How to Schedule a Text Message on iPhone Explained

Have you ever drafted the perfect birthday message at 11 PM but didn’t want to wake someone up? Or remembered an important reminder while lying in bed, knowing you’d forget by morning? The ability to schedule text messages on iPhone has finally arrived, transforming how we communicate and ensuring messages reach recipients at exactly the right moment.

In 2026, both iOS devices and Android devices allow users to schedule messages using built-in and third-party methods, making it easier than ever to manage communication timing.

As of January 2025, iPhone users have multiple ways to schedule texts depending on their iOS version and whether they’re messaging other iPhone users or Android contacts. Third-party apps typically enable users to schedule one-time or delayed messages, which is especially useful for coordinating across work hours and different time zones.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every method to schedule text messages on iPhone, from the native iOS 18 Send Later feature to workarounds for older devices, helping you never miss an important message again.

Understanding iPhone Text Scheduling: What You Need to Know First

Before diving into the how-to steps, understanding which method works for your situation will save frustration. Apple introduced native text scheduling with iOS 18 in September 2024, but the feature comes with specific requirements that many users discover only after attempting to use it.

The Send Later feature in iOS 18 works exclusively with iMessage, meaning both you and your recipient need iMessage enabled. If you’re texting someone with an Android phone (indicated by green message bubbles instead of blue), the Send Later option simply won’t appear. This limitation surprises many users, especially since Apple’s official documentation states “your recipient can use any device”—referring to the recipient’s ability to receive the scheduled message on any Apple device, not Android compatibility.

For iPhone users still running iOS 17 or an earlier iOS version, or those needing to schedule texts to Android contacts, the free Shortcuts app provides a reliable workaround. If you are using iOS 13 to iOS 17, you can schedule messages using the Shortcuts app as a workaround. The free Shortcuts app is preinstalled on most newer iPhones, but if it’s not already on your device, you can download it for free from the App Store. This method works across all message types and offers flexibility beyond the 14-day limit of the native feature, making it especially useful for those on an earlier version of iOS.

Method 1: Schedule Text Message iPhone with iOS 18 Send Later (Easiest Option)

The iOS 18 Send Later feature represents Apple’s first native solution for text scheduling. If you’re running iOS 18 or later and messaging another iMessage user, this method takes just seconds to set up. The Messages app allows users to schedule one-time iMessages (blue bubbles) up to 14 days in advance, making it easy to plan messages for a certain time.

When you use the scheduling interface, a preview window appears, displaying the scheduled message details—including the date and time—so you can confirm and adjust the scheduled send at a certain time before finalizing.

In iOS 18, scheduled messages appear in the chat with a dashed border until they are sent, making it clear which messages are pending delivery.

Requirements for iOS 18 Send Later

To use this feature, your iPhone must meet these criteria: iOS 18 or newer installed, iMessage enabled in Settings, and an active internet connection. You can schedule messages up to 14 days in advance, and importantly, scheduled messages will send even if your phone is offline at the scheduled time because they’re stored on Apple’s servers.

Step-by-Step: How to Schedule Text on iPhone with Send Later

Open the Messages app and navigate to an existing conversation or start a new one with an iPhone user. Type your complete message but don’t send it yet. Instead of tapping the send button, press and hold the blue send arrow. A menu will appear with the “Send Later” option at the top. Select Send Later, and you’ll see a scheduling interface.

The scheduler defaults to tomorrow at 9:00 AM, but tap the blue time bubble to customize. A picker appears letting you scroll to select any date and time within the next 14 days. Once you’ve set your desired time, the text field border turns into a dashed line, indicating your message is scheduled. Now tap the send arrow to finalize the schedule.

Your scheduled message appears in the conversation thread with a dashed outline and displays the scheduled time above it. The recipient won’t see this message until the scheduled time, and they’ll have no indication it was scheduled in advance. The message will simply appear as a normal text when delivered.

Managing Your Scheduled Messages

To view all scheduled texts in a conversation, scroll to the bottom of the thread. Scheduled messages appear below sent messages. If you need to make changes, tap “Edit” beside the date above your scheduled message. You’ll see options to use the ‘edit time’ setting to change when the message will be sent, send the message immediately, or delete it entirely.

To modify the message content itself, touch and hold the message bubble and select Edit. Make your changes and tap the send arrow to reschedule with edits. If you decide not to send the message at all, touch and hold it and select Delete to cancel completely.

Method 2: Schedule Text to Android from iPhone Using Shortcuts

When the native Send Later feature isn’t available—either because you’re on iOS 17 or earlier, or because you’re texting an Android user—the Shortcuts app provides a powerful alternative. With Shortcuts, you can schedule both recurring and non-recurring (one-time) delayed messages, making it easy to set reminders or send notifications for important events. This method works for scheduling texts to anyone, regardless of whether they use iMessage.

Why Use Shortcuts for Text Scheduling

The Shortcuts app comes pre-installed on iPhones running iOS 13 or later, making it accessible to most users without downloading anything. While the setup process requires more steps than the native iOS 18 feature, Shortcuts offers advantages: you can schedule beyond the 14-day limit, send to both iPhone and Android users, and create recurring messages for regular reminders. Additionally, you can set up a new automation that will run automatically at the scheduled time, without manual intervention, by toggling ‘Ask Before Running’ to off during the automation setup.

Creating Your First Scheduled Text with Shortcuts

Open the Shortcuts app from your home screen or app library. At the bottom of the screen, tap the “Automation” tab, which you’ll find in the lower left corner. If this is your first automation, tap “Create Personal Automation” in the center. If you’ve created automations before, tap the “+” icon in the top right and select “Create Personal Automation.”

On the Personal Automation screen, select “Time of Day” as your trigger. This allows you to specify exactly when the text should send. Choose the date and time you want the message delivered. In the repeat section, select whether this should be a one-time message, daily, weekly, or monthly. For a one-time message, select the specific date and set the repeat section to “Never.”

Tap “Next” to proceed to the action screen. In the search bar, type “Send Message” and select that action. Tap the blue “Message” field to type your text content. You can include any text, links, or formatting you want. Next, tap “Recipients” and select the contact(s) who should receive the message. Note that you cannot add group chats here—you must add each member individually.

Before finalizing, pay close attention to the “Ask Before Running” toggle. If you want the text to send automatically without any action from you, toggle this OFF. If you leave it on, your iPhone will show a notification at the scheduled time asking you to confirm, requiring manual approval. For true scheduling automation, turn off “Ask Before Running.” Tap “Done” to save your automation.

Note: For one-time messages, you must manually delete the automation in the Shortcuts app after it sends to prevent it from repeating.

Important Shortcuts Limitations to Remember

Your iPhone must be powered on at the scheduled time for the automation to run, though it can be locked. The message sends as a standard SMS or iMessage depending on the recipient’s device. For one-time messages, remember to delete the automation after it sends to prevent unwanted repeats. You can manage your existing automations in the Shortcuts app by going to the Automation tab—here, you can review, edit, or delete any scheduled message automation as needed. To delete, simply swipe left on your scheduled message automation and tap Delete.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps for Advanced Scheduling

While native iOS solutions cover most needs, third-party apps offer features that Apple’s built-in options don’t provide. These apps typically allow users to schedule non-recurring or one-time delayed messages, but often have limitations in their free versions.

For example, apps like Scheduled and Reminderbase offer scheduling for SMS and other messaging platforms, though some advanced features may require a fee to access. These apps excel when you need to schedule multiple messages to different people, create message templates, or manage recurring texts to large contact lists.

If you’re using Android, you can download scheduling apps from Google Play, such as Messages by Google, to access additional features like text message scheduling.

When to Consider Third-Party Text Scheduling Apps

Third-party solutions make sense if you schedule texts frequently for business purposes, need to schedule SMS messages on iOS 17 or earlier without using Shortcuts, want recurring messages with more flexibility, or require templates to speed up scheduling. Popular options as of January 2025 include Scheduled, Moxy Messenger, and AutoSender.

Scheduled offers straightforward message scheduling with a clean interface, costing free for basic use with a pro version at $9.99. Moxy Messenger handles texts, emails, and social media scheduling in one app, available free to download with a lifetime subscription for $14.99. AutoSender specializes in recurring messages and works across multiple messaging platforms, though pricing varies for premium features.

What to Know About Third-Party Scheduling Apps

Most free versions impose limits on monthly scheduled messages, typically three to five messages per month. Many apps don’t actually send the message automatically—instead, they provide a notification when it’s time, and you must manually tap send. This means that most third-party apps cannot automatically send scheduled messages at the specified time without your intervention. This limitation exists because iOS security restrictions prevent third-party apps from fully automating text sending without user involvement.

When downloading scheduling apps, check recent reviews to ensure iOS 18 compatibility, as some older apps haven’t updated their functionality. Review the privacy policy to understand how your messages are stored and whether end-to-end encryption is supported. Apps that require SMS access need careful vetting to protect your data security.

Advanced Scheduling Features

For users who want to go beyond basic one-time scheduling, both iPhone and Android devices offer advanced scheduling features that can make managing your communications effortless. On iPhone, the Shortcuts app is a powerful tool for creating custom automations that send scheduled messages at specific times or on a recurring basis. With just a few taps, iPhone users can set up automations to send reminders, birthday wishes, or business updates exactly when needed—no manual intervention required.

Android devices also make scheduling easy with the built-in scheduling feature in the Messages app. This allows users to compose a message and set it to send at a later time, perfect for delayed texts or time-sensitive reminders. Whether you’re coordinating across time zones or managing multiple conversations, these built-in tools help streamline your workflow.

For businesses or anyone juggling a busy schedule, leveraging these advanced scheduling features means you can set up recurring messages, automate follow-ups, and ensure important information is delivered right on time. By exploring the capabilities of the Shortcuts app on iPhone or the Messages app on Android, you can take full control of your messaging and stay organized, no matter how complex your communication needs become.

Managing Recurring Texts

Recurring texts are a lifesaver for anyone who needs to send regular reminders, updates, or check-ins. On iPhone, the Shortcuts app makes it easy to create personal automation that sends messages on a repeating schedule. By selecting “Create Personal Automation” in the automation tab, you can set the exact date and time for your message to go out—whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly. Once set up, the automation runs in the background, ensuring your message is sent automatically at the right moment.

Android users can take advantage of the scheduling feature in their default texting app, which often includes options for recurring messages. This is especially useful for sending routine notifications, appointment reminders, or even motivational quotes to friends and family. By managing recurring texts through these built-in tools, both iPhone and Android users can stay on top of their commitments and never miss an important message or event.

Whether you’re using the Shortcuts app on iPhone or the default texting app on Android devices, setting up recurring messages is a smart way to automate your communication and keep your schedule running smoothly.

Troubleshooting: Why Send Later Not Showing

Many iPhone users report that the Send Later option mysteriously doesn’t appear when they try to schedule texts. Before troubleshooting, make sure you open messages in the correct app—the Messages app on iPhone—since scheduling features are only available there. Understanding why this happens will save hours of frustration.

The iMessage-Only Limitation

The most common reason Send Later doesn’t show is attempting to message someone who doesn’t use iMessage. Check the conversation thread color: blue bubbles indicate iMessage, while green bubbles mean SMS. The Send Later feature only appears for blue bubble conversations. If you’re texting an Android user or someone with iMessage disabled, you must use the Shortcuts method instead.

Interestingly, you also cannot schedule texts to yourself using Send Later. Many users test the feature by trying to send themselves a message, only to find the option missing. This is by design—Send Later requires an active iMessage conversation with another person.

iOS Version and Settings Issues

Verify your iPhone runs iOS 18 or later by going to Settings > General > About and checking the iOS Version field. If you see iOS 17 or earlier, you need to update your software or use the Shortcuts method. To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.

Even with iOS 18, ensure iMessage is enabled by opening Settings > Apps > Messages and confirming the iMessage toggle is switched on. Some users report that toggling iMessage off and back on resolves glitches preventing Send Later from appearing.

The Plus Button Confusion

Apple’s implementation of Send Later confuses many users because of where the option appears. The feature is NOT accessed through the “+” button beside the text field. Instead, you must press and hold the send arrow after typing your message. This non-intuitive placement leads to countless forum posts from users who can’t find the feature despite having iOS 18.

Focus Mode Interference

Some users discovered that certain Focus modes interfere with Send Later availability. If the feature isn’t appearing for iMessage conversations where it should, check your Focus settings. Go to Settings > Focus and temporarily disable your active Focus mode to test whether Send Later reappears. If this solves the problem, adjust your Focus mode settings to allow Messages app functionality.

Comparison with Android Devices

When it comes to scheduling text messages, both iPhone and Android devices offer robust solutions, but each platform has its own strengths. iPhone users can utilize the Shortcuts app to create detailed automations for scheduled messages, giving them the flexibility to set up complex routines and recurring texts. The Messages app on iPhone also provides a seamless experience for scheduling messages to other iPhone users, especially with the latest built-in features.

On the other hand, Android users benefit from the default texting app’s built-in scheduling feature, which often allows for more customization and flexibility. Android devices make it easy to schedule delayed texts and set up recurring messages directly within the app, without the need for additional downloads or complex setups.

Ultimately, both iPhone and Android users have access to powerful scheduling tools—whether through the Messages app, Shortcuts app, or default texting app. The choice comes down to personal preference and the specific features you need, but both platforms make it possible to stay organized and ensure your messages are sent at the perfect time.

Older iOS Versions

If you’re using an older iOS version, scheduling text messages may require a bit more creativity, but it’s still entirely possible. The Shortcuts app remains available for download on most older iOS versions, allowing users to create personal automation for scheduled messages. By setting up these automations, you can send delayed texts or even recurring messages, keeping your communication on track even without the latest iOS features.

For those who want additional options, third-party apps can fill the gap. Many of these apps are designed specifically to help users on older iOS versions schedule messages, offering features like delayed sending and recurring reminders. While the process may not be as seamless as on newer devices, combining the Shortcuts app with trusted third-party apps ensures you can still manage your messages effectively.

By exploring these workarounds, users with older iOS versions can continue to enjoy the benefits of scheduled messaging, staying organized and connected no matter what device or software version they’re using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scheduled texts send if my iPhone is turned off?
For iOS 18 Send Later, yes. Scheduled iMessages are stored on Apple’s servers and will deliver at the set time even if your iPhone is powered off or lacks internet connection at that moment. For Shortcuts automations, your phone must be on (though it can be locked) at the scheduled time for the message to send.

Can Android users schedule send text messages?
Yes. Android users, including those with Samsung phones and Google Pixel devices, can schedule send text messages using the default Messages app (Samsung Messages on Samsung Galaxy devices) or the Messages by Google app. This feature has been available since Android 7. Scheduled messages on Android appear in the chat with an icon indicating they are scheduled.

Will recipients know my message was scheduled?
No. When the message arrives, it appears as a normal text with no indication it was scheduled. Only you can see the dashed outline and scheduling information before the message sends. On Android, scheduled messages are marked with an icon in the chat before they are sent.

How do I schedule recurring texts like weekly reminders?
The native iOS 18 Send Later doesn’t support recurring messages—each schedule is one-time only. For recurring texts, use the Shortcuts app automation method and select “Weekly” or “Daily” in the repeat options. Alternatively, use third-party apps specifically designed for recurring message scheduling.

Can I schedule group messages?
Yes, using the iOS 18 Send Later feature, you can schedule messages to group chats as long as all participants use iMessage. For Shortcuts automations, you must add each recipient individually since group chat scheduling isn’t supported.

Can I use Google Calendar or Reminders to schedule texts?
You can use your Google Calendar app as a workaround to schedule text messages by setting reminders for when you want to send a message. When using the Reminders app for scheduling messages, you must manually copy the note and paste it into the Messages app when the reminder notification appears.

What happens if the scheduled message fails to send?
If an iMessage scheduled with Send Later fails (due to the recipient’s device being unavailable or other issues), you’ll see a failed message indicator. You can tap to retry sending immediately or as a text message. For Shortcuts automations, failed messages typically show no notification, so double-check that important scheduled texts were delivered.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs

After exploring all three approaches to schedule text messages on iPhone, which method should you choose? The answer depends on your iOS version, who you’re messaging, and how frequently you schedule texts.

If you have iOS 18 and primarily message other iPhone users, the native Send Later feature offers the simplest solution. It takes seconds to set up, requires no additional apps, and messages send reliably even when your phone is offline. The 14-day scheduling limit covers most real-world scenarios like birthday wishes, appointment reminders, and time-zone-friendly business messages.

The Shortcuts app method makes sense when you need to text Android users, schedule beyond 14 days, or create recurring messages. While the initial setup requires more steps, you can save and reuse automations for regular messages. This flexibility proves valuable for users managing schedules across multiple contacts or sending weekly reminders to family members. Delayed messages created with Shortcuts are especially useful for reminders and time-sensitive notifications, making them ideal for both personal and professional communication.

Third-party apps fill the gap when neither native option meets your needs. Business users scheduling dozens of messages monthly, people requiring message templates, or anyone wanting a centralized dashboard for all scheduled communications will find these apps worth the modest cost.

For the smoothest experience in 2025, iPhone users should update to iOS 18 to access the Send Later feature for their iPhone-to-iPhone messages, learn the Shortcuts method as a backup for Android contacts and older devices, and keep a reliable third-party app installed if scheduling becomes a regular part of their workflow.

Final Recommendations

Text message scheduling has evolved from a Android-exclusive feature to a standard iPhone capability, though with limitations that require workarounds in certain scenarios. The key to successful scheduling lies in understanding which method applies to your specific situation before you start the process.

Start by checking your iOS version and determining whether your recipient uses iMessage. This simple assessment points you to the right tool immediately. For everyday use with other iPhone owners, iOS 18 Send Later delivers a seamless experience. For everything else, Shortcuts provides flexibility that overcomes Apple’s iMessage restrictions.

The ability to schedule texts transforms how we communicate, ensuring important messages arrive at optimal times without requiring manual intervention or late-night worry about waking someone. Whether sending birthday wishes, business reminders, or thoughtful check-ins across time zones, scheduled messaging helps maintain connections without the stress of perfect timing.

By mastering these three approaches—native Send Later, Shortcuts automation, and strategic third-party apps—you’ll never miss an important message opportunity again. Using schedule send and delayed messages ensures your texts arrive at the optimal time, whether for one-time or recurring needs. Your texts will reach recipients exactly when intended, demonstrating consideration for their schedule while keeping your communication organized and stress-free.