How to Schedule a Text Message on iPhone

Can you schedule a text message on an iPhone? The short answer is yes, but not directly. Despite how advanced the iPhone has become, the Messages app still doesn’t offer a built-in “schedule send” feature—something many Android users take for granted.

The good news is that you can still schedule texts through Apple’s Shortcuts app or by using third-party tools designed specifically for automated messaging. These methods make it easy to plan messages, stay organized, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. If you’ve ever wondered how to schedule a text message on iPhone, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

What Are Scheduled Texts?

Scheduled texts are messages that you set up in advance to be automatically sent whenever you’d like without having to do it manually. It’s a great way to send a reminder text or follow-up, for example, at a certain time or date. You can send them to one or more contacts, and they don’t require you to be on your phone at that specific time.

For businesses, these messages can regularly keep your customers engaged without manual input. They serve as automated reminders for payments, appointments, and whatnot. You can even configure an automated text message to be sent in response to an action or used for feedback or surveys after a purchase. Scheduled messages can come in handy for personal-level business communication, too. So, if you’re wondering, “How do I schedule a text message on iPhone?” keep reading to find out.

How to Schedule a Text Message on iPhone

Scheduling a message on your iPhone may not be straightforward, but there are ways. Most options provide more functionality, but the easiest way to schedule a text is through a third-party app, especially if you plan on doing it often.

The native Shortcuts app allows you to schedule a message to individual contacts or small groups. It’s a quick solution without any frills. Here’s how: 

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone

2. Choose the Automation tab at the bottom

3. Tap Create Personal Automation in the center. This button won’t be available if you’ve created an automation before. Instead, you’ll want to tap the + icon in the upper right corner and then choose Create Personal Automation.

4. Select the Time of Day option and choose when you want to send the text message on your iPhone. To choose the date, select the Monthly Repeat option and tap Next when you’re done. Note that your phone will repeat this message every month on your selected day and time. If you intend this to be a one-time message, you will have to manually turn off or delete the automation after the message is sent.

5. Tap Add Action and choose Send Message from the listed options (or search for Messages to find it).

6. Write your message in the Message field and choose a recipient(s).

7. Toggle Ask Before Running on if you want to receive a notification before the message is sent. If you want it to be automatically sent, toggle it off.

8. Review your automation, then tap Next and Done.

Privacy and Limitations to Consider

Before scheduling messages on your iPhone, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The Shortcuts Automation Has to Run on Your Device

If your phone is off or out of battery at the scheduled time, the message will not be sent.

Automations Repeat by Default

The Time of Day automation always repeats (daily, weekly, monthly). To avoid sending the same message every month, you must manually:

• Toggle the automation off, or

• Delete it after it fires

Third-Party Apps May Require Permissions

Some apps request access to your contacts or notifications. Always verify the developer before installing.

Alternative Ways to Schedule Texts on iPhone

If you want greater flexibility, such as scheduling one-time messages, recurring reminders, or business-grade texting, third-party apps offer more power than Apple’s built-in tools.
Apps like Scheduled, Moxy, or Dexatel let you:

• Schedule one-time or repeating texts

• Queue multiple messages

• Add multimedia

• Send bulk SMS for business communication

Unlike Shortcuts, these apps don’t require you to manually delete the automation afterward, making them more practical for everyday or professional use.

To Sum Up

Scheduling a text message on your iPhone isn’t as straightforward as it should be, but Apple’s Shortcuts app and a handful of reliable third-party tools make it entirely possible. Be it automating reminders or managing time-sensitive business communication, these methods help you stay organized and make sure messages go out exactly when you need them to. With a little setup, you can streamline your workflow and never miss an important moment again.