iOS: Apple’s iOS recently joined Android in offering a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode. Unlike the normal iOS “Do Not Disturb,” this mode also lets you auto-respond to anyone who texts. And you can activate it any time, not just when you’re driving. Tech investor Kevin Rose explains the steps. Here’s a summary. (For Android instructions, go here.)
Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb.
Scroll down under Do Not Disturb While Driving, and select Activate > Manually.
Right below that setting, edit your auto-reply message. Consider telling your would-be texters that to get through to you in an emergency, they can respond with “urgent.”
Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and add Do Not Disturb While Driving. Now your control center includes a car button for activating this mode.
This auto-responder is useful for way more than driving: Now your phone can auto-respond when you’re at the theater or in a meeting. For now, DNDWD is the only version of DND that lets you do this. You can even use your phone while the setting is on, with no distracting notifications.
DNDWD is also good for limiting distractions. If you just find yourself picking up your phone too much because you got a text or notification, turn on DNDWD whenever you put down your phone. (Once you pick up your phone, DNDWD won’t try hard to stop you. It’s only useful to cut down on the initial temptation.)
You can do all this even better on the Android, where the Android Auto app auto-replies to text and to compatible messaging apps like WhatsApp, Kik, Hangouts, and Facebook Messenger.
Disconnect and take a break from your iPhone by using this little-known feature. | Medium (via swissmiss)