iMessage send later option no longer appearing

Re: "iMessage send later option no longer appearing

send later option on imessage no longer comes up under plus sign or send arrow. How can I fix?

I already restarted devices and Los turned iMessage on and then off."

Seems, you can only send later using wi-fi / iMessages ... (ie: not with cellular data / texts )

Apple Support's method below says to tap the (+) plus sign and then tap "send later" when you have started or opened a conversation.

So, if you are not seeing "send later" you may want to check if there's an iPadOS 26 update to install.

You can check in Settings > General > Software updates. (Remember to back-up iPad first if you update iPadOS)

If you are already updated to the latest version (iPadOS 26.2) and do not have the "send later" button when you start or open a conversation....

Then you might want to send a bug-report to Apple:

Although it won't help right away, and they likely won't reply, if others are also unable to "send later", the more feedback Apple receives on which iPad models and software versions are affected, the more likely we will see a "fix" in an update.

Here's Apple's "send later" article:

Schedule a text message on iPad to send later - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"Note: You must be using iMessage. Your recipient can be on any device, and they won’t know that the message was scheduled. You need to be online to reschedule, edit, or delete a scheduled message.

Schedule a message

You can schedule a message up to 14 days into the future.

1. Go to the Messages app  on your iPad.
2. Go to the conversation where you want to schedule a message or start a conversation.
3. Tap , then tap Send Later.
4. Tap the time to open the scheduler, then choose when you want to send your message.
5. The border of the text field turns into a dashed line, and the time your message will be sent appears at the top of the message.
6. Enter a message, then tap .

The message appears with a dashed line until it’s time to send it, and it’s delivered even if all your devices are offline.

Note: Scheduled messages are encrypted and stored on Apple servers only until they’re sent. When a message is sent, it’s removed from Apple servers, the balloon becomes a solid color, and its dashed line disappears.

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If needed: The linked article above also explains the steps to:

• Change the time to send a message

• Edit a scheduled message

• Delete a scheduled message

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If needed: More info. / support / contact options t.Apple Messages Support Website:

Messages for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac - Official Apple Support