* This post is part of iPhone Life's Tip of the Day newsletter. Sign Up. *
Do you ever wish communication was simpler and more accessible on your Apple Watch? That was the idea behind Default Replies and Smart Replies on Apple Watch, but too often you just can't find the right reply. We’ll show you how to create custom message responses on your Apple Watch for just such occasions.
Why You'll Love This Tip:
- Responding to texts on an Apple Watch can be time-consuming. Custom replies can save you a lot of time.
- Apple's scripted auto-reply messages sound robotic, but custom replies sound just like you.
How to Create Custom Text Message Replies on Your Apple Watch
System Requirements
Apple Watch running watchOS 10 or later.
Your watch comes with a whole host of pre-programmed responses, called Apple Watch Default Replies. You can delete replies you don't like or won't use, and you can create custom text message replies if you use certain phrases or hard-to-dictate names frequently and would rather not have to type them out each time you respond to a text. For more Apple Watch messages tips, I recommend signing up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Here's how to create custom message replies in the Watch app:
- Open the Watch app.
![Open the Watch app to create custom Apple Watch default replies]()
- Scroll down and tap on Messages.
![Scroll down and tap on Messages]()
- Tap on Default Replies.
![Tap on Default Replies.]()
- While you're here, it's a good idea to make sure the Smart Replies Apple Watch feature is toggled on. This will tailor your suggested replies to your conversation, making it even easier to text back.
![Make sure Smart Replies is toggled on]()
- Scroll down if necessary, and tap on Add reply.
![Tap Add reply to create a custom message]()
- Type in the custom message you'd like to add, then tap Done.
![Type your custom message and tap Done]()
- If you'd like to, you can also remove unwanted Default Replies by tapping Edit in the upper-right corner.
![To remove Apple Watch Default Replies, tap Edit in the upper-right corner]()
- Tap the red minus icon next to the reply you'd like to remove.
![Tap on the minus icon next to the default reply you want to delete]()
- Confirm by tapping Delete.
![Confirm by tapping Delete]()
Pro Tip
Apple Watch custom text replies still require you to open the message, select a default reply, and tap send. If you want your watch to send an automatic reply based on your focus mode, read this.
Related: How to Get Keyboard on Apple Watch & Type Faster
It's simple to set up custom text message responses on your Apple Watch, and it'll make a world of difference when replying to texts on the go. Next, learn how the different Apple Watch models compare and which is best for your needs.
