In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at a device with one or more processors, non-transitory memory, and a display. The method includes, while the device is in communication with an alert system integrated into a vehicle that is operating with at least a respective degree of autonomous control, displaying, on the display, a user interface that is unrelated to operating the vehicle. The device is a handheld device that is separate from the vehicle. The method includes, while displaying the user interface on the display, receiving, from the alert system integrated into the vehicle, an alert indication that a driver's attention is needed for operating the vehicle. The method includes, in response to receiving the alert indication, disabling at least a portion of the displayed user interface and displaying, on the display, a visual indication that the driver's attention is needed for operating the vehicle.