In the fast-paced world we live in, timing is everything. Whether it’s remembering to wish someone a happy birthday at midnight, sending a reminder to a coworker in the morning, or scheduling an important message while you’re in a meeting, being able to schedule a text on your iPhone can be a game-changer.
While Apple’s Messages app doesn’t include a native “send later” feature just yet, there are powerful built-in tools on your iPhone, like the Shortcuts app, that make scheduled texting not only possible—but easy. You don’t need any third-party apps, subscriptions, or hacks. Just your iPhone, a little setup, and a few taps.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore how to schedule a text on iPhone using automation, Shortcuts, and simple reminders—plus share smart tips to ensure your scheduled messages always reach the right person at the right time.
💬 Why Schedule a Text Message on iPhone?
You might be wondering: Why go through the effort of scheduling a text instead of sending it when the time comes? Here are a few practical reasons:
- Send birthday or anniversary wishes at midnight
- Remind yourself or others of appointments, tasks, or events
- Stay professional by sending texts during work hours—even if you’re thinking of it late at night
- Communicate with people in different time zones
- Save time by planning communication in advance
Scheduled texting gives you more control over your communication—no more forgetting, no more alarms, no more last-minute scrambling.
🔧 Method 1: Schedule a Text Using the Shortcuts App
Apple’s built-in Shortcuts app is your best friend when it comes to automation—and it can help you schedule a text with just a few steps.
📲 Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Open the Shortcuts App
- It comes pre-installed on most iPhones. If not, you can add it from the App Store.
2. Create a New Automation
- Tap the Automation tab at the bottom.
- Tap Create Personal Automation.
- Choose Time of Day.
3. Set the Time and Repeat Options
- Pick the exact time you want the message sent.
- Choose Daily, Weekly, or Monthly, depending on your need.
- Tap Next.
4. Add the Action
- Tap Add Action.
- In the search bar, type Send Message.
- Tap on Send Message.
- Type the message you want to send.
- Tap Recipients, then choose a contact.
5. Disable Ask Before Running (Optional)
- On the final screen, toggle off Ask Before Running to send it automatically.
- Tap Don’t Ask to confirm.
- Tap Done.
✅ Now, your message will be sent automatically at the scheduled time!
💡 Important: If you leave “Ask Before Running” ON, you’ll receive a notification to confirm the text. If OFF, the automation sends the text silently.
📌 Real-World Examples
- Every Monday at 8:00 AM – Remind your team to submit weekly reports
- On the 1st of each month – Text your landlord that rent has been paid
- Your friend’s birthday – Schedule a heartfelt message days in advance
Once set, these automations run in the background, giving you peace of mind.
✅ Method 2: Use Reminders + Manual Sending (The Simple Backup Plan)
If you prefer a more manual method or don’t want to deal with Shortcuts, this backup approach works great too.
📍 Steps:
- Open the Reminders app.
- Tap New Reminder.
- Title the reminder with the message content.
- Tap the (i) button to open details.
- Set a date and time for the reminder.
- When the alert pops up, copy and paste the message into the Messages app and hit send.
While this isn’t automatic, it’s perfect if you need a quick and easy way to remember to send a text at a specific time—without forgetting the message itself.
🧠 Tip: Pre-Draft Your Message in Notes
Want to prepare multiple messages but don’t want to use automation? Draft them in the Notes app with headers like:
- “Monday – Client follow-up”
- “Wednesday – Meeting check-in”
- “Friday – Delivery confirmation”
Then copy and paste when needed. It’s old-school, but effective!
🛠️ Method 3: Use Focus Mode + Reminders for Timing
Another clever trick is to combine Focus Modes with reminders or calendar alerts.
- Create a custom Focus mode called “Text Reminder.”
- Schedule that Focus mode to activate during a specific time.
- Link it to a Reminder or Calendar alert that includes your message.
- When the Focus activates, the reminder will pop up—and you’ll be in the right mindset to send your message.
It’s not automation, but it’s structured and effective, especially for people who work on time blocks or task batching.
🔒 Is Scheduled Texting Safe?
Yes. Using Apple’s built-in Shortcuts and automation tools ensures 100% privacy and data security. Your texts are still sent through the native Messages app, and your data never leaves your phone.
There’s no need to rely on third-party apps, many of which may require access to your contacts or personal info.
🧩 Can You Schedule Texts in iMessage Natively?
As of 2025, Apple’s iMessage does not include a native “send later” feature, but many users are requesting it. Until then, Shortcuts is the closest alternative.
For now:
- Messages must be automated via Shortcuts
- There’s no way to edit a scheduled Shortcut once it’s been sent
- You cannot schedule messages for group chats using automation (only individual contacts)
📅 How to Edit or Delete a Scheduled Text Shortcut
Changed your mind? Here’s how to update or remove your scheduled message:
To Edit:
- Open Shortcuts > Automation
- Tap the automation you created
- Tap Next > Message field and make edits
- Tap Done
To Delete:
- Swipe left on the automation in the Automation tab
- Tap Delete
Easy and fast—no mess.
💡 Pro Tips to Master Scheduled Texting
- Use contact names wisely: Make sure the contact you select has the correct number linked.
- Don’t over-schedule: Too many automations can clutter your Shortcuts app.
- Name your automations clearly: So you remember what they do!
- Use repeating options for habits: Daily or weekly messages to family, clients, or team members.
- Test with yourself: Try sending a scheduled text to your own number before trusting it for important contacts.
🔁 Can You Schedule Texts for Multiple Contacts?
Yes—sort of. You can create a single automation that sends the same message to multiple recipients. However, all contacts receive it at the same time, and there’s no customization for each person.
To do this:
- When choosing recipients in the Send Message action, tap + to add multiple people.
It’s great for quick reminders, group alerts, or event notifications.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I schedule a text with photos or media?
A: Not directly with Shortcuts. Shortcuts currently only allows plain text messages. For media-rich messages, you’ll need to send them manually or use a different method.
Q: Will my iPhone need to be unlocked to send the text?
A: If you leave “Ask Before Running” OFF, the text will send even if the phone is locked—as long as it has a signal and is powered on.
Q: Can I use this method with third-party messaging apps?
A: No. Apple’s Shortcuts app currently only supports the native Messages app. It doesn’t integrate with WhatsApp, Telegram, or others.
Q: Will I be charged for scheduled texts?
A: No extra charges apply. Texts are sent as regular iMessages or SMS messages, depending on the recipient. Regular carrier messaging rates apply if you’re not using iMessage or Wi-Fi.
📋 Summary Table: Ways to Schedule Texts on iPhone
| Method | Automation? | Sends Automatically? | Requires Confirmation? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shortcuts App | ✅ Yes | ✅ (if toggled) | ❌ Optional | Daily, repeating, precise messages |
| Reminders App | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Manual send required | One-time alerts |
| Notes + Copy/Paste | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Manual | Preparing multiple drafts |
| Focus Mode + Alerts | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Manual | Time-blocked planning |
🎯 Final Thoughts: Plan Smarter, Text Better
In a world where timing can make all the difference, knowing how to schedule a text on your iPhone gives you an edge—both professionally and personally. Whether you’re managing a team, nurturing relationships, or simply organizing your day, this small skill can lead to big results.
Apple may not offer a native scheduling feature in Messages yet, but with Shortcuts, Reminders, and a little creativity, your iPhone becomes a powerful communication tool that works on your schedule.
So go ahead—automate that birthday wish, that Monday morning check-in, or that late-night reminder. Your future self (and your contacts) will thank you.
Would you like a step-by-step visual tutorial or cheat sheet PDF to go along with this guide?