We’re in fast-paced digital lives. And timing is everything here. If it’s a birthday wish at midnight, a morning reminder, or a business follow-up text. Sending the right message at the right time makes all the difference. What if you’re not available at the moment? That’s where the ability to schedule a text on an iPhone becomes incredibly useful.
Unlike some Android phones that come with text scheduling included, iPhones do not come with a “schedule text” option within the standard Messages app. That doesn’t stop you from doing so, though. From using Apple’s Shortcuts app to tapping into third-party scheduling apps, there are well over half-a-dozen savvy hacks that there are that allow you to send your messages at exactly the time that you’d like them to, automagically and every time.
Here, you’ll learn how to schedule a text message on your iPhone in a multitude of different ways. From within the Apple ecosystem itself, to third-party applications, this guide has you covered. After reading this, you’ll be a master of timed-texting and never again miss sending another important message.
Let’s get started.
Why Schedule a Text?
Before jumping into the how-to, let’s see some everyday situations. Where sending a text on time would be a lifesaver.
- Birthday greetings at midnight
- Inspirational quotes in the morning
- Meeting or appointment reminders
- Follow-up texts to clients
- Sending greetings to different time zones
- Vacation auto-responders
- Event reminder scheduling
- Checking in on elderly relatives
Scheduled text messaging is also a force to be valued as far as productivity goes by businessmen, entrepreneurs, and telecommuters. You may send texts beforehand without you having to manually remember to send them.
Can You Schedule a Text Message on iPhone Natively?
No, short answer: not directly through the Messages app.
Apple’s native Messages app does (at least, up to iOS 17) not natively provide text scheduling. Don’t panic, though, there is an answer, if a rather indirect one, to be had from Apple. You can fall back on the Shortcuts app, which is installed on every iPhone, and use it to send an automatic text message that you’ve programmed.
Third-party text-scheduling apps are also present. Both have advantages and disadvantages, which we will explain thoroughly.
Set a Text Using Apple Shortcuts App
Apple Shortcuts app is a powerful app through which you can design automated workflows. See how you can utilize it to set a text:
Step-by-Step:
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
The app is loaded onto your device. You can reinstall it from the App Store if you have uninstalled it.
Tap Automation at the bottom
You will be creating time or event-based automations here.
Tap Create Personal Automation
Then tap Time of Day under trigger. This is where you want your message to arrive.
Choose the time and frequency
Type in the hour and minute. Click Daily, Weekly, or Monthly according to what you want to achieve.
Click Next, then Send Message
Click “Add Action,” and search for “Send Message” in the search box and click on it.
Type your message and recipient
Type your message and choose your desired contact from the list.
Click Next and confirm the automation
Double check to make sure everything is set.
Turn off Ask Before Running
Turn this off so the message will send automatically without asking permission.
Tap Done
That is it. Your iPhone will send this message automatically at a timed interval.
Important Notes:
- Only for recurring automations (like daily reminders or weekly messages)
- You must turn off “Ask Before Running” or it will ask you every time
- You must have your phone unlocked and connected to Wi-Fi or data
If your phone is powered off or in Airplane Mode at send time, the message won’t be sent
Advantages of Using Shortcuts:
- No third-party apps to download
- Works within Apple’s secure environment
- High level of customizability and flexibility
- Great for repeat messages
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming for one-time messages
- Does not support schedule calendar or message history
- Can be unstable if not configured properly
Schedule a Text on iPhone with Third-Party Apps
If you are looking for something less complicated and more flexible, third-party apps are the easiest way to schedule texts on your iPhone.
The following are some of the best-recommended ones:
Scheduled App
Scheduled app is one of the best-rated iPhone text schedule apps.
Key features:
* Schedule a one-time or recurring text
* iMessage, SMS, WhatsApp, and Email supported
* Manual send with reminder or auto-send with Twilio
* Reminders and templates are included
* Full automation in Premium version
How to use:
* Download from App Store
* Create free account
* Tap on “Create Message”
* Enter contact, message, and scheduling time
* Choose auto-send or receive reminder
* Tap on “Schedule Message”
Benefits:
- Simple-to-use interface
- Support for multi-messaging platforms
- Ideal for marketers and businesses
Drawbacks:
- Free version sends reminder-based messages only
- Auto-send uses Twilio account (paid)
Moxy Messenger
Another iMessage-integrated scheduling app with business-grade scheduling features.
Features:
- Group scheduling
- Recurring messages
- Message logs
- Custom delivery times
Cons:
- Premium upgrade for auto-send
- Less user-friendly than Scheduled for non-tech users
Reminder Apps (workaround)
If you don’t really need actual auto-sending, you can also use other apps like Apple Reminders or Todoist as reminders to send a pre-typed message yourself.
Pros:
- No additional apps to download
- Can set reminders on contacts
Cons:
- Still manual action required
- Not automation-friendly
Reminders + Copy-Paste for One-Time Scheduled Texts
If you do not require full automation and simply want to somehow send the text at the right time. Then there is a straightforward solution:
Set a Reminder
Set a reminder at the same time when you want to send the message via the Reminders app.
Insert Your Message into the Reminder
Write it in notes so that you can paste and copy directly.
When You Receive Reminder, Copy & Paste
Touch reminder, copy message, go to Messages, and send.
This will not send automatically, but remind you when it is time to do so.
On a Mac (for iMessage users)
For the Mac user who wishes to automate messages via iMessage third-party Mac software can be used. Like Automator or AppleScript. It’s a bit more techie. But perfect for power or business users.
Steps:
* Creating an AppleScript with a timer
* Putting in the recipient, message, and time into the script
* Running it through Automator or Calendar app
Advantages:
- Automation friendly in the long run
- Works quite well for business usage
- Doesn’t need to send through Shortcuts
Disadvantages:
- Not for beginners
- Needs your Mac to be awake and online
- Scheduled Business and Marketing Texting
Also Read: When Calls the Heart Season 11
Scheduled Texting in Business and Marketing
Scheduled texts can automatically do the following for the small business, solopreneur, and business owner:
- Client reminders
- Appointment reminders
- Meeting follow-up
- Holiday or birthday greetings
- Promotional notice
Through messaging services, you can schedule SMS marketing campaigns with timed sending. Like TextMagic, SlickText, or Twilio. These are usually browser-based. But some have iOS apps as well.
They provide:
- Bulk messaging
- Delivery reports and analytics
- Custom triggers and scheduling
- Opt-out and opt-in compliance
They may not integrate directly with iMessage. But they’re great for business messaging via SMS.
Privacy and Security Considerations
When using third-party apps to schedule texts, it’s essential to consider your data privacy.
Always check:
- What permissions the app requests
- Whether the app accesses your contact list
- How the app stores your message content
- If the app complies with Apple’s privacy rules
Use trusted apps that will not sell or misuse your data. Look at reviews before you download.
ANSWERED Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
Issue: Failed to send scheduled message via Shortcuts
Solution: Ensure “Ask Before Running” is disabled, and your phone was not offline or in a locked state during the send time you set.
Issue: Failed to auto-send scheduled app
Problem: Ensure you’re on the free version (which requires a tap) and pay or add a Twilio account for automation.
Problem: You weren’t reminded
Solution: Turn on “Time Sensitive Notifications” within Settings so reminders and scheduled messages will remind you.
Problem: Can’t send a group text
Solution: Send using Scheduled or Moxy Messenger, which provide group recipients in their paid tier.
How to Cancel or Edit a Scheduled Message
If you’ve scheduled a message via Shortcuts or another third-party application. Then this is how you can delete or edit it:
Shortcuts Method:
- Launch Shortcuts
- Tap on Automation
- Tap on the specific automation
- Edit the time or message, or swipe left to delete
Scheduled App:
- Launch the app
- Tap on “Scheduled” tab
- Tap to edit the message
- Swipe left to delete
Reminders Method:
- Launch Reminders
- Tap the reminder that you had scheduled
- Edit the time or delete the task
iPhone Scheduled Texting Isn’t More Complicated Than You Might Believe
Just because Apple hasn’t yet seen fit to make the “schedule text” button available by default in Messages doesn’t mean to say that it has to leave you out in the cold. With the right toolset, be that Shortcuts, a third-party app, or even just a plain old reminder. You can just as easily write out your messages in advance. You can have them sent to the right person at the best time.
If it’s sending birthday wishes or reminding customers, having the capability to send a scheduled message on iPhone is time-saving. It is also a productivity-enhancing means of ensuring you never miss another vital connection again.
