How to set up an away text message using Focus?

Ever since the last IOS update, you can no longer trick the iPhone into sending away messages. Prior to the latest update, you could manually turn on driving mode and have the phone send an away massage to anyone who sent a text even if you weren't driving. Unfortunately, ever since the Focus app appeared on my phone I can no longer send away messages by manually turning on driving mode. Its very disappointing that someone had to fix something that wasn't broken.

Is there a way to disable the Focus app or uninstall it so that driving mode works the way it used to before IOS 15.

iPhone 8

Posted on Dec 16, 2021 11:07 AM

Top-ranking reply

JovonaP.

Community Specialist

Posted on Dec 17, 2021 11:49 AM

Hello Hillmann,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. We understand that you'd like your iPhone to send text an automatic text message to let others know when you're driving. We're happy to help.

With Driving Focus you can turn on Auto-Reply to send an automatic reply message when driving. Follow the steps below:

Go to Settings > Focus and tap Driving.
Tap Auto-Reply under Options.
Select an option, like No One, Recents, Favorites, or All Contacts.

From here, you can also customize the auto-reply message that people get when they message you while a Driving Focus is turned on.

Use the Driving Focus on your iPhone to concentrate on the road

Have a nice day!

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How to set up an away text message using Focus?

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