Secret Codes guide
Custom Respond With Text Replies on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Rewrite the canned replies you send when you decline a call. When a call comes in you can tap the banner and then Message to fire back a quick text instead of answering. The three suggestions iOS offers by default are editable, and most people never discover it. The replies live at Settings, Apps, Phone, Respond with Text.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Rewrite the canned replies you send when you decline a call. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Rewrite the canned replies you send when you decline a call. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Custom Respond With Text Replies?
When a call comes in you can tap the banner and then Message to fire back a quick text instead of answering. The three suggestions iOS offers by default are editable, and most people never discover it.
The replies live at Settings, Apps, Phone, Respond with Text. Tap any field under Respond With and type your own. Something concrete like "In a meeting, text me what you need" gets a far better result than the stock wording.
Custom is always available at the bottom of the reply sheet if you want to type something one off. Note that this sends a text message, so it only reaches callers on a number that can receive SMS or iMessage.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
- Tap Respond with Text.
- Tap any field below Respond With and type your own reply.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. On iOS 17 the path is Settings, Phone, Respond with Text because Apple had not yet moved its apps under Apps. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Emergency Bypass For A Contact
- Remind Me To Return A Call
- Manage Favorites In The Phone App
- Type To Reply To A Caller
- Unified Or Classic Phone Layout
- Contact Photo And Poster
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.
Frequently asked questions
What is Custom Respond With Text Replies on iPhone?
Rewrite the canned replies you send when you decline a call. When a call comes in you can tap the banner and then Message to fire back a quick text instead of answering. The three suggestions iOS offers by default are editable, and most people never discover it.
What else should I know about Custom Respond With Text Replies?
The replies live at Settings, Apps, Phone, Respond with Text. Tap any field under Respond With and type your own. Something concrete like "In a meeting, text me what you need" gets a far better result than the stock wording.
What are the steps for Custom Respond With Text Replies?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone. 3. Tap Respond with Text. 4. Tap any field below Respond With and type your own reply.
Where do I find Custom Respond With Text Replies?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Custom Respond With Text Replies?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Custom Respond With Text Replies work on?
It is published for any iPhone. Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. On iOS 17 the path is Settings, Phone, Respond with Text because Apple had not yet moved its apps under Apps.
Does Custom Respond With Text Replies work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Custom Respond With Text Replies work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Custom Respond With Text Replies does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Custom Respond With Text Replies?
Emergency Bypass For A Contact. Let one person ring through even when the phone is silenced.
What else is in this category?
Remind Me To Return A Call. Park an incoming call as a reminder instead of losing it in Recents.
Can I find Custom Respond With Text Replies in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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