option to take breaks – than risk them quitting the app altogether.
Quiet Mode does a number of things, including muting most notifications and limiting your time in the app.
“We have tools that can help you find the right balance for how you use Facebook,” parent company Meta said.
“Whether it’s to help you focus on your family and friends, sleep without distraction or manage how you spend your time at home.”
When you activate Quiet Mode, most push notifications will be muted.
If you go to open Facebook while Quiet Mode is on, you’ll be reminded that you’re not supposed to be using the app.
You can set yourself time limits using a Quiet Mode schedule too.
How to turn Facebook Quiet Mode on
First, make sure you’ve updated to the latest version of the Facebook app.
As long as you’ve updated within the last year or so, you’re probably fine.
Then open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon (three lines stacked horizontally).
Now scroll down and choose Settings & Privacy, then go into Settings.
Next choose Your Time on Facebook, then Manage Your Time.
Tap into Tools and then you can enable Quiet Mode.
It’s also possible to activate or schedule Quiet Mode timers to better control your Facebook habit.
If it’s the first time you’ve accessed Your Time on Facebook then you’ll see a different swipe-along menu – but Quiet Mode will still be an option.
You’ll also be able to use the Quiet Mode interface to track how much Facebook time you’re using daily.