How to Schedule a Text Message on an iPhone

If you have ever remembered a colleague’s birthday at 11 PM but did not want to wake them up with a late-night text, you understand the need to schedule messages. For years, iPhone users have begged Apple for a “Send Later” feature, especially since Android users have enjoyed it for quite some time.

The good news is that Apple finally listened. Depending on the version of iOS your iPhone is currently running, there are two distinct ways to schedule a text message. If you have updated to the latest software, it is built directly into the Messages app. If you are using an older iPhone, you can still achieve this using the built-in Shortcuts app.

Method 1: Using the Native “Send Later” Feature (iOS 18 and Newer)

With the release of iOS 18, Apple introduced a native scheduling tool directly inside the iMessage interface. This is the easiest and most reliable method, provided your phone is updated.

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Select the conversation where you want to send the scheduled text, or start a new message.
3. Tap the “+” (Plus) button located to the left of the text input field.
4. A menu will slide up. Scroll down (or swipe up) to reveal more options and tap Send Later.
5. A blue scheduling bubble will appear above your keyboard. Use the scroll wheels to select the exact date and time you want the message to be delivered.
6. Type your message in the text box.
7. Tap the blue Send arrow (it will have a tiny clock icon on it).

Your message is now scheduled. It will sit in the chat thread as a dashed-line bubble until the specified time arrives, at which point it will automatically send. You can tap the edit button on the dashed bubble to change the time, edit the text, or delete the scheduled message entirely.

Method 2: Using the Shortcuts App (iOS 17 and Older)

If your iPhone cannot update to iOS 18, or if you are sending a standard SMS (green bubble) instead of an iMessage on an older OS, you must use Apple’s native Shortcuts app to build an automation.

1. Open the Shortcuts app (it is installed by default on all modern iPhones).
2. Tap the Automation tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap the “+” (Plus) icon in the top-right corner to create a new automation.
4. Scroll down and select Time of Day.
5. Set the exact time you want your message to send.
6. Under the “Repeat” section, select Run Immediately (this is crucial, otherwise it will ask for permission before sending). Tap Next in the top right.
7. Tap on the search bar at the bottom and type Send Message. Tap the action when it appears.
8. You will now see a block that says “Send [Message] to [Recipients]”.
9. Tap the word Message and type your text.
10. Tap the word Recipients and select your contact.
11. Tap Done.

Important Cleanup Step: Because this is a recurring automation, your iPhone will attempt to send this same text message every single day at that specific time. After your scheduled text successfully sends, you must remember to open the Shortcuts app, swipe left on the automation, and delete it.