Distracted driving has caused a number of fatal accidents in the US. According to statistics, 8 people die and 1161 get injured in the US because of distracted driving. Users can always set up auto-reply text message on iPhone. But during WWDC 2017, Apple released iOS 11 and this update has brought an improved Do Not Disturb feature. The new feature is called ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’. Let us see how you can block phone calls and messages on iPhone while driving in iOS 11.
For many users, it is impossible to block phone calls and text messages on iPhone while driving in iOS 11. People who are working as top executives, ignoring notifications is impossible, even while they are driving. This has inspired Apple to roll out a new feature which is titled ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ (DNDWD). This feature allows you to drive carefully, paying full attention to the road. And all those annoying alerts are silenced while you are behind the wheel. So let’s see how to enable Do Not Disturb While Driving in iOS 11 on iPhone.
How to Block Phone Calls and Messages on iPhone While Driving in iOS 11
This entire tutorial is divided into four parts. Control Center has to play a role as users need to add ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ widget and then they have to enable this widget on their iPhones. Moreover, users can also disable this widget and can also stop others from tweaking ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ widget.
Quick Links
- How to Add Do Not Disturb While Driving Widget to Control Center in iOS 11 on iPhone
- How to Enable Do Not Disturb While Driving Widget in iOS 11 on iPhone
- How to Disable Do Not Disturb While Driving Widget in iOS 11 on iPhone
- How to Restrict Others from Tampering with Do Not Disturb While Driving in iOS 11 on iPhone
- How Do Not Disturb While Driving Works?
How to Add Do Not Disturb While Driving to Control Center on iPhone in iOS 11
Step #1: Open Settings on your iPhone.
Step #2: Now tap on Control Center.
Step #3: Next, tap on Customize Controls.
Step #4: Under the MORE CONTROLS section, you can see ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ widget.
Step #5: Tap on (+) sign seen before the widget.
The widget will instantly appear under INCLUDE section.
How to Enable Do Not Disturb While Driving
Step #1: Go back to the Home screen of your iPhone (if you are using any app).
Step #2: Now bring up the Control Center by swiping up on iPhone’s screen.
Step #3: Here you need to tap on Car icon to enable DNDWD.
On the upper part of your iPhone, you can see a notification telling “You will not receive Notifications while you are driving”.
How to Disable Do Not Disturb While Driving
Step #1: Bring up Control Center by swiping up on phone screen.
Step #2: Simply tap on the Car icon to disable this feature.
How to Restrict Others from Tampering with ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’
Many users keep the Control Center access open when the phone is locked. In this situation, your friend or family members can tamper with the customizations you have made in Control Center. You can restrict other from tampering with ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’.
Step #1: Launch Settings on your iPhone.
Step #2: Tap on General→ Restrictions.
Step #3: Here, tap on Enable Restrictions (the very first option in blue fonts).
Step #4: You will be prompted to enter a Restrictions Passcode.
Once you enter the passcode, you will be asked to re-enter the passcode. When you re-enter the passcode, you can see a list of apps and contents you can set restrictions on.
Step #5: Scroll down and tap on ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ option under ALLOW CHANGES section.
Step #6: Finally, you need to select ‘Don’t Allow Changes’.
That’s it!
You have successfully enabled ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ widget on your iPhone running iOS 11. Remember this feature will block texts while driving on iPhone; you will always face speed breakers and other challenges on road. So be careful while you are taking the wheel.
How Do Not Disturb While Driving Works?
This feature uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Doppler effect to decide how fast you are moving. When you reach out to your phone while driving, your phone will show a blank screen. Basically, this new feature block phone calls and messages on iPhone while driving in iOS 11.
Once you use this feature, it will ask you to open DNDWD when it decides if you are in motion. However, you can always dismiss the message by saying you are a passenger.
After enabling this feature, you can send auto-reply to texts with a message that you are driving. If the sender is in your whitelist, he can use the option to text back ‘urgent’ to display his/her text even if you have turned on ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ feature.
By introducing this new feature, Apple made the iPhone more car and safety friendly when the driver doesn’t have access to CarPlay.
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Along with its Do Not Disturb feature, Apple has also improved its Maps app with lane guidance. This sends an alert to drivers about the lane they should be in if they want to exit the freeway. Apple has also added detailed indoor Mall and Airport maps to help you find the gate and nearest food joint.
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