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Scheduling a message on iOS used to be a hassle that could only be done by creating a special shortcut. However, the latest software from Apple now allows you to schedule a message on the iPhone. Read on to find out how to schedule a text on your iPhone!
Why You’ll Love This Tip:
- Avoid texting at strange times by scheduling your texts for later.
- Schedule a text to send important information so you don’t forget later.
How To Schedule Messages on iPhone
System Requirements
This tip works on iPhones running iOS 18 or later. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.
With the latest updates to iOS, you can schedule an iMessage to send out at a later date. I’ve used this feature late at night when I remembered I needed to tell a friend something but it wasn’t important enough to wake them in the middle of the night. Instead, I just set a scheduled message to go out the next morning, with the relevant information, ensuring I would not forget to text them. Here’s how to schedule messages on your iPhone:
Note
This only works when sending iMessage texts. If you are sending RCS/SMS messages, you will not be able to use the Send Later feature.
- Open an iMessage conversation, and tap the plus icon next to the text box.
![iphone messages app conversation with a red box around plus icon]()
- Tap Send Later. Note: You may have to tap More to find your Send Later button, as the options in this menu may be arranged differently for different users.
![iphone messages app displaying a menu of additional messages features, with a red box around send later]()
- Depending on the time of day, the date and time will be set automatically. Tap it to change when your text will be sent.
![iphone messages app message scheduling with a red box around send later date and time]()
- Use the scroll wheel to select the date and time you want the text to be sent.
![iphone messages app message scheduling displaying a scroll wheel with dates and times]()
- Tap the text box when you've chosen the date.
![iphone messages app message scheduling displaying a scroll wheel with dates and times with a red box around the text entry field]()
- Type out your message, and then tap send.
![iphone messages app message scheduling with a red box around send button]()
- The text will be in a dashed outline bubble to indicate that the text will be sent later. Select Edit to make changes.
![iphone messages app conversation displaying a message in a dashed bubble outline, indicating that it will be sent at a later date. There is a red box around the edit button]()
- Send Message will send the message immediately.
![iphone messages app conversation displaying a message in a dashed bubble outline, indicating that it will be sent at a later date. A menu has opened up from the edit button with a red box around send message]()
- Select Edit Time to change the time that the text will be sent out.
![iphone messages app conversation displaying a message in a dashed bubble outline, indicating that it will be sent at a later date. A menu has opened up from the edit button with a red box around edit time]()
- Tap Delete Message to delete it.
![iphone messages app conversation displaying a message in a dashed bubble outline, indicating that it will be sent at a later date. A menu has opened up from the edit button with a red box around delete message]()
That’s how to schedule messages on iPhone on iOS 18. Your message will automatically send at the scheduled time. If you are on an earlier version of iOS or you are sending an RCS/SMS text message, you will need to use the Shortcuts method. Check out our article on how to schedule a text on an iPhone using Shortcuts if your device is running iOS 17 or earlier.
