How to schedule texts on iPhone

Never forget Aunt Bertha's bday again.
By
Kimberly Gedeon
 on 
Apple demos Send Later at WWDC 2024
Here's how to use the new iOS 18 Send Later feature Credit: Apple

iOS 18's new Send Later feature now lets you schedule texts on iPhone. The ability to schedule texts on your iPhone isn't necessarily new. For example, you can use the Shortcuts app to program the device to schedule texts. However, with the new Send Later feature, sending texts at a later date is now easier than ever.

iOS 18 isn't officially out yet, but you can test the feature via the iOS 18 beta version that is currently available as of this writing.

How to schedule texts on iPhone

As mentioned at the outset, you must update your iPhone to iOS 18 by installing the beta version. Keep in mind, however, that this is an unrefined version. As such, you may experience some bugginess. If you still want to install iOS 18 beta, make sure you use iPhone backup.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, here's how to schedule texts on iPhone via Send Later.

  1. Go to Messages.

  2. Choose an existing thread or compose a new message.

  3. Hit the "+" button.

  4. Hit "More."

  5. Tap on "Send Later."

  6. Tap on the blue rectangle and choose the date and time for the scheduled message.

  7. Type in your message in the "Send Later" field.

  8. Hit the blue arrow button.

Your message is now scheduled to send at your chosen designated time. You no longer have to worry about forgetting to send a birthday text to Aunt Bertha — as long as you remember to use the Send Later feature.

Topics iOS

Mashable Image
Kimberly Gedeon
East Coast Tech Editor

Kimberly Gedeon, at Mashable since 2023, is a tech explorer who enjoys doing deep dives into the most popular gadgets, from the latest iPhones to the most immersive VR headsets. She's drawn to strange, avant-garde, bizarre tech, whether it's a 3D laptop, a gaming rig that can transform into a briefcase, or smart glasses that can capture video. Her journalism career kicked off about a decade ago at MadameNoire where she covered tech and business before landing as a tech editor at Laptop Mag in 2020.


Recommended For You
How to schedule an Instagram DM
How to schedule a message on Instagram DMs

Apple discontinues the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and 14 Plus
iPhone SE

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: What are the differences?
image comparing two different versions of the iPhone 16

How to spot and avoid the E-ZPass scam texts everyone's getting
ez-pass logo on a sign

New Instagram DM features allow you to translate, schedule, and pin messages
New Instagram DM features

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 11, 2025
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 11, 2025
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 11
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 11, 2025
Close-up view of crossword puzzle.

'Black Mirror' fans, be warned: DO NOT start with 'Common People'
Chris O'Dowd and Rashida Jones star in "Black Mirror: Common People."
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!