I want to be able to schedule a text message to send later on my iPhone. I’ve tried looking through my phone’s settings and Messages app but can’t figure it out. Is there a specific feature or app I need to use to do this?
Oh, boy, scheduling texts on iPhone. A dream for some, a nightmare for others. Here’s the deal: Apple doesn’t let you schedule texts directly in the Messages app, because why make life easier, right? But you can use the Shortcuts app to make it work. Shortcuts is like Apple’s way of saying, “Figure it out yourself.” Here’s how:
- Open Shortcuts. If you’ve never used it, congrats, you’re about to enter a confusing world.
- Tap the “+” to start a new automation.
- Hit “Create Personal Automation” and choose “Time of Day.”
- Set when you want the message to send, although don’t expect pinpoint accuracy.
- Select “Add Action,” search “Send Message,” and fill out your text details (don’t flake on the recipient’s name!).
- Review everything like you’re solving a mystery, then tap “Done.”
But wait… There’s a catch (of course there is). The message won’t send automatically unless you dismiss the “Run” notification. So, technically, you’re just scheduling a reminder to send it with extra steps. Yay, technology! If all this feels like too much effort, maybe check out third-party apps like Scheduled or others lurking in the App Store that promise to do it for you.
Honestly, for a trillion-dollar company, you’d think Apple could slap a “Schedule Message” button on there, but nope, you’re stuck with this workaround or nothing.
Pfft, yeah, scheduling texts on iPhone is like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops — unnecessarily difficult. I saw @caminantenocturno’s detailed walkthrough with Shortcuts, and while it technically works, let’s be honest, it’s a mess. The whole “Run” notification thing? Total buzzkill. Apple really dropped the ball here.
Here’s the thing: if you don’t want to mess around with Shortcuts or play notification tag, you’re better off with a third-party app. There’s one called Scheduled that’s decent. It lets you program texts for future delivery and even send them automatically if you’re willing to let it use credits (because why not charge us for basic functionality?). Just make sure the app has good ratings in the App Store — some of these apps are sketchy.
Alternatively, if you’re really determined to stay app-free, you’ve got the boring option of typing the text, setting a reminder, and copy-pasting it later. Low-tech, but hey, it works.
Honestly, the fact that a trillion-dollar company like Apple can’t handle this is wild. It’s like owning the fanciest car but still having to push it uphill. 