How to Schedule a Text Message on iPhone and Android

A Guide on Sending Delayed Texts on Your Phone

Scheduling a text message can be incredibly useful—whether it's a birthday wish, a reminder, or a message you'd rather send during work hours. The process varies depending on your device, but don't worry—we'll show you how to schedule a text on both iPhone and Android with ease.

Scheduled texting via iMessage is a new feature in iOS 18. In earlier iOS versions, you'll need the Shortcuts app as a workaround for sending delayed messages.

Schedule a text on iPhone using iOS 18 and higher

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Tap "+", then "Send Later".
3. Tap the blue box to choose a time and date to schedule your message.
   • You can schedule a message for up to 14 days in the future. Skip to our next section if you need to schedule a message for further in the future.
4. Type your message and tap the arrow to send.

Your scheduled message will appear in your chat with a dotted border. Your recipient will not receive this message until your specified time and date. Once they receive your message, they will not know that it was scheduled.

Once you schedule a message, you can reschedule, edit, or delete it before it's sent. Here's how:

Reschedule a message

1. Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Select the conversation containing your scheduled message.
3. Tap "Edit" next to the scheduled date.
4. Choose "Edit Time" and select a new time and/or date.

Edit a scheduled message

1. Open Messages on your iPhone.
2. Go to the conversation containing your scheduled message.
3. Tap and hold your scheduled message, then choose "Edit".
4. Make your changes, then tap the tick to update the message.

Delete a scheduled message

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Select the conversation containing the scheduled message.
3. Touch and hold the message, then tap "Delete".

On devices using iOS 13 to iOS 17, you can't schedule messages natively. However, you can use the Shortcuts app to create a shortcut that sends a message at a certain time.

Unlike iOS 18's "Send Later" feature, this method lets you schedule messages beyond the 14-day limit.

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Select the Automation tab at the bottom and tap "New Automation".
3. Tap "Time of Day".
4. Choose the date and time you'd like' to send the message, then tap "Next".
   • Choosing "Weekly" or "Monthly" will allow you to select a date to send your message.
5. Tap "Send Message".
6. Enter the recipient's name and type your message.
   • Tap "Message" and type the message you want to schedule.
   • Tap "Recipients" and choose the contact to send your message to.
7. Tap "Done" to save the automation.

The automation will trigger on your specified date and time. If you selected "Run After Confirmation", you'll get a prompt before sending; otherwise, the message will be sent automatically.

If you want to change the automation before the message is sent, you can do so from the Shortcuts app. Simply select your automation to change the time, date, or message.

Note: The automation will run daily, weekly or monthly depending on the interval chosen. If you only need the message to send once, remember to delete the automation after your message is sent. This will prevent further sends of your message! To delete the automation, slide it to the left and tap "Delete".

Android has offered the ability to schedule texts since Android 7 - back in 2016! So, unless you have a very old device, you'll be able to easily schedule messages. Here's how it's done:

1. Launch the Messages app on your Android device.
2. Open the conversation you want to schedule a message for.
3. Type the message you want to send.
4. Tap and hold the "Send" arrow to open the scheduler.
   
5. Choose when to send your message.
   • Choose one of the presets: later today, later tonight or tomorrow.
   • Pick a date and time.
6. Tap the "Send" arrow.
   

Your message will appear in your chat, marked with an icon so you can tell that it is scheduled.

Your contact will not see the message until it is successfully sent at the time and date you specified.

You can tap the schedule icon on the message to update the message, send it immediately, or delete it.

Scheduling text messages is a great way to set reminders, mark special occasions, or simply stay organized. Whether you're using iOS 18's "Send Later" feature, Shortcuts on older iPhones, or Android's built-in scheduling, you can plan messages in advance with ease. Give it a try and simplify your messaging!