How to Schedule a Text on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide & Best Apps

We've all been there. You're about to hit the pillow and suddenly remember you have to wish your best friend a happy birthday when the clock strikes 12 but you're too sleepy to stay awake till midnight.

Wouldn't it be great if your phone could send warm wishes while you're tucked away in bed? Well, with the new iOS feature, you can now schedule messages directly in the Messages app. And if you don't have iOS 18 or above, you can always use third-party apps for better flexibility.

How to Schedule a Text on iPhone with iOS 18 (and Later)

You can set up a message to be sent later. Here's how:

Best Third-Party Apps to Schedule Text Messages on iPhone

If you can't schedule text messages straight from the Messages app because of a lack of built-in functionality, you can use third-party apps from the App Store.

App 1: Scheduled

Scheduled is a great app to schedule and send SMS and iMessage. The following steps can be used to schedule SMS messages using the "Scheduled" app:

Pricing: Free 

App 2: Auto Text

Auto Text is a free app designed to help you schedule text messages, emails, and social media messages with ease, simplifying communication for busy users. Here are the steps to use it:

Pricing: Free with optional in-app purchases for additional features.

App 3: DelayText

Another software that lets you send texts at a later time and date is DelayText. You can schedule a new SMS or examine the ones you've previously scheduled on the app's main screen easily. Here's how:

Pricing: Free version with premium features.

Why Is Scheduling Texts on iPhone Useful?

Planning your messages ahead of time results in more effective communication, consistent messaging, and dependable responses. You can schedule a reminder to handle everything at once, rather than setting reminders for customer check-ins.

For example, you can schedule messages to greet your friends and family on their special days. You can also use it to send important messages to clients and colleagues at work. 

Social text scheduling can be helpful in counteracting the urge to stay at home in an antisocial way. Scheduling a message to do something with a friend pushes us to be that gregarious person we usually avoid, an idealistic version of ourselves that is dedicated to everything.

Is Scheduling a Text Message on iPhone Safe?

It's completely safe to schedule your messages on an iPhone because it provides end-to-end encryption. Your messages are safely stored on Apple servers until they are sent, and after that, the data will be erased. 

If you are using third-party apps to schedule your messages, read their privacy policy to understand how your data is stored and used. If the application supports encryption, this is one of the best ways to judge how secure your data really is. 

Worried About Your Loved One’s Text Message Security?

With AirDroid Parental Control, receive real-time alerts for sensitive keywords detected in kids' sent and received SMS.

Conclusion: How to Get the Most Out of Text Scheduling on iPhone

Never forget a birthday or risk sending an important client message with the iPhone's "Send Later" feature. Just type in your message in advance and forget about it. Your phone will take care of sending the message automatically at your scheduled time and date. Make the most of scheduled messages and prevent missed communications. Deliver the right message at the right time!

FAQs About Scheduling Texts on iPhone

Why Doesn't Apple Have a Built-in

Elsa

Apple does not offer the possibility to schedule messages for non-iMessage users because the "Send Later" feature depends on iMessage functions which do not work while texting non-Apple users. This means that when scheduling a message, the recipient will also need to have an Apple device for them to be able to use iMessage in order to receive the message.

Can I Schedule a Text for a Group Message?

Elsa

Yes, you can select multiple contacts to send your scheduled message. 

How Do I Ensure the Recipient Gets the Scheduled Message Even If Their Phone Is Off?

Elsa

Any scheduled message will be delivered on time irrespective of whether the recipient's phone is switched off. The message will go through and on their phone, they will see that message once it comes on.

How Far in Advance Can I Schedule a Message?

Elsa

You can send a message 14 days in advance on your iPhone.

Can I Schedule a Text Message on iPhone Without an App?

Elsa

Sure, you can schedule a text message on your iPhone through the "Send Later" functionality from iMessage. The only condition is that the recipient must have an iPhone with iOS 18 and above and iMessage.

Do I Need to Be Online to Schedule a Text?

Elsa

You need to be online to schedule a text using iMessage because it uses the internet to type and send the message.

Can I Schedule Text Messages for Specific Days, like Weekends or Holidays?

Elsa

The date and time for the scheduled message can be set in the third-party scheduler app, no matter the day.