People ask “what are you up to?” so often because it’s an easy way to start a conversation without pressure.
This simple question can mean different things depending on tone, timing, and relationship.
Many people struggle to reply naturally and end up sounding dry or uninterested. This guide covers casual, funny, flirty, busy, professional, and conversation-friendly replies so you always know how to respond smoothly.
Check more here 120+ Best Responses to “How Have You Been?” (Casual, Professional & Honest)

What Does “What Are You Up To?” Mean?
It’s a casual way to ask what someone is doing right now or how they’re spending their time.
“What are you up to” feels more relaxed than “what are you doing.”
Sometimes it’s genuine curiosity, other times it hides interest or flirting.
Tone and timing matter because the same question can mean different things.
Featured snippet:
“What are you up to?” is a casual question used to ask what someone is currently doing, often to start a conversation or check interest.
Why People Ask “What Are You Up To?”
To start a conversation.
To check if you’re free.
To show interest or curiosity.
To flirt subtly.
As casual social small talk.
How Your Reply Changes the Conversation
Short replies often stop the chat.
Engaging replies invite follow-ups.
Replies signal interest or distance.
Dry answers usually end conversations.
Casual Replies to “What Are You Up To?”
- Just relaxing at home
- Finishing up some work
- Watching a show
- Running a few errands
- Taking it easy today
- Catching up on things
- Just chilling
- Having a quiet day
- Doing a bit of everything
- Nothing too exciting
- Getting things done slowly
- Enjoying some free time
- Hanging around
- Working on a few tasks
- Just unwinding
- Staying busy
- Taking a break
- Keeping it low-key
- Relaxing for now
- Passing time
Funny Replies to “What Are You Up To?”
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Overthinking life
- Trying to be productive
- Debating snacks
- Surviving the day
- Mentally on vacation
- Pretending to be busy
- Waiting for food
- Procrastinating professionally
- Planning nothing
- Living my best lazy life
- Fighting boredom
- Recharging my social battery
- Wondering why you asked
- Overanalyzing everything
- Just vibing
- Doing absolutely something
- Staring at my phone
- Practicing self-care
- Existing peacefully
Flirty Replies to “What Are You Up To?”
- Thinking about you
- Wondering when you’ll join me
- Just missing you
- Waiting for your message
- Making room for you
- Feeling a little bored without you
- Looking for good company
- Hoping you’d ask
- Just smiling at my phone
- Open to suggestions
- Enjoying the moment, you
- Seeing where the night goes
- Thinking you might like this
- Freeing up my schedule
- Feeling playful
- Waiting for a reason to smile
- Saving energy for you
- Ready for a distraction
- Relaxing and curious
- Thinking about hanging out
Replies When You’re Busy
- In the middle of work
- Busy right now, but later maybe
- Tied up with something
- Finishing a deadline
- Can’t talk much at the moment
- A bit busy, what’s up
- Working on something important
- I’ll be free soon
- Handling a few things
- Occupied for now
- Swamped at the moment
- On a tight schedule
- Busy but checking in
- In meetings
- Focused right now
- Catching up on tasks
- Not free at the moment
- Busy but listening
- Handling responsibilities
- Working through something
Replies When You’re Not Doing Much
- Not much, honestly
- Just relaxing
- Killing time
- Chilling for now
- Taking it slow
- Nothing special
- Enjoying the quiet
- Just resting
- Waiting around
- Keeping it simple
- Passing time
- Enjoying a calm moment
- Staying comfortable
- Doing very little
- Taking a breather
- Enjoying free time
- Just being lazy
- Relaxing indoors
- Hanging out alone
- Enjoying downtime
Short Replies for Texting
- Chilling
- Working
- Busy
- Relaxing
- Nothing much
- Just home
- Watching TV
- Free
- Out and about
- Resting
Replies When You’re Not Interested
- Just busy with my own things
- Nothing I want to get into
- Keeping to myself
- Just focusing on personal stuff
- Not much to share
- Handling my own plans
- Staying offline mostly
- Keeping things quiet
- Busy these days
- Just doing my thing
Professional Replies to “What Are You Up To?”
- Working on current tasks
- Handling today’s priorities
- Focused on work
- In meetings at the moment
- Managing projects
- Reviewing documents
- Working through assignments
- Coordinating with the team
- Addressing deadlines
- Staying productive
Cute Replies to “What Are You Up To?”
- Just smiling
- Thinking happy thoughts
- Enjoying the moment
- Relaxing comfortably
- Feeling cozy
- Having a peaceful time
- Enjoying something simple
- Staying warm inside
- Keeping things sweet
- Taking care of myself
Replies That Keep the Conversation Going
- Just relaxing, what about you
- Watching a show, any recommendations
- Working, how’s your day
- Nothing much, you up to anything fun
- Chilling at home, want to chat
- Running errands, how about you
- Taking a break, what’s new
- Finishing work, what are you doing
- Relaxing now, what’s on your mind
- Just free at the moment, you
For communication insights on casual texting and social cues, you can explore general conversation psychology resources like Psychology Today.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replying
Using one-word replies repeatedly.
Oversharing too quickly.
Sounding uninterested unintentionally.
Ignoring the question completely.
Alternative Ways to Answer “What Are You Up To?”
- Taking it easy
- Keeping busy
- Handling a few things
- Enjoying some downtime
- Wrapping things up
- Staying productive
- Just settling in
- Making progress
- Passing the time
- Relaxing for now
When Not to Answer “What Are You Up To?” Honestly
When professional boundaries matter.
When emotionally overwhelmed.
When privacy is important.
Conclusion
Thoughtful replies to “what are you up to?” help shape conversations and signal interest, availability, or boundaries. Even small answers can influence how chats continue. Choosing replies based on intent and context makes communication smoother, more engaging, and more natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to respond to what are you upto?
Reply based on your mood and situation, keeping it natural and honest.
What are you up to reply to flirty?
You can respond playfully or subtly to match the flirtatious tone.
What can I answer to what you’re up to?
You can share what you’re doing or keep it light with a casual reply.
What have you been upto replies?
Summarize recent activities briefly and invite the conversation forward.