Let’s face it—Days run fast, and sometimes, keeping up with every text message feels like an Olympic sport.

Whether you’re juggling work, cruising down the highway, or just need a moment to unplug, your iPhone has a secret weapon to keep you connected without lifting a finger- auto-reply texts.

This guide will show you how to set up auto-reply text on iPhone like a pro so you can stay in the loop without being glued to your screen. Ready to give your thumbs a break? Let’s dive in!

🔑Key Highlights
  • To enable auto-reply text on iPhone, Go to Settings > Tap Focus > Select Driving > Tap Auto-Reply > Choose recipients > Type your message > Decide whether to turn it on automatically or manually.
  • Set custom auto-reply messages to suit different situations—whether it’s for work, emergencies, or simply when you need a break.
  • Use third-party apps that offer advanced features like scheduled replies and templates, perfect for businesses or high-volume texting.

What is an Auto-reply Text?

An auto-reply text is an automated message sent in response to incoming calls or text messages. It allows iPhone users to acknowledge messages without manually responding, ensuring appropriate response even when they’re unavailable.

Auto-reply messages offer several benefits, including:

What is an Auto-reply Text?

  • Safety While Driving – With features like auto-reply while driving, iPhone users can send automated responses to let contacts know they’re unavailable, reducing distractions and promoting hands-free texting.
  • Business Communication – Professionals can use business auto-reply messages to respond to clients when they are busy, ensuring prompt engagement.
  • Convenience & Productivity – Whether in meetings, on vacation or simply unavailable, iPhone auto-reply ensures important contacts receive a response without manual effort.
  • Emergency Situations – Setting up an emergency text auto-reply can notify contacts about urgent situations when a user cannot respond immediately.

How to Set Up Auto-Reply Text on iPhone Using Focus Mode?

Focus Mode is a powerful feature on the iPhone that helps you manage interruptions by controlling notifications, calls, and messages. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up an auto-reply text on iPhone using Focus Mode (Do Not Disturb):

How to Set Up Auto-Reply Text on iPhone Using Focus Mode?

1. Enabling Focus Mode (Do Not Disturb)

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Scroll down and tap Focus.
  • Select Do Not Disturb or choose another mode like Personal, Work, or Sleep to customize according to your needs.
  • Toggle the switch to Enable the Focus Mode. This will prevent incoming notifications and calls from distracting you.

2. Customizing the Auto-Reply Message

  • Tap Focus in the Settings app, then choose the Focus Mode you want to customize (e.g., Driving Focus for auto-replies while driving).
  • Scroll down to Auto-Reply and tap it.
  • Select Auto-Reply To: You can choose whether you want the auto-reply sent to Everyone, No One, or Favorites.
  • In the Auto-Reply Message section, type your personalized custom text. You could say something like:
  • “I’m currently unavailable and will respond as soon as I can.”
  • “I’m driving and can’t respond right now. I’ll get back to you soon.”
  • “I’m in a meeting and will reply to your text messages shortly.”

This auto-reply message will be sent automatically to anyone who texts you during Focus Mode.

3. Selecting Contacts Who Receive the Auto-Reply

  • To ensure only specific people receive your autoreply for text messages, tap Auto-Reply To and select Favorites or a custom group from your contacts.
  • You can also configure Focus Mode to allow calls and texts from specific contacts while the rest of the incoming messages are automatically replied to. This is especially useful for work and emergency scenarios.

For example, If you want important messages to be sent to a text responder, select contacts like your boss or close family members for a personalized message to be sent.

4. Activating Auto-Reply While Driving

  • Driving Focus is a special Focus Mode that activates an auto-reply while driving to prevent distractions.
  • To set this up:
  • Go to Settings > Focus > Driving.
  • Enable the Driving Focus and customize your auto-reply message.
  • Select Auto-Reply and choose Everyone, Favorites, or Recents to ensure the right contacts are notified.
  • Once activated, your Focus mode will automatically turn on when your iPhone detects that you’re driving. Your text reply will notify people that you’re on the road and can’t respond right now.
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How to Auto-Reply to Calls and Messages Using Shortcuts?

The Shortcuts app on iPhone is a powerful iOS automation tool that allows users to create custom workflows, including text automation. While Apple restricts fully automated text responses, you can still set up shortcuts that prompt you to send messages on iPhones when receiving calls or texts.

However, Apple does not allow fully automated text replies (without user interaction), except in Driving Focus mode.

Follow these steps to create a shortcut-based text automation:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to the Automation tab at the bottom.
  3. Tap Create Personal Automation → Select Message.
  4. Choose Any Message or set specific contacts for auto-replies.
  5. Tap Next, then tap Add Action.
  6. In the search bar, type “Send Message” and select it.
  7. Enter your auto-reply message (e.g., “I’m currently busy, will reply later”).
  8. Tap Next, disable Ask Before Running, then tap Done.

💡 Note: This setup will prompt you before sending the auto-reply. You must manually confirm it unless using Driving Focus.

Third-Party Apps for Auto-Reply on iPhone

Apple’s built-in Focus Mode auto-reply and Shortcuts app offer basic automation, but they don’t support full automatic texts for all incoming messages or calls and texts. If you need more control, third-party auto-reply apps provide advanced features like scheduled messages, multiple response templates, and bulk SMS replies.

Below are some of the best auto-reply apps for iPhone, categorized by their strengths:

1. AutoResponder for WhatsApp & SMS – Best for Chat Apps

Features:

  • Auto-reply messages based on keywords.
  • Set different text responders for various contacts.
  • Works with WhatsApp Business for customer communication.

Ideal for: WhatsApp, SMS, and WhatsApp Business users.

2. TextAssured – Best for Fully Automated SMS Replies

Features:

  • Set up auto-reply for missed calls and texts.
  • Create custom text responses based on specific contacts.
  • Supports bulk SMS and scheduled messages.

Ideal for: Users who need automatic texts for incoming messages.

3. IM Auto Reply – Best for Multi-App Support

Features:

  • Works with WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and Messenger.
  • Supports text automation with multiple templates.
  • Allows auto-reply settings for specific contacts.

Ideal for: Users who want auto-response across different apps.

  1. SMS Auto Reply – Best for Business Users

Features:

  • Set up autoreply for calls and texts based on time or availability.
  • Supports bulk SMS for teams and businesses.
  • Works with iPhone accessibility features for hands-free usage.

Ideal for: Professionals needing auto-reply features for business auto-reply.

5. Do It Later – Best for Scheduled Auto-Replies

Features:

  • Lets you send message responses at a specific time.
  • Works for text messages on iPhones, emails, and social media.
  • Supports smart replies and auto-reply messages for different scenarios

Ideal for: Users needing scheduled messages instead of instant replies.

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Choosing the Right Auto-Reply App for Your Needs

Since iOS automation tools have restrictions, these third-party apps help bridge the gap for personalized messages, business auto-reply, and text automation.

Use Case Best App
WhatsApp & Messaging Apps AutoResponder for WhatsApp & SMS
Full SMS Auto-Reply TextAssured
Multi-App Auto-Reply IM Auto Reply
Business Auto-Reply SMS Auto Reply
Scheduled Auto-Replies Do It Later
🔗Related blog: What Is an Auto Dialer and How Does It Work? A Comprehensive Overview

Use Cases for Auto-Reply Text on iPhone

Setting up auto-reply texts on iPhone can be beneficial in various scenarios, ensuring that incoming messages receive a timely response even when you’re unavailable. Below are the most common use cases where automatic texts improve communication and efficiency.

1. Auto-Reply While Driving (Hands-Free Texting)

When you’re behind the wheel, responding to messages manually is unsafe. Using the Driving Focus mode on iPhone is the best option.

🔹 Example Auto-Reply Message:
“I’m currently driving. I’ll get back to you when I arrive. If it’s urgent, call me.”

2. Business Auto-Replies for Customer Service

For professionals, business auto-reply messages ensure customers receive immediate responses when you’re unavailable. Using third-party apps or bulk SMS automation, businesses can set up auto-reply texts, use scheduled messages, and enable text automation to manage high message volumes.

🔹 Example Auto-Reply Message:

“Thank you for reaching out! Our team will respond to your inquiry during business hours. For urgent matters, call our support line.”

3. Auto-Replies During Vacations or Meetings

If you’re on vacation or in a meeting, setting up auto-reply messages through Focus Mode or third-party auto-reply apps helps maintain communication:

🔹 Example Auto-Reply Message:

“I’m currently on vacation and will be back on February 14, 2025. For urgent matters, please contact [alternative contact].”

4. Emergency Response Auto-Replies

For situations where immediate communication isn’t possible, an emergency text auto-reply can provide critical information.

✅ Use auto-reply settings to enable hands-free texting.

🔹 Example Auto-Reply Message:

“I’m currently unavailable due to an emergency. If you need immediate assistance, please call [emergency contact].”

Choosing the Right Auto-Reply Method for Each Use Case

Use Case Best Auto-Reply Method
Driving Driving Focus Mode on iPhone
Business Third-party auto-reply apps
Vacations/Meetings Focus Mode Auto-Reply
Emergencies Custom text auto-replies

By using Focus Mode, third-party apps, or the Shortcuts app, you can tailor auto-reply settings based on your needs.

Whether you’re using Focus Mode for driving, Shortcuts for automation, or third-party apps for advanced features, setting up auto-replies is simpler than you might think.

From staying connected during busy workdays to ensuring safety on the road, this feature adapts to your lifestyle.

So take control of your messages. Dive in, explore the options, and let your iPhone handle the rest—because sometimes, the best reply is an automated one!

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Can you set up an auto-reply text for one person on an iPhone?

Yes, you can set up auto-reply texts for specific contacts using Focus Mode or third-party apps.

How do I create a custom reply on my iPhone?

Go to Settings > Focus > Driving > Auto-Reply > Type your custom message.

Can I auto-forward SMS on my iPhone?

iPhones do not have a native feature for auto-forwarding SMS. You may need third-party apps for this functionality.

Why doesn’t my iPhone have auto-reply?

On iPhones with iOS 15 or later, you can use Focus Mode to set up auto-replies. However, older iPhones running earlier iOS versions (like iOS 14 or earlier) don’t have the built-in auto-reply feature, and you may need to rely on third-party apps for similar functionality.

How to disable auto-reply when not needed?

Go to Settings > Focus > Driving > Auto-Reply, and turn off the feature or select “Off.”

Can I set different auto-replies for different contacts?

Yes, you can customize auto-replies for specific contacts using Focus Mode or third-party apps.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.