Add an Answering Machine to Do Not Disturb Mode
iOS: Apple’s iOS recently joined Android by offering Do Not Disturb While Driving . Unlike regular iOS Do Not Disturb, this mode also allows you to automatically reply to anyone who sends SMS. And you can activate it anytime, not just when you are driving. Tech investor Kevin Rose explains the steps. Here’s a quick rundown. (For Android instructions, see here .)
- Go to Settings> Do Not Disturb .
- Scroll down to the Do Not Disturb While Driving section and select Activate> Manual .
- Just below this parameter, edit your answering machine message. Consider informing your potential text message senders that they can respond “urgently” to contact you in an emergency.
- Go to Settings> Control Center> Customize Controls and add Do Not Disturb While Driving . Your control center now has a car button to activate this mode.
This answering machine is useful for more than just driving: your phone can now automatically answer when you are in the theater or in a meeting. DNDWD is currently the only version of DND that allows you to do this. You can even use your phone when the setting is on, without distracting notifications.
DNDWD is also good for avoiding distractions. If you just pick up your phone too often due to SMS or notification, turn on DNDWD when you put your phone down. (Once you pick up the phone, DNDWD won’t stop you too much. It’s only useful to get rid of the initial temptation.)
You can do it all even better on Android, where the Android Auto app responds automatically to text and compatible messaging apps like WhatsApp, Kik, Hangouts, and Facebook Messenger.
Disconnect and take a break from your iPhone with this little-known feature. | Medium (via swissmiss )