It is possible to set Auto-Reply Message for Calls and Texts while your iPhone is placed in Do Not Disturb Mode, instead of just silencing your device.
Configure Do Not Disturb Auto-Reply Message on iPhone
As you must be aware, Do Not Disturb While Driving Mode has an Auto-reply feature that automatically sends a message to people, informing that you are driving and can’t reply.
In comparison, the regular “Do Not Disturb Mode” only silences call and messages on iPhone, leaving people guessing as to why you are not responding to their calls or messages.
Hence, the only way to set Do Not Disturb Auto-Reply Message on iPhone is to set “Do Not Disturb while Driving Mode” to Manual option and change its default Auto-Reply Message.
Step#1 – Set “Do Not Disturb While Driving” to Manual option
The first step is to set your iPhone to go into Do Not Disturb While Driving Mode, even while you are not driving.
Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb > scroll down and tap on Activate option under “Do Not Disturb While Driving” section.
On the next screen, select the Manually option.
This allows you to manually place your iPhone in Do Not Disturb Mode at any time, even while you are not driving.
Step#2 – Configure Do Not Disturb Auto-Reply Message
The next step is to change the default (I’m driving ….) Do Not Disturb While Driving message to something like “I’m in a Meeting” or something else that you want to convey.
Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb > scroll all the way down and tap on Auto-Reply.
On the next screen, type your own Auto-Reply Message and tap on the Back button to save this Message.
Step#3 – Prevent Calls During Do Not Disturb Mode
If required, you can Allow Calls from your Favorite Contacts or prevent All Calls from reaching you during DND period.
Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb > Allow Calls From > select the No One option.
This will prevent all Calls from reaching you, whenever your iPhone is manually placed in Do Not Disturb Mode.
Step#4 – Set Who Gets Auto-Reply Message During DND Mode
You can decide who gets to see your Auto-Reply Message during DND period by going to Settings > Do Not Disturb and tapping on Auto-Reply To option.
On the next screen, you can select who gets to see your Auto-Reply Message during DND Mode.
Note: If you select Favorites, only Contacts marked as Favorites on iPhone Contacts App will be able to see your Auto-reply message.
Step#5 – Set “Do Not Disturb” With Auto-Reply on iPhone
Whenever you are in a meeting, swipe up on the screen of your iPhone to access Control Center and tap on the Car Icon.
This will immediately place your iPhone in “Do Not Disturb” mode and it will remain in this mode, until you disable “Do Not Disturb” mode on your iPhone by swiping up and once again tapping on the Car icon.
Add Car Icon to Control Center
If you are unable to find the Car Icon in Control Center, you can will have to add it to Control Center by going to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.
On the next screen, scroll down and tap on the green + sign next to Do Not Disturb While Driving entry.
This will Add the Car Icon to Control Center, making it easy for you to manually Enable or Disable “Do Not Disturb” mode on your device by tapping on the Car Icon.
