How to schedule text messages on iPhone

I don’t see an automation window on shortcuts app on iPhone 14 so these instructions didn’t help me.

Does anyone know if I can set up a one time text to myself or others at a certain date & time?

I have noticed that Apple's iOS currently lacks the feature for scheduling text messages directly within the Messages/Shortcuts app. While third-party applications offer message scheduling capabilities, these alternatives do not align with my preferences for functionality, privacy, and integration with iOS.

Is Apple considering the implementation of a feature for scheduling text messages within the Messages/Shortcuts app shortly? Such a feature would significantly enhance the user experience by providing more flexibility and control over message sending, especially for users with specific needs and preferences that third-party applications do not satisfy.

This was one of the easiest things I had to do. Just looked up shortcuts- boom. Clicked on Automation window, created a personal automation and most of the steps disappeared. It really isn’t that hard.

I can’t believe that it’s not possible to schedule text. The work around is a joke. It’s way too complicated and it’s really not the same. Android is so much better. I have never had an Android (my husband does), but for this feature I am thinking about switching. I’ve been waiting years for Apple to catch up the Android with scheduled texts and it’s just not happening.

Aspire957 wrote:

I can’t believe that it’s not possible to schedule text.

If you can't believe your own experience and the testimonies of your fellow users, I don't know if there's much more we can do to convince you.

I think you should sell your iPhone and get an Android. I think it will make you happier. Life is too short to get this upset by a phone.

Android is so much better. I have never had an Android (my husband does), but for this feature I am thinking about switching. I’ve been waiting years for Apple to catch up the Android with scheduled texts and it’s just not happening.

Is there a way to send a one time text? For example, I want to text someone in the middle of the night and would like them to receive it at 9:30am so I don’t wake them up. I work overnight and will be asleep to send it then. I think I’m going to use the automation you described and set it to monthly and go back in tomorrow and delete it. I hope that works.

I still HATE this! I’ve yet to get a message to send when I want…. Everyone can tell me what an idiot I am! Idc!!! This is the least intuitive setting and I’m pretty good at IT - worked at 3 IT companies! I’m not great, but this is BS! I’m pretty sure anyone with a basic knowledge of how to do anything could create something better! I’ve blocked all responses because I’m tired of hearing how simple it is…. Yeah, no it’s NOT!!!! Get through it all, nothing sends! At this point, just that I have to go to shortcuts shows how ****** it is! Beyond that, oh- still worse! I can handle Excel, SAP, SharePoint configuration, SNow… this is BS!

ummm there’s a much simpler way here everyone.

▶️Just go to this Shortcuts Gallery

▶️ click “Get Shortcut” ; it will be added to ur Shortcuts App

DONE ✅

When ur ready to schedule a delayed text: ▶️simply click on the shortcut within ur Shortcuts App

▶️ select WHO ur sending to

▶️ select WHAT u want to send

▶️ select WHEN u want to send it.

DONE ✅

I can confirm this works as intended. Although before you install it, you're asked to accept cookies. Either the essential ones, or you can accept the ad ones (all).

So having accepted only the essential ones, I'm possibly giving this external provider access to my messages.

I'll give this shortcut a miss.

Hurry up Apple.

For iPhone or iPad, try Carrier Messaging at the App store. It's basically a reminder, in that you still have to press "Send" when the time comes. So it won't help if you want messages to send while you're asleep. But otherwise, despite being very basic, it works. The free version allows you to schedule 3 messages/month. If you need more, there's a paid version.

Apple is missing this very useful and obvious feature and I have no idea why, especially at the high end price point…. People use texts and messaging more frequently for business purposes and like email, and androids, you really should be able to easily schedule send a message at this point. Is it going to be coming soon??? this feature is so useful that it makes me consider getting android again for my next phone….

mawdi369 wrote:

People use texts and messaging more frequently for business purposes and like email, and androids,

iPhones are not Androids. They don't work the same way. Texts are not emails. Deferent platforms have different features.

Is it going to be coming soon???

As previously noted, no one here in this user-to-user forum would know the answer to that. Use the feedback link given above to let Apple know your thoughts.

this feature is so useful that it makes me consider getting android again for my next phone….

If the feature is that important to you and it is not offered by Apple when it's time for you to buy a new phone, you should definitely buy something else.

I am writing about a similar topic others have written about. Scheduling a single text message(not recurring). We should definitely be able to send a text message scheduled at a certain time of day. Not a recurring one through the shortcuts app. That seems way complicating for a quick note to a friend, family or colleague. For example, if one wants to send a note and not disturb someone to be respectful of their day, I would schedule for around the right time. It seems there is no way to do this quickly? For an amazing product, this is missing. I think it may have something to with ensuring people do not send spam with acknowledgment of the rules (and security)? So the capability is simply not there for the iPhone users and one has to use a 3rd party app to do it? Still, if it’s family and friends trying to be respectful of time there should be a way. Apple, please add a feature for users to send a quick single text to family/friends.

BarryCallebaut wrote:

Well well well.

We're getting the ability to schedule text messages in the next update.

Hoo freaking ray.

It's an important feature to many people and I hope they are pleased about the announcement. If it's not important to you, that's fine, too. No reason to rain on anyone's parade.

Is there another way? As you can see from my search in Shortcuts on Automation that there is nothing there. Now what do I do?