how do i schedule a text on iphone

To schedule a text message on an iPhone with iOS 18 or later, use the built-in "Send Later" feature in the Messages app:

1. Open the Messages app and start a new conversation or open an existing one.
2. Tap the "+" icon next to the text field.
3. Select "Send Later" from the menu.
4. Tap the time field to choose the date and time you want the message to be sent (up to 14 days in advance).
5. Type your message and tap the send arrow to schedule it.
6. The scheduled message will appear with a dashed border in the conversation until it sends. You can tap and hold the message to edit, reschedule, or cancel it.

This feature works offline, encrypts messages, and the recipient won't see that the message was scheduled. If your iPhone is running an older iOS version prior to 18, you can schedule texts using the Shortcuts app by creating a personal automation to send a message at a set time. These instructions cover the easiest and most native methods to schedule texts on iPhone as of 2025.