On Android, the following third-party apps help you automate replies from multiple messengers and SMS immediately.
Away – Free Automatic Reply for All Social Media Apps
Away is an easy-to-use auto-responder app which works with SMS and WhatsApp for all Android phones. However, for Facebook Messenger you should have Android 7.0 or higher. The free version is all you need to catch a break from incoming messages (with some ads). Apart from standard auto replies, you can save multiple messages of your own which can be turned on to secure a timeout from interruptions. A smart reply option allows you to delay the time of auto replies so that the recipients know that you “just” found out about their messages. However, if you believe they will express their displeasure in a meeting, simply hide this app from their snooping eyes.
TextAssured
TextAssured is slightly more intuitive in auto replying to multiple messenger alerts. It does not work that well for free, so you have to go for an inexpensive Premium option. Among the unlocked features, you can create multiple reply profiles (depending on the sender, of course) and set priority ordering. So, a family member can receive much higher priority than someone you just met online.
Creating a reply profile is easy, and you can choose whether you want the auto replies for SMS texts, calls or apps. Currently, the company only supports WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but they are planning to bring more apps into their fold.
Drivemode
While technically not an auto-reply app, Drivemode is very useful to manage calls and messages while driving. You can activate voice commands using hands-free settings as well as extra large touch buttons to seamlessly move between the applications. Apart from SMS, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, it also works with Slack, Pandora, Spotify, Google Assistant, Google Play Music, Player.fm and Google Maps. Drivemode is also available for iOS.
Once you set up the navigation app, it immediately takes over your phone’s display screen unless you shut it down. All you have to do is mount your phone in the car’s cup holder or console. Swiping the arrow “up” or “down” enables you to move to the next app’s notification.
Conclusion
Too many Messenger alerts on the phone can cause problems for many people. Google was planning to introduce a “Reply App” in April 2018 but for some unknown reason it never made it out of beta phase. Apple users also don’t have this option because iOS prevents its apps from interchanging user information for security reasons. That being said, iOS 11 and later versions have a “Do Not Disturb” feature while driving with support for the Drivemode app discussed in this article. Would you consider using an auto reply app for all your message applications? Let us know in the comments.
