Scheduling a text message on iPhone lets you write a message now and have it delivered at the perfect time — whether that is a birthday greeting at midnight, a reminder to a colleague during work hours, or a message to someone in a different time zone. Here is every method that works, depending on your iOS version.
Method 1: Built-in "Send Later" Feature (iOS 18+)
Apple added a native Send Later feature to the Messages app in iOS 18. If your iPhone runs iOS 18 or later (available on iPhone XS and newer), this is the easiest method.
- Open the Messages app and start or open a conversation.
- Type your message as normal.
- Instead of tapping the blue Send button, tap and hold it for a moment.
- A menu appears — tap "Send Later."
- A date and time picker appears. Set when you want the message to send.
- Tap Schedule to confirm.
The message appears in your conversation with a clock icon showing it is scheduled. You can tap it to edit or cancel before it sends. This works for both iMessage (blue) and SMS (green) conversations.
How to Check Your iOS Version
Go to Settings → General → About → iOS Version. If it shows 18.0 or higher, the Send Later method above works for you.
Method 2: Shortcuts App Automation (iOS 13–17)
On iOS 13 through 17, you can use the free Shortcuts app (pre-installed on all iPhones) to send a message at a specific time.
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap the Automation tab at the bottom.
- Tap the + button to create a new automation.
- Tap "New Automation" → "Time of Day."
- Set the time you want the message to send.
- Set it to run once (not daily).
- Tap Next, then tap "Add Action."
- Search for "Send Message" and select it.
- Enter your message text and choose the recipient.
- Tap Next, then turn off "Ask Before Running" so it sends automatically.
- Tap Done.
At the set time, your iPhone will automatically send the message. Note: the phone must be unlocked or the screen must turn on for the automation to trigger in some iOS versions.
Method 3: Third-Party Apps
If the built-in options do not suit your needs, several apps specialise in scheduled messaging:
- Scheduled — A dedicated app for scheduling texts and reminders. Free tier available.
- Mango — Simple interface for scheduling SMS and iMessages.
- Future — Focused on scheduling texts for specific occasions.
These apps typically require notification permission and may need your phone to be on at send time, similar to Shortcuts.
Tips for Scheduled Texts
- Keep your phone charged: A dead battery at send time means the message won't go out.
- Check Do Not Disturb: Scheduled messages will still send even with Focus modes on.
- Time zones: Scheduling uses your iPhone's local time — useful for sending to people overseas at their morning time.
- Review before sending: Always re-read the message before confirming the schedule — autocorrect can change words silently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a text message on iPhone?
Yes. With iOS 18, iPhone has a built-in "Send Later" feature in the Messages app. On older iOS versions, you can use Shortcuts automation or third-party apps like Scheduled.
How do I send a scheduled text on iOS 18?
Open Messages, start composing a message, tap and hold the Send button, then choose "Send Later." Pick your date and time, and the message will send automatically.
Does the Send Later feature work for SMS or only iMessage?
The built-in Send Later feature in iOS 18 works for both iMessage (blue bubble) and SMS (green bubble) messages.
Will the text send automatically even if my iPhone is off?
Your iPhone must be on and connected (Wi-Fi or cellular) at the scheduled time. If the phone is off or in Airplane Mode, the message will send when it reconnects.
Does scheduling a text work on older iPhones?
The built-in Send Later requires iOS 18 (iPhone XS or later). On older iOS, use the Shortcuts app automation method or a third-party app.