How to Schedule a Text on iPhone: iOS 18 + Older Versions (2026)
Learn how to schedule text messages on iPhone using iOS 18's Send Later feature or the Shortcuts app for older versions. Step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Can You Schedule Texts on iPhone?
Yes, you can schedule text messages on iPhone—but how you do it depends on your iOS version.
iOS 18 and later: Apple introduced a native "Send Later" feature directly in the Messages app. It's built-in, easy to use, and works with iMessage.
iOS 13 through iOS 17: There's no native scheduling feature, but you can use the Shortcuts app to create automated messages that send at specific times.
iOS 12 and earlier: You'll need a third-party app to schedule texts.
This guide covers all methods so you can schedule messages regardless of which iPhone you're using.
Method 1: Schedule Texts with iOS 18's "Send Later" (Easiest)
If you've updated to iOS 18 or later, scheduling a text message takes just a few taps. Here's how:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open the Messages app and start a new conversation or open an existing one.
Step 2: Tap the + button (plus icon) next to the text field. This opens the iMessage app drawer.
Step 3: Tap Send Later from the menu options.
Step 4: A date and time picker appears. Select when you want the message delivered—you can schedule up to 14 days in advance.
Step 5: Type your message in the text field.
Step 6: Tap the Send arrow. Your message is now scheduled.
What Happens After You Schedule
Once scheduled, the message appears in your conversation with a dashed outline and a timestamp showing when it will be sent. This visual indicator lets you easily spot scheduled messages.
The recipient won't know the message was scheduled—it arrives just like any other text.
Important Limitations of Send Later
Before relying on this feature, know these constraints:
How to Edit a Scheduled Text on iPhone
Changed your mind about what you wanted to say? Here's how to modify a scheduled message:
Step 1: Open the conversation containing your scheduled message.
Step 2: Tap and hold (long press) on the scheduled message bubble.
Step 3: Tap Edit from the popup menu.
Step 4: Make your changes to the text.
Step 5: Tap the checkmark to save your edits.
You can also change the scheduled time by tapping on the timestamp and selecting a new date/time.
How to Cancel a Scheduled Text on iPhone
Need to cancel a message before it sends? No problem:
Step 1: Open the conversation with your scheduled message.
Step 2: Tap and hold (long press) on the scheduled message.
Step 3: Tap Delete from the popup menu.
The message is canceled immediately and never gets delivered to the recipient. They'll have no idea you ever wrote it.
Method 2: Schedule Texts Using Shortcuts App (iOS 13-17)
If you're running iOS 13 through iOS 17, you don't have the Send Later feature—but the Shortcuts app provides a powerful workaround. This method actually offers one advantage: you can schedule messages beyond the 14-day limit.
Setting Up a Scheduled Text with Shortcuts
Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app (it's pre-installed on iOS 13+; download it from the App Store if you deleted it).
Step 2: Tap the Automation tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Tap New Automation (or the + button).
Step 4: Select Time of Day as your trigger.
Step 5: Set the exact date and time you want the message sent.
Step 6: Choose the repeat frequency:
Step 7: Tap Next to continue.
Step 8: Tap Add Action and search for "Send Message."
Step 9: Tap on the Message field and type your text.
Step 10: Tap on Recipients and select the contact(s) who should receive the message.
Step 11: Important: Toggle OFF "Ask Before Running" if you want the message to send automatically. Otherwise, you'll get a notification asking for approval at the scheduled time.
Step 12: Tap Done to save your automation.
Deleting a Shortcuts Automation
When you're done with a scheduled message or want to cancel it:
Method 3: Third-Party Apps for Scheduling Texts
If the built-in methods don't work for your needs, several third-party apps offer scheduling features:
Popular Options
Scheduled (iOS)
Moxy Messenger
Reminderbase
Important Caveat
Most third-party apps can't send messages completely automatically due to Apple's restrictions. Instead, they send you a notification at the scheduled time, and you tap to send. True automatic sending is only available with Apple's native features.
Tips for Scheduling Texts Effectively
Best Practices
Consider time zones: If the recipient is in a different time zone, schedule based on their local time, not yours. A "Good morning!" text at 8 AM your time might arrive at 5 AM theirs.
Don't over-schedule: Having dozens of scheduled messages can get confusing. Keep track of what you've scheduled to avoid duplicate or conflicting messages.
Review before the send time: If you scheduled a message days ago, your circumstances might have changed. Check scheduled messages periodically.
Test first: Before scheduling something important, test the feature by scheduling a message to yourself one minute in the future.
When Scheduled Texts Are Useful
Troubleshooting Scheduled Text Issues
Message Didn't Send at Scheduled Time
Possible causes:
Solution: Your iPhone needs to be on and connected. If you're worried about reliability, consider keeping your phone charged and connected to Wi-Fi at the scheduled time.
"Send Later" Option Not Showing
Possible causes:
Solution: Update to iOS 18 if your iPhone supports it. For older iOS versions, use the Shortcuts method instead.
Scheduled Message Shows Wrong Time
Possible cause: Time zone confusion or Daylight Saving Time changes.
Solution: Double-check the scheduled time by tapping on it. Remember that iOS 18 shows times in your local timezone.
Shortcuts Automation Asks for Confirmation Every Time
Cause: "Ask Before Running" is enabled.
Solution:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you schedule a text on iPhone to send later?
Yes! With iOS 18 and later, use the native "Send Later" feature in the Messages app. For iOS 13-17, create an automation in the Shortcuts app. Both methods let you schedule texts for future delivery.
How do I schedule a text message on iPhone iOS 17?
On iOS 17, open the Shortcuts app, go to the Automation tab, create a new Time of Day automation, add the "Send Message" action, and set your desired date/time. Toggle off "Ask Before Running" for automatic sending.
Does the other person know if you schedule a text?
No. Recipients have no way of knowing a message was scheduled. It appears in their Messages app just like any regular text with no indication it was delayed.
Can you schedule texts on iPhone to Android users?
With iOS 18's Send Later, scheduling works best with iMessage (blue bubbles). For SMS texts to Android users (green bubbles), the feature may have limited support. The Shortcuts method works for any recipient.
What happens if my iPhone is off when a scheduled text should send?
The message won't send while your iPhone is off. With iOS 18's Send Later, Apple stores the message on their servers, so it may still send when your device reconnects—but it's best to keep your phone on at the scheduled time.
Can I schedule a text more than 14 days in advance?
With iOS 18's native feature, no—14 days is the maximum. However, the Shortcuts app method allows scheduling beyond 14 days since you're creating a time-based automation.
How do I see all my scheduled messages?
In iOS 18, scheduled messages appear in the conversation thread with a dashed outline. There's no centralized "scheduled messages" view—you'll need to check each conversation individually.
Can I schedule group texts on iPhone?
Yes. Both iOS 18's Send Later and the Shortcuts method support group conversations. Just select a group chat or add multiple recipients.
Do scheduled texts work with Do Not Disturb enabled?
Yes. Do Not Disturb affects incoming notifications, not outgoing messages. Your scheduled texts will still send even if DND is active.
Is there a limit to how many texts I can schedule?
Apple hasn't published an official limit. However, scheduling too many messages may impact performance. Use the feature reasonably.
Related iPhone Features You Should Know
If you're managing your iPhone's communication features, you might also find these guides helpful:
Wrapping Up
Scheduling text messages on iPhone has never been easier, especially with iOS 18's native Send Later feature. Whether you're planning birthday wishes, coordinating across time zones, or just drafting late-night messages for morning delivery, now you know exactly how to do it.
Key takeaways:
Stop sending awkward 3 AM texts—schedule them for a reasonable hour instead.
Last updated: January 2026
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