Before you start
- An iPhone or Android phone
- WhatsApp Business, if you want auto-replies on WhatsApp
Method 1 iPhone: auto-reply to texts with Driving Focus
Driving is the only Focus with auto-reply, and it replies to text messages only, not missed calls. Contacts can type “urgent” to break through.
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Step 1: Open Driving Focus
Go to Settings > Focus > Driving. Add it with + if it isn’t listed.
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Step 2: Write your auto-reply
Tap Auto-Reply. Choose who gets it (Recents, Favorites or All Contacts) and type your message, for example “I’m busy right now, I’ll reply soon.”
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Step 3: Choose how it turns on
Under Turn On Automatically, choose Manually if you want to use it as a general “busy” mode rather than only when driving.
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Step 4: Switch it on when needed
Open Control Center, tap Focus and choose Driving. People who text you get your reply once.
Method 2 Any phone: decline a call with a text
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Step 1: When a call comes in
On iPhone, tap Message and pick a quick reply. On Android, swipe up on the message icon (or tap Reply / Send message) and choose a reply.
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Step 2: Customise the replies
iPhone: Settings > Apps > Phone > Respond with Text. Google Phone: ⋮ > Settings > Quick responses. Samsung Phone: ⋮ > Settings > Quick decline messages.
Method 3 Samsung: automate it with Modes and Routines
Options depend on your One UI version. Test it with a friend’s phone before relying on it.
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Step 1: Create a mode
Go to Settings > Modes and Routines and add a mode or routine (for example “Busy” or “Meeting”).
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Step 2: Add the call action
Under the actions, tap Add action and look in the call or functions section for an option that declines calls and sends a quick message. Write your message.
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Step 3: Turn it on
Start the mode manually, or set a trigger such as a time, location or calendar event.
Method 4 WhatsApp Business: away messages
Regular WhatsApp doesn’t have auto-replies. Many people use WhatsApp Business for a work number for this reason.
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Step 1: Open Business tools
In WhatsApp Business, open Settings > Business tools > Away message.
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Step 2: Write and schedule
Turn on Send away message, write your message and choose Always send, a Custom schedule or Outside of business hours.
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Step 3: Choose recipients
Pick everyone, everyone not in your address book, or selected contacts.
Troubleshooting
iPhone auto-reply isn’t sent
Check Driving Focus is actually on and that the sender is in the group you chose under Auto-Reply. It only replies once per conversation per Focus session. Restarting the iPhone fixes the occasional bug.
Android third-party auto-reply apps don’t work
Android limits apps from reading and sending SMS automatically. Only apps set as your default SMS app can do it reliably.
Frequently asked questions
Can iPhone auto-reply to missed calls?
Not automatically. You can decline a call with a message, update your voicemail greeting, or use Live Voicemail to see what callers say in real time.
Can I auto-reply to emails too?
Yes: Gmail and Outlook have vacation responders. See our guide to setting up an out-of-office reply in Gmail.
Does auto-reply cost money?
Auto-reply texts are normal SMS messages and count against your plan like any other text.
Summary
On iPhone, set an Auto-Reply in Driving Focus for texts. On any phone, decline calls with a quick text, and on Samsung automate it with Modes and Routines. For WhatsApp, use WhatsApp Business away messages.
