If you’ve ever wished you could send a text message automatically at a specific time, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s a midnight birthday wish, a good morning message, or a business reminder, learning how to schedule a text on iPhone can make your life far more organized.
While Apple’s Messages app doesn’t include a built-in “schedule message” button, the Shortcuts app, Siri automations, and third-party tools make it possible to plan and send texts exactly when you want.
In this 2025 step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to schedule a text on iPhone using all available methods — from Apple’s Shortcuts automation to powerful third-party apps like Scheduled and Moxy Messenger.
By the end, you’ll have complete control over when and how your messages are delivered — automatically, accurately, and stress-free.
🌟 Why You Should Schedule Texts on iPhone
Scheduling messages isn’t just a tech trick — it’s a powerful productivity habit. Here’s why it matters:
- 🎉 Never miss important dates like birthdays or anniversaries.
- 🧠 Stay organized with reminders for coworkers, clients, or friends.
- 🌍 Communicate across time zones without staying up late.
- 💪 Send motivational messages at specific times daily.
- ⏱️ Save time and mental energy by planning texts in advance.
In short, learning how to schedule texts on your iPhone helps you become more thoughtful, consistent, and efficient.
🧭 Method 1: How to Schedule a Text on iPhone Using the Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app is Apple’s official tool for automating tasks. It’s free, already installed on every iPhone, and works seamlessly with Messages.
Here’s how you can use it to schedule texts automatically:
🪜 Step-by-Step Instructions
🧩 Step 1: Open the Shortcuts App
- Go to your iPhone’s home screen.
- Tap the Shortcuts app.
- Select the Automation tab at the bottom.
🕒 Step 2: Create a Personal Automation
- Tap Create Personal Automation.
- Choose Time of Day as your trigger.
- Set the time when you want the message to send (e.g., 9:00 AM).
- Tap Next.
💬 Step 3: Add the “Send Message” Action
- Tap Add Action.
- In the search bar, type Send Message and tap it.
- Enter your message text.
- Tap Recipients and choose your contact(s).
⚙️ Step 4: Disable “Ask Before Running”
- Tap Next, then Turn Off Ask Before Running.
- Tap Don’t Ask when prompted.
- Tap Done to save the automation.
✅ Your iPhone will now automatically send the text message at the exact time you set — as long as your phone is unlocked and connected to Wi-Fi or data.
💡 Pro Tip: To send messages hands-free, keep your iPhone connected to power and unlocked when the scheduled time arrives.
🕰️ Method 2: Schedule a Text Reminder Using the Reminders App
If you want a simple way to remember to send a message, use Apple’s Reminders app. While it won’t send the text automatically, it ensures you never forget to send one.
🧾 How to Do It:
- Open the Reminders app.
- Tap New Reminder.
- Write something like “Text mom good morning.”
- Tap the Calendar icon to set date and time.
- When the alert appears, tap it and send your text manually.
This is perfect if you prefer manual confirmation before sending messages — especially for personal or business communication.
🗣️ Method 3: Use Siri Shortcuts for Voice-Controlled Text Scheduling
Love using Siri? You can schedule or trigger messages with your voice using Siri Shortcuts.
🪄 Here’s How:
- Open the Shortcuts app → Automation → Create Personal Automation.
- Choose When I Say Something with Siri.
- Add the Send Message action.
- Write your message and choose a recipient.
- Save it and name the automation.
Now, just say:
“Hey Siri, send my morning text,”
and your message will be delivered instantly.
It’s a hands-free, futuristic way to automate messages.
💡 Method 4: Schedule Texts Using Third-Party Apps
While Apple’s automation tools are reliable, they still require your iPhone to be unlocked. For true background scheduling, third-party apps provide more control and flexibility.
Below are the best text scheduling apps for iPhone in 2025:
1️⃣ Scheduled App
Best For: Everyday users and small businesses
Available On: App Store (Free + Premium)
How It Works:
- Open the Scheduled App.
- Tap Create Message → Type your text → Select recipients.
- Choose the date and time.
- Enable Auto Send (Premium feature).
Why Users Love It:
- Works with iMessage, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
- Sends group messages.
- Syncs with your iPhone calendar.
💬 Example: “Happy Birthday, Jake! 🎉” — scheduled for 12:00 AM, sent automatically while you sleep.
2️⃣ Moxy Messenger
Best For: Professionals and business owners
Features:
- Create recurring or one-time messages.
- Manage client follow-ups.
- Schedule SMS, iMessage, and WhatsApp texts.
- Works seamlessly across devices.
Moxy Messenger is excellent for appointment reminders, sales updates, and daily reports — making it ideal for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
3️⃣ Automate App
Best For: Tech enthusiasts who love full customization
Highlights:
- Build your own message rules (e.g., “If it’s Monday, send a motivational text”).
- Supports multiple conditions like Wi-Fi, location, or time triggers.
- Integrates with Messages and Calendar.
Although it requires a bit of setup, Automate offers ultimate flexibility for power users.
📩 Method 5: Schedule Texts via Email-to-SMS Gateway
For business users, there’s another creative method: email-to-SMS gateways. This allows you to send a text through email — and since emails can be scheduled, it’s an effective workaround.
💻 Example:
- Compose an email in Gmail.
- In the “To” field, type your contact’s number followed by their carrier gateway.
- Verizon:
1234567890@vtext.com - AT&T:
1234567890@txt.att.net
- Verizon:
- Write your message.
- Schedule the email for a specific time.
The recipient receives it as a text message — perfect for marketing campaigns or appointment notifications.
🔁 Method 6: How to Schedule Repeating Messages
Want to send daily reminders or weekly motivational quotes?
Here’s how to create repeating automations:
- Open Shortcuts → Automation → Create Personal Automation.
- Select Time of Day and tap Repeat (Daily, Weekly, or Monthly).
- Add the Send Message action.
- Write your message and add the recipient.
- Turn off “Ask Before Running.”
Your iPhone will now send the same message automatically at your chosen interval — great for routine texts or habit tracking.
🔐 Important Tips Before Scheduling Texts
To make sure everything works smoothly:
- ✅ Keep your iPhone unlocked during automation.
- ✅ Enable Background App Refresh and Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- ✅ Update to the latest iOS version for improved automation stability.
- ✅ Avoid scheduling sensitive or urgent messages — always double-check.
- ✅ Test your automation once before relying on it.
🧰 Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Message didn’t send | iPhone locked or no internet | Keep phone unlocked & connected |
| Shortcut didn’t run | Permission denied | Enable Shortcuts → Automation Access |
| Message not delivered | iMessage off or invalid contact | Turn on iMessage & verify number |
| Duplicate message sent | Multiple automations created | Delete duplicates in Shortcuts |
| No “Send Message” option | iOS outdated | Update to latest iOS version |
🌍 Bonus: How to Schedule WhatsApp or Messenger Messages on iPhone
Even though Apple’s Shortcuts mainly supports Messages, you can also schedule WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger texts using third-party apps like Scheduled.
📱 For WhatsApp:
- Open Scheduled App → Create Message.
- Type your text and choose WhatsApp as the platform.
- Set date and time.
- You’ll get a notification — tap it to send your pre-typed message instantly.
While it’s not fully automatic, it’s still faster and more consistent than remembering every message manually.
💬 Real-Life Use Cases for Scheduled Messages
Here are some creative ways people use iPhone text scheduling:
- 🎂 Birthday Texts: Send midnight wishes automatically.
- 💼 Work Reminders: Schedule morning motivational quotes for your team.
- 💕 Romantic Notes: Surprise your partner with timed love messages.
- 🧘♀️ Self-Reminders: Schedule health or meditation check-ins.
- 📅 Client Follow-Ups: Automate appointment reminders and updates.
These examples show how scheduling texts isn’t just convenient — it’s a small habit that builds connection and consistency.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I schedule a text message on iPhone without third-party apps?
✅ Yes. The Shortcuts app lets you create automations that send texts at specific times — no external apps needed.
Q2: Will the scheduled text send if my iPhone is off or locked?
❌ No. Your iPhone must be on, unlocked, and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Q3: Can I schedule messages to multiple people?
✅ Yes. Add multiple contacts in the Recipients section in the Shortcuts app.
Q4: Does the recipient know it was scheduled?
❌ No, the message appears exactly like a normal text.
Q5: Can I schedule repeating messages?
✅ Absolutely! Use the Repeat option in Shortcuts to send texts daily, weekly, or monthly.
🧠 Benefits of Scheduling Texts on iPhone
- ⏰ Saves time and boosts productivity.
- 💌 Keeps relationships strong by never missing special moments.
- 💼 Supports businesses with consistent communication.
- 🔁 Automates routines like daily check-ins or reminders.
- 🧘 Reduces mental load, freeing up brain space for creativity.
Once you try it, you’ll realize how much smoother your digital life becomes.
🎯 Conclusion
Learning how to schedule a text on iPhone is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to stay connected and organized. Whether you use Apple’s Shortcuts app, third party tools, or even email-to-SMS gateways, you can ensure your messages are always sent at the perfect time.
Start small — schedule one message today. Maybe it’s a “Good Morning” to your partner or a “Reminder” to your coworker. You’ll instantly feel the power of automation simplifying your day.
Don’t just text smarter — text on time, every time. ⏰📱
