How to Send a Delayed Text on iPhone

Whether you’re sending a birthday message at the perfect moment, reminding someone in advance of an important event, or making sure a message gets through when you’re not available, sending a delayed text message may be quite helpful. There are a few different ways to schedule a text message even if iPhones don’t support delayed messaging natively through the Messages app. Here’s how to use your iPhone in 2024 to send a delayed text message.

KEYPOINTS:

• Open your iPhone’s Messages app.
• Press, then select Send Later.
• To access the scheduler, simply tap the time, and then select the desired time to send your message. The text field’s border becomes a dashed line, and the message’s send time is displayed above it.
• Type a message in and then press.

Using Apple’s Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app on iPhone allows you to automate tasks, including sending delayed messages. Follow these steps to set up a delayed text using Shortcuts:

Steps:

• Open the Shortcuts app: If you don’t have it, download it from the App Store.
• Create a new shortcut: Tap the “+” button in the top-right corner.
• Add an action: Tap “Add Action” and select Send Message.
• Select a recipient: Choose the contact you want to send the delayed text to.
• Write your message: Enter the text you want to send in the message field.
• Schedule the message:
• Tap Next and then choose Add Automation.
• Select Time of Day and set the exact time and date you want the message to be sent.
• Toggle off Ask Before Running to ensure the message sends automatically.
• Save the shortcut: Give the automation a name and tap Done.
• Now, your iPhone will automatically send the scheduled message at the specified time.

Pros:

• Completely free.
• Built-in iPhone app.

Cons:

• Not as flexible as some third-party apps.
• Works only for one-time scheduled messages, not recurring ones.

Utilising Independent Apps

More advanced text message scheduling features are available in a number of third-party apps. Here are two well-liked choices:

Scheduled App

You may set up the Scheduled App to deliver reminders via iMessage, SMS, and other channels at certain times. Steps:

• Go to the App Store, download Scheduled, and install it.
• Launch the app, then log in or register.
• Click Schedule Message, then choose the recipient.
• Write the message.
• Select the time and date that you would like the message to be sent.
• If SMS is available, enable Auto-Send; otherwise, select to get a reminder to send by hand.

Integration of the Reminder App

• You can compose a message, schedule it, and receive a reminder from some apps, such as Later or Remind Me, reminding you to send it at a specific time. However, these apps won’t send the message automatically; you’ll need to tap the notification to confirm the send.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Can schedule both SMS and iMessage.

Cons:

• Some features may require in-app purchases or a subscription.
• Auto-send might not work for iMessages in certain regions.

Using Notes and Reminders as a Backup

You can use the Reminders or Notes app to create a basic workaround that reminds you to send a message at a specified time if you don’t want to download any other apps.

Steps:

• Launch the app for reminders.
• Add the desired text to a fresh reminder that you create.
• Decide on a reminder time and date.
• To send the text manually, copy it and paste it into your Messages app when the reminder notification appears.

Pros:

• iPhone apps that are built-in.
• No need for extra apps.

Cons:

• Sending must be done by hand.
• Not as practical for regular scheduling.

Professional & Business Tools

More advanced alternatives are available for professionals or businesses utilising iPhones, such as email-to-text services or CRM apps that enable scheduled and automatic text messaging. Usually, marketing efforts or client reminders make use of these tools.

Examples:

• Incorporated inside its CRM services, Salesforce provides text scheduling features.
• Text messaging is one of the automated workflows that Zapier supports.

Pros:

• Perfect for companies and experts.
• Gives greater control over broadcast messaging.

Cons:

• A business plan or subscription would be needed.
• Made for business usage, not for personal use.

In summary

Even though text message delays aren’t built into iPhones, there are a few dependable ways to accomplish this in 2024. There is a solution for every need, whether you utilise the Scheduled app, the Shortcuts app, or simply create reminders. Reminder-based apps or Apple’s Shortcuts app work well for personal usage, but professional tools or third-party apps are better suited for corporate use or frequent text scheduling.