How to schedule text messages on iPhone

We can schedule text messages and more on iPhone. I did on iOS 16.4.1


Please follow the following steps


  1. Go to shortcuts app
  2. Select Automation window
  3. Create personal automation
  4. Time of the day
  5. Choose the event type(daily, weekly, monthly)
  6. Click next
  7. Select action send message (do check out their various convenient actions by clicking “+” and section “all actions”)
  8. Click on “message” to input message
  9. Click on “recipients” to select receiver of the message
  10. Click next and disable “Ask before sending
  11. Click done.
  12. This automation will have to be manually deleted in order to end its occurrences.


Hope y’all find it helpful! ✌🏽


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on May 13, 2023 12:48 AM

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Posted on Oct 24, 2023 9:55 AM

This is insanely complicated compared to android. I just switched and I like iPhone but I don’t understand what Apple is thinking here. Anyone know if this feature is in the pipeline? I used to schedule texts on android but this shortcut seems circa 1990.

129 replies

Feb 29, 2024 4:30 AM in response to Muhurt

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.

Feb 29, 2024 6:38 AM in response to Aspire957

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.


Feb 29, 2024 10:05 PM in response to Muhurt

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.

Mar 12, 2024 12:46 AM in response to Muhurt

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!

Mar 25, 2024 11:37 PM in response to Muhurt

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


Apr 1, 2024 8:40 AM in response to Muhurt

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.

May 19, 2024 10:46 AM in response to Muhurt

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….

May 20, 2024 7:32 AM in response to mawdi369

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.

Jun 9, 2024 4:05 AM in response to Muhurt

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.

Jun 11, 2024 12:40 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Hey, I'm not raining on anyone's parade. Apple are finally bringing scheduled text messaging to the next iOS release.

You didn't pick up on my dry sarcasm.

.

I did see no one replied to my reply (from about 2 months ago) confirming another users success in setting up a shortcut to schedule a text message.

This will be pointless iOS arrives.

How to schedule text messages on iPhone

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