How to Schedule a Text Message

Sometimes you want to send a text at a specific time — a birthday message at midnight, a reminder to a friend tomorrow morning, or a follow-up message during business hours. Scheduling a text lets you write it now and have it delivered later, automatically.

On iPhone (iOS 18 and later): Apple added scheduled sending to the Messages app. Open a conversation in Messages, type your message, then press and hold the send button (the blue arrow). A menu appears with options including "Send Later." Tap "Send Later" and choose the date and time you want the message delivered. The message sits in the conversation with a "Scheduled" label until it sends. You can edit or cancel it before the scheduled time by tapping on it.

On iPhone (iOS 17 and earlier): The built-in Messages app does not support scheduling. Use the Shortcuts app as a workaround or a third-party app.

On Android (Google Messages): Open a conversation, type your message, then press and hold the send button. A scheduling menu appears. Choose a suggested time or tap "Pick date and time" to set a custom time. The message shows a clock icon until it sends. Tap the scheduled message to edit or cancel it.

On Samsung Messages: Open a conversation, type your message, tap the plus (+) or the three dots, and look for "Schedule message." Set the date and time and confirm.

Scheduled messages only send if your phone is on and has a cellular or WiFi connection at the scheduled time. If your phone is off or in airplane mode, the message waits until the phone comes back online.

This feature is especially useful for: birthday and holiday messages at the right time, business-appropriate timing for professional texts, reminders for friends or family members, and follow-up messages you do not want to forget.