How to Schedule a Text on iPhone in 2025

Learn how to schedule a text on iPhone using Shortcuts and third-party apps. Discover the easiest ways to send automated messages on iOS in 2025.

Ever wished you could send a text message later without worrying about forgetting? Whether it’s a birthday reminder, a business follow-up, or a late-night thought, knowing how to schedule a text on iPhone can save you time and keep your communication consistent. Apple doesn’t offer a built-in “schedule text” feature in the Messages app, but with tools like Shortcuts automation and trusted third-party apps, you can easily set up messages to go out automatically.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to schedule texts on iPhone in 2025.

Can You Schedule a Text on iPhone?

The simple answer is yes, but not directly in Messages. Apple has yet to add a built-in scheduling option to iMessage or SMS. Instead, you’ll need to use:

Apple’s Shortcuts app, which comes pre-installed on all iPhones.
Third-party apps from the App Store that allow text scheduling.
Workarounds such as Reminders or calendar-based prompts.

Method 1: Schedule a Text Using Shortcuts Automation

The Shortcuts app is Apple’s official solution for automating tasks on iPhone. Here’s how to use it:

Open the Shortcuts app (already available on your iPhone).
Tap Automation at the bottom of the screen.
Select Create Personal Automation.
Choose Time of Day and set the date and time you want the text to send.
Tap Next, then select Add Action.
In the search bar, type Send Message.
Enter your message and choose the recipient from your contacts.
Tap Next, review your automation, and toggle off “Ask Before Running.”
Tap Done.

Now, your iPhone will automatically send the scheduled text at the specified time.

Tip: Shortcuts work seamlessly with iMessage and SMS, but your iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data at the scheduled time.

Method 2: Schedule a Text Using Third-Party Apps

If you want more flexibility (like recurring scheduled texts), third-party apps can help. Some popular options include:

Scheduled App – Allows you to plan texts, WhatsApp messages, and even emails.
Reminderbase – A simple tool for sending reminders and scheduled texts.
Text Timer – Focuses on SMS scheduling with a clean interface.

Most of these apps send notifications at your scheduled time, prompting you to confirm before sending. Some premium versions allow full automation.

Method 3: Use Reminders as a Workaround

If you don’t want to install new apps, you can use the built-in Reminders app as a manual scheduling tool:

Open the Reminders app.
Create a new reminder with your message content.
Set the date and time you want to send it.
When you get the notification, simply copy-paste the text into Messages.

This isn’t fully automated, but it ensures you never forget important texts.

Best Use Cases for Scheduled Texts

Scheduling a text on iPhone is especially useful in:

Business communication – Send meeting reminders or client follow-ups at the right time.
Personal reminders – Never forget birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday greetings.
Time zone differences – Perfect for messaging friends, family, or colleagues abroad.
Work-life balance – Write late-night texts but schedule them for morning delivery.

Alternatives: Messaging Apps with Built-in Scheduling

Some third-party messaging platforms already have scheduling features built-in:

Telegram – Lets you schedule messages directly in chats.
WhatsApp Business – Includes limited automation and messaging tools.

If you frequently schedule texts, switching to an app with native scheduling may be more convenient.

While Apple’s Messages app still lacks a native text scheduling feature, you can easily automate messages using Shortcuts or reliable third-party scheduling apps from the App Store. Whether you’re running a business, managing relationships, or just trying to stay organized, knowing how to schedule a text on iPhone is a simple yet powerful productivity hack.

Ready to try it out? Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone today or explore apps like Scheduled to make your communication smarter and more efficient.

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