How to Schedule a Text on iPhone
Since iOS 18, the iPhone Messages app can schedule texts with Send Later. Below: the exact steps, how to edit or cancel a scheduled message, what to do in green-bubble (SMS/RCS) chats, and how to send a text automatically every day or week.
Quick steps (iOS 18 and later): open the conversation → tap + next to the text field → Send Later (under More if you don't see it) → choose the date and time → type your message → tap the send arrow.
Method 1: Schedule a text with Send Later (iOS 18+)
- Open Messages and the conversation (or start a new one).
- Tap the + button to the left of the text field.
- Tap Send Later. If it isn't in the first list, tap More and scroll.
- A time bubble appears above the keyboard. Tap it to choose the date and time – up to 14 days ahead.
- Type your message and tap the send arrow. The message appears with a dotted outline until it is sent.
Edit, send now or delete a scheduled text
Tap Edit above the scheduled message and choose Edit Time, Send Message (sends immediately) or Delete Message. To change the wording, touch and hold the message and choose Edit.
Limits of Send Later
- iMessage only. In SMS/MMS or RCS chats with Android users (green bubbles), Send Later is not offered. Use Method 2.
- One-time only: no repeat option. For repeating texts, see how to send a recurring text on iPhone.
- Maximum 14 days in advance.
- Also available in Messages on a Mac running macOS Sequoia (15) or later.
Method 2: Schedule with a Shortcuts automation (SMS, RCS or iMessage)
Shortcuts can send a message by itself at a set time, to any contact, including Android users. It is designed for repeating schedules, but you can also use it once and switch it off afterwards.
- Open Shortcuts → Automation tab → +.
- Choose Time of Day, set the time and choose Daily, Weekly or Monthly.
- Select Run Immediately (on iOS 16 and earlier: turn off Ask Before Running), then tap Next.
- Tap New Blank Automation → Add Action → search Send Message.
- Enter the message and recipients. Expand the action and turn off Show When Run.
- Tap Done. For a one-off text, turn the automation off (or delete it) after it has run.
Full walkthrough with examples: recurring texts on iPhone.
Method 3: A reminder to send it yourself
If you'd rather check the text before it goes out, add a reminder in the Reminders app with the message in the title and a date/time alert, or use a Shortcuts automation with Run After Confirmation. You'll get a notification and send it manually. Third-party “scheduler” apps on the App Store work the same way: iOS doesn't let them send messages for you.
Which method should you use?
| Send Later | Shortcuts automation | Reminder / third-party app | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sends automatically | Yes | Yes (Run Immediately) | No – you tap Send |
| SMS / RCS (green bubbles) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Repeats | No | Daily, weekly, monthly | Depends on the app |
| Easiest for a one-off text | Yes | No – needs switching off | OK |
| Requires | iOS 18+ | iOS 14+ | Any iOS |
Troubleshooting
- “Send Later” is missing: update to iOS 18 or later (Settings → General → Software Update) and check that iMessage is on (Settings → Apps → Messages). The contact must be reachable by iMessage.
- Schedule send doesn't work for some contacts: those conversations are SMS/RCS. Use a Shortcuts automation instead.
- The automation asks before sending: edit it, choose Run Immediately, and turn off Show When Run in the Send Message action.
- Long message split into parts: SMS is limited to 160 characters per segment (70 with emoji). Check with the SMS character counter.
Frequently asked questions
Can you schedule a text on iPhone?
Yes. Since iOS 18, the Messages app has a built-in Send Later option: tap the + button next to the text field, choose Send Later, pick a date and time up to 14 days ahead, then send. It works for iMessage conversations.
Why don't I see Send Later on my iPhone?
Send Later needs iOS 18 or later and an iMessage conversation (blue bubbles). It is not offered in SMS/MMS or RCS (green-bubble) chats. If you are on iOS 18+, tap + and then More – Send Later may be further down the list, and you can drag it higher.
How far in advance can I schedule a text on iPhone?
Send Later lets you choose a time up to 14 days ahead. For anything further away, or for repeating texts, use a Shortcuts automation.
Can I schedule a text to an Android phone from my iPhone?
Not with Send Later, because it is iMessage-only. Use a Shortcuts automation with a Time of Day trigger and the Send Message action, which can send SMS/RCS too.
How do I edit or cancel a scheduled message?
In the conversation, tap Edit above the scheduled message (it has a dotted outline). You can change the time, send it now or delete it. You can also long-press the message text to edit what it says.
Can I set up a recurring text on iPhone?
Send Later is one-time only. For daily, weekly or monthly texts, create a Shortcuts automation – see our step-by-step guide to recurring texts on iPhone.
Do third-party apps send scheduled texts automatically?
Not on iPhone. iOS does not let third-party apps send SMS or iMessages on your behalf, so “scheduler” apps send you a reminder at the chosen time and you still tap Send. Only Apple's Send Later and Shortcuts automations send by themselves.
Can I schedule a group text on iPhone?
Yes, in an iMessage group conversation: open the group and use Send Later as usual. If anyone in the group uses SMS or RCS, Send Later is not offered, so use a Shortcuts automation instead.
Can I schedule a text to several contacts at once?
Send Later works one conversation at a time. To reach several people separately, schedule each conversation, or build a Shortcuts automation with one Send Message action per person.
Updated October 2026 for iOS 18 and iOS 26. Menu names can change slightly between iOS versions. TextPlus.net is not affiliated with Apple.