How to Respond to Incoming Calls with a Message on an iPhone

Download Article

Complete guide to answer calls with customized text messages on iPhone

Co-authored by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: April 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Responding with a Text Message

|

Changing the Default Messages

|

Video

|

Q&A

|

Tips

Did you know you can send a text message to incoming callers? If you're busy or unable to answer the phone, you can use Apple's preset messages to let the caller know. You can also customize these texts in your settings. Here's how to respond to incoming calls with a message on an iPhone.

Replying to Incoming iPhone Calls with a Text

To respond to an incoming call on your iPhone with a text message, tap the Message button when receiving a call, then tap the message you want to send. You can tap Custom to write your own message, and you can use the Settings app to set what messages appear.

Section 1 of 2:

Responding with a Text Message

Download Article

1
Make sure the feature is enabled. If you don't see this option when receiving a phone call, you may have it disabled in your iPhone's settings. To enable it, do the following:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode.
- Scroll down and toggle on Reply with Message.
Receive a call on your iPhone. You'll see the option to respond with a text message when you get an incoming call.

Advertisement
This looks like a message bubble and can be found on the left side of the screen, above the Slide to Answer or Accept button.
4
Tap one of the preconfigured messages. There are three default messages you can choose from. This will decline the call and send the message through the Messages app.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can select:
  - Can I call you later?
  - I'm on my way.
  - Sorry, I can't talk right now.
- You can also tap Custom… to type and send a custom text. This will open the Messages app. Remember to drive safely and avoid texting while operating a vehicle.

Section 2 of 2:

Changing the Default Messages

Download Article

1
Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon.
- Use this method to replace the pre-made messages with your own.
You may need to scroll down to find this option.
You can find this below the Calls header.
You'll see the current default messages in grey.
5
Type the message you want to use. This will replace the current default message.
- To add more, tap the next available field and enter the message.
- If you want to delete a message, tap the X to its right.
- When you receive a phone call, you'll now have the option to use these messages.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How can I save a custom text message to an incoming call?

Community Answer

iPhones have an option when somebody is calling to apply a custom message. The next time someone is calling and you want to do that, just press that button! It usually appears after you press Respond to Messages.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question

How can I leave an answering message for incoming government calls?

Community Answer

Just add a 'qualifier,' like, "if this is a government agency, ___," in the body of your regular message.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

How do I change the message for in the coming calls on my iPhone?

Community Answer

"In the Coming Calls" usually has a message "Hello, I am an incoming call. I take on the form of one.". Double click a message and press "Change Message" to change the message. It will change to "Hello, I am not an incoming call. I don't take on the form of one.".

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 2

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

While you can't set a voice message to respond with, you can tap the Voicemail button to send the caller to your voicemail message.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0