Driving Focus
(aka Do Not Disturb While Driving)
Millions of iPhone users already have Driving Focus activated automatically on their phones.
Check out the links below for more information:
Activate Driving Focus to Come on Automatically
(iOS 15.0 and later)
It's super easy!
Step 1: Tap the “Settings” app
Step 2: Scroll and tap “Focus”
Step 3: Tap the + (plus) icon in the upper right-hand corner
Step 4: When “What would you like to focus on?" pops up, tap “Driving”
Step 5: Read through the Driving focus features and tap the “Next” icon at the bottom of the screen
Step 6: You can choose to see notifications from contacts when Driving Focus is active in “Allowed notifications for people”. Add the contacts you want under “Allowed People” and tap “Allow”, or if you don’t want to, tap “Allow None"
Step 7: On the next page, tap “Turn Driving on Automatically”
Step 8: On the “Your Focus is Ready” page, tap the “Done” icon and you're all set!
Wait! Have Apple CarPlay? There's more you can do!
Step 9: Tap the “While Driving” icon under “TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY”
Step 10: Tap the “While Driving” icon under “TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY”
Customize the Driving Focus Settings
When you’re driving, all of your incoming text messages will be muted.
You can choose to write your own an auto-reply text message that lets people know you’re in the car and will text later.
You can even customize who sees the message.
Step 1: Go back to Settings Focus Driving
Step 2: Navigate down to and tap “Auto-Reply”
Step 3: Select who can see your customized Autoreply by tapping on: No one, Recents, Favorites or All Contacts
Step 4: Tap on the default message (I am driving…) to edit and create your own auto-reply!
Now You're All Set!
Activate Do Not Disturb While Driving
(iOS versions earlier than 15.0)
Step 1: Tap the "Settings" app
Step 2: Scroll and tap "Do Not Disturb"
Step 3: Scroll down to “Do Not Disturb While Driving” and tap “Activate”
Step 4: Choose “Automatically” or “When Connected to Car Bluetooth” if your phone automatically connects to Bluetooth in the car
Have Apple CarPlay?
Step 5: Tap "Activate with CarPlay" to have Do Not Disturb While Driving come on when your phone is connected to CarPlay.
Customize the Auto-Reply Settings
When you’re driving, all of your incoming text messages will be muted.
You can choose to write your own an auto-reply text message that lets people know you’re in the car and will text later.
You can even customize who sees the message.
Customize your Auto Reply Options
1. Open the Settings App
2. Choose Do Not Disturb
3. Scroll down to "Auto-Reply To" and tap it
4. You can choose for automatic texts to be sent to Recents, Favorites, or All contacts. If you don’t want your phone to send automatic replies, choose No one.
Customize your Auto Reply Message Text
Apple sets a default message in this section, but you can change it to say whatever you want. This is the message people will get if they text you when Do Not Disturb While Driving is enabled. Apple will also send the text regarding "urgent" messages.
1. Open the Settings App
2. Choose Do Not Disturb
3. Scroll down to: "Auto Reply" and tap it
Phone Calls
If your iPhone is connected to your car’s Bluetooth system, iOS is smart enough to know you have a handsfree calling method available. In this situation, calls will continue to come through even when Do Not Disturb While Driving is enabled. Texts and notifications from apps will continue to be muted, though.
If you’re not connected to Bluetooth and have no handsfree accessory, calls will be blocked like text messages and notifications.
Navigation While Driving
If you use Maps to navigate, your iPhone still shows lock-screen navigation help and gives turn-by-turn instructions.
Now You're All Set!
Need More Info? Have Questions? Keep Reading.
Check out the links below for more information:
What is Driving Focus/Do Not Disturb
While Driving?
With Driving Focus/Do Not Disturb While Driving activated you won’t have to worry about annoying messages, push notifications or distractions while you’re driving.
The setting can be customized to send tailored messages to your friends and family while you’re driving.
Go to the top of this page to find the right instructions for your iOS to customize your settings!
Why do it?
1. Unwanted phone notifications are really annoying when driving.
2. Turning on a setting that hides these until you stop driving helps maintain your focus on the road and decreases the risk of crashing.
3. Every day in the U.S., an average of 9 people are killed, and over 1,000 people are injured by distracted driving. Don’t let this be you or your loved ones.
4. The vast majority of U.S. drivers say it is very dangerous to check notifications and text while driving. They are willing to give this up but find it hard to resist the temptation
But what if... FAQ
What if I'm worried my loved ones will be upset if I don’t respond?
No Worries! The setting can send auto-replies to let them know you are driving and will get back to them soon.
I'm Not Driving button
Text message auto-response for Do Not Disturb While Driving
What if I'm worried I'll lose those messages?
Fear not! They are kept and displayed when you stop driving.
How will this work when I’m a passenger?
Simple! Just tap a simple button that says I’m not driving.
What if I want to turn it off while driving?
No problem! Just turn it off for the drive with a tap of a button on the home screen.
Will I still be able to receive urgent messages from loved ones?
Yes! The auto-reply message tells them how to get through to you.
What if I'm worried I can't access GPS and music apps?
Don't worry! These still work with Do Not Disturb While Driving enabled (Instruction in How to configure to your needs).