Why won’t Siri send text messages while I’m driving with CarPlay?

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Level 1

4 points

Why won’t Siri send text messages while I’m driving with CarPlay?

Hi Community, I wonder if someone could answer what might be a silly question? Why won't Siri send a text message when I'm driving?

I have just upgraded to an iPhone16 Pro Max (lovely device). Paired it to my car this morning, no issues. Driving to work I did what I normally do and say "hi Siri", message (wifes name).. (defaults to text message) Siri then asks, what would you to say? I then speak the message, Siri repeats and then shows sending on my Apple Car Play screen... then.. it says can't send whilst driving.

I have never had this before, my previous iPhone 13 send messages no problem... is this a new feature Apple have introduced? any thoughts

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on May 22, 2025 02:55 AM

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Answer 1

DaveHOak Author

Level 1

4 points

May 22, 2025 08:12 AM in response to Alancito

Hi Alancito

yep, Driving Focus, that was exactly what the issue was. Switched it on in settings and works perfectly now.

thank you for the advice 👍

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Answer 2

Alancito

Level 7

29,561 points

May 22, 2025 07:48 AM in response to DaveHOak

Dave ~ See if this helps:

Stay focused while driving with iPhone - Apple Support

...Found by searching Apple's Knowledge Base.

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Answer 3

Jun 2, 2025 08:40 AM in response to DaveHOak

Hi there, 👋

Thanks for sharing your experience — it’s always a bit frustrating when something that used to work suddenly doesn’t!

You’ve already uncovered the root of the issue: Driving Focus. Starting with iOS 16 and continuing in iOS 18, Apple has made Focus modes more intelligent and restrictive by default — particularly when it comes to minimising distractions while driving. This means Siri may acknowledge your request, but it won’t actually send the message unless Driving Focus is either:

turned off, or
set to allow messages from the app or person you’re trying to contact.

A quick double-check I always do myself: go to Settings > Focus > Driving > Allowed Apps & People, and make sure Messaging is permitted. You can also tweak the “Silence Notifications” behaviour to fit how you want Siri to act while driving.

Glad to hear it’s working fine now after you adjusted the settings — you weren’t the only one caught off guard by this!

Safe driving, and hope Siri stays hands-free and hassle-free from now on!

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Why won’t Siri send text messages while I’m driving with CarPlay?

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