How to schedule a text on iPhone

💡Need to know

• On iOS 18, you can schedule texts directly in Messages using Send Later.
• Older iPhones don't support native text scheduling.
• Use Shortcuts as a workaround to schedule texts.

Sometimes, you know what you want to say in a message, but you don’t want to send it right away. Whether it’s a Happy birthday message, a reminder, or a business note, some messages need to go out at specific times. You can write them ahead of time and schedule them with the Send Later feature on iPhone® with iOS® 18.

Apple added the integrated Send Later feature in Messages in iOS 18, but you can also schedule texts on older iPhones with a workaround.

At Asurion, our experts are here with tech tips to help you make the most of your devices. Whether it’s explaining how the  iPhone’s predictive text works or making sure you discover hidden iPhone features, we’re here for you. Learn how to schedule a text on your iPhone in this guide.

How to schedule a text using Send Later in Messages

On iOS 18 on iPhone, schedule text messages directly in the Messages app. Just follow these steps.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Open the conversation with the person you want to send a delayed text to.
3. Tap the + button. A bubble will appear above the message box indicating a scheduled time for the message, for example: “Tomorrow 9:00 AM.”
4. Select the day and time above the message text box.
5. Adjust the Day and Time until you get the scheduled time you want.
6. Tap the empty message box again to type your message.
7. Select the upward arrow to schedule your message. You will see the message appear in your conversation with a dotted line around it to indicate it has not been sent yet.

If you want to edit or delete a scheduled message in the iOS 18 Send Later feature, press and hold it. Select Edit to get back to the editing stage and make adjustments, or Delete to get rid of the message entirely. To reschedule, press Edit under Send Later in the conversation and select Edit Time.

What if you don't have iOS 18?

If you don’t have iOS 18, there are still ways to send a delayed text on your iPhone. Try updating to iOS 18 if your phone supports it. If not, use Shortcuts as a workaround for iPhone scheduling text messages. Native scheduling is unavailable on older iPhones.

Consider looking for device repair or tech help if your device supports updates but you’re having trouble installing them. Phone insurance can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements if your phone is damaged and not working properly.

How to schedule texts with the Shortcuts app

Schedule texts with the Shortcuts app using these steps.

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Select Automation.
3. Tap + > Create Personal Automation/New Automation > Time of Day.
4. Enter the day and time you want to send the text.
5. Choose Add Action > Send Message.
6. Type your message and add your recipient.
7. Tap Done.

The Shortcuts workaround is less reliable than Send Later, so check to make sure your message goes through when it should. If you don’t toggle off Ask Before Running, you may need to confirm the text at the scheduled time, which defeats the purpose.

FAQs

Can you schedule a text on an iPhone without an app?

Yes, you can schedule a text on your iPhone without a third-party app through the Send Later feature, as long as you’re running iOS 18. If you don’t have iOS 18 installed, you can also schedule a text through Shortcuts, but you will have to exit the Messages app.

What happens if my phone is turned off when a scheduled message is supposed to send?

If your phone is off at the scheduled time for sending your message, the message will still go out, as long as you use the Send Later feature. When you schedule a message with Send Later, your phone uploads the message to Apple servers. So, your phone can be offline or off completely, and the message will still go out from Apple servers at the scheduled time.

If you use Shortcuts to schedule a message, it may not go out if your phone is off or without a strong connection. Try to leave your phone on during the time your scheduled message is meant to be sent.

Can I schedule text messages to Android phones?

Yes, you can schedule text messages to anyone through the Messages app, including Android phone users. Send Later works for any messages sent through the Messages app, regardless of the recipient's device. As long as you send the message normally, the Send Later feature works.