Auto-reply to iMessage and text messages via Shortcuts

Almost-perfect solution, with one limitation: catch-all matching works for sender or message content, not both simultaneously. Feedback filed with Apple via Feedback Assistant.

1. Shortcuts → Automation

2. New Automation → Message

3. Leave Sender as Any Sender to match all senders or leave Message Contains as Choose to match any text message content - at least one field must have a value to enable Next (Message Contains sadly does not support regex; a single space suffices, though messages containing no spaces will be missed)

4. Change Run After Confirmation to Run Immediately → Next

5. Create New Shortcut → Send Message → Message → e.g., "I am out of the office"

6. Tap and hold Recipients → Shortcut Input

7. Tap checkmark icon at top right to save

Handles both iMessage and SMS, runs immediately without interaction, and executes even with the screen off.

Sources

• Auto reply for iMessage & SMS (workaround)

• Auto-Reply Texts

• How To Set Up Your iPhone To Automatically Respond To Text Messages

• Auto reply to everyone with the ability to exclude certain contacts?

• Shortcut for auto reply on iPhone

Previously

• iPhone: Auto reply to SMS, MMS, and iMessage text messages

• Autoreply to SMS, MMS, and iMessage text messages without jailbreaking or driving

❧ 2026-04-17