How to Set Up Auto-Reply for Calls on iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

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If you’re busy and can’t answer calls on your iPhone SE 3, you can set up a quick text response to let callers know what’s up. iOS gives you a couple of simple ways to send auto-reply messages — through the Phone app or using Focus mode when you’re driving.

Here’s how to set them up.

Method 1: Set Quick Reply Texts in the Phone App

This method is great if you want to manually send a quick response while declining a call.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
  3. Tap Respond with Text.
  4. Tap any of the three default messages to edit them.
  5. Enter your custom quick reply (e.g., “I’m in a meeting, will call you back soon!”).

These responses will appear as options when you decline an incoming call with a message.

Method 2: Set Auto-Reply for Driving Mode with Focus

If you want messages to go out automatically — especially while driving — this is the way to go.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Focus.
  3. Tap Driving (or create a Driving Focus if it’s not already there).
  4. Tap Auto-Reply.
  5. Choose who will get the auto-reply:
    • No One
    • Recents
    • Favorites
    • All Contacts
  6. Go back and tap Auto-Reply Message.
  7. Edit the message to say whatever you want (e.g., “I’m driving right now. I’ll get back to you soon.”).

That message will automatically be sent to calls and texts from the group you selected while Driving Focus is active.

Want to Answer Calls Instead? Try Hands-Free Mode

If you’d rather take calls than send auto-replies, you can route your calls directly to a Bluetooth device and enable automatic answering.

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
  2. Tap Call Audio Routing.
  3. Set it to Bluetooth Headset or Speaker, depending on your setup.
  4. Tap Auto-Answer Calls and turn it ON.
  5. Set how long your phone should wait before answering (e.g., 3 seconds).

This is perfect if you’re using a Bluetooth headset or your car’s audio system and want to stay hands-free.

Auto-Reply Not Working? Try These Fixes

If your auto-reply messages aren’t sending, try these quick fixes:

  • Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn it ON, wait a few seconds, then turn it OFF again to refresh your network.
  • Check Messages Access:
    • Go to Settings > Messages.
    • Make sure Focus is turned ON under “Allow Messages to Access.”
  • Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest version. Bug fixes can often resolve Focus or auto-reply issues.

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