iPhone driving mode provides perfect way to switch off

Telegraph Do no disturb while driving image
iPhone users can change the settings on Do Not Disturb While Driving to get some peace

A mode to block iPhone notifications while driving has provided a clever hack for users looking to curb distractions from their smartphone.

The iPhone's new "do not disturb while driving mode", launched on Apple's iOS 11 software, can be modified to automatically reply to texts to tell friends users are taking a digital detox and won't be able to get back immediately.

Apple introduced the driving mode as a way to limit notifications from the iPhone while on the road. The mode normally automatically starts when it notices the user is travelling at a fast speed, providing replies to messages explaining the user is driving.

But in a Medium post, tech entrepreneur Kevin Rose explained how the mode can be modified to provide a handy way to get some time away from your phone.

By playing with do not disturb, users can set their iPhone to send a default message like this:

Do not disturb mode
Do not disturb mode with a custom message

How to edit "do not disturb while driving"

The Telegraph has explained how do not disturb while driving normally works. It blocks notifications from your smartphone when you are moving at above walking pace, but it can be toggled on and off from the control centre. But as Rose says, you can manually change how it functions.

How does this work? First, go to Settings -> Do not disturb -> Activate manually.

Do not disturb while driving activate manually
Select manually to toggle the mode on and off

Set up a custom message

You can then change your manual reply message to tell friends you are not using your phone at the moment, but by sending a message with the word "urgent" you can get a message through. This is because the driving mode lets urgent messages bypass the block by replying "urgent".

Do not disturb while driving 2
Click here to change to a custom message
Do not disturb while driving
Set yourself a custom message

You can then add the toggle to your control centre. By visiting Settings -> Control centre -> customise controls ->  you can add "do not disturb while driving".

Do not disturb while driving
You can then add this to your control centre

Now it is easy to set an automatic reply to politely block messages, if you are working, in a meeting or simply taking a break from your smartphone.

"This is perfect for a phone break, but still gives your friends the ability to contact you if something urgent comes up," Rose said.

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