How to turn on Focus Status on macOS Monterey and iOS 15

Auto reply Focus Mode macOS Monterey iOS 15

Focus mode on macOS Monterey and iOS 15 is a handy new feature that lets you set notification filters based on what you are doing at a particular time of day. There’s yet another feature assisting Focus mode called Auto-reply.

Auto-reply enables you to automatically send a reply to contacts that message you while Focus mode is enabled on your device.

The feature, moreover, only works in the Messages app which is contrary to the Status feature also available as an API for developers to add into their communication apps.

Enabling auto-reply will ensure your contacts feel acknowledged even when you’re busy. This way, they can either choose to call later or break through your device’s Focus mode and notify you anyway in case it’s an urgent matter or God forbid, an emergency.

That said, auto-reply is an opt-in feature as of the first round of developer betas of macOS Monterey and iOS 15.

Here’s how to enable auto-reply on iPhone.



How to enable auto-reply for Focus mode in iOS 15

  1. Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap on the Focus tab.
Focus iOS 15
  1. Choose a Focus profile.
Choosing Focus Status
  1. Then, tap Focus Status.
Enabling Focus Status
  1. Finally, tap the Share Focus Status toggle so that it appears green.
Sharing Focus Status

Final Thoughts

Focus is a noteworthy addition to iOS 15 and macOS Monterey. But what makes it noteworthy are features like Status and auto-reply. These alleviate the convenience of filtering notifications by automating as many tasks associated with Focus mode as possible.

At the end of the day, all you need is to enable it and let your device handle the rest, which is the epitome of how a feature should be built.

Other macOS Monterey Guides you should check out: