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    How to Schedule a Text Message to Send Later on iPhone

    Want to send a birthday text at midnight, a morning check-in without waking yourself up, or a reminder without forgetting? Learn how to schedule texts on iPhone.

    3 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Update to iOS 18 or Later

    ~16s
    Check your iOS version: SettingsGeneralAbout → iOS Version. If it shows 17 or lower, go to SettingsGeneralSoftware Update and update to iOS 18. The update is free and the Send Later feature is included automatically after updating.
    2

    Open Messages and Start a New Text

    ~15s
    Open the Messages app. Tap an existing conversation or start a new one by tapping the compose button (pencil icon, top right). Type your message — as much or as little as you want. Do not tap the send button yet.
    3

    Find the Send Later Option

    ~21s
    After typing your message, press and hold the blue send button (the upward arrow). A menu appears with options including "Send Later." Tap "Send Later."

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: If you do not see "Send Later" when holding the send button, make sure you have updated to iOS 18 and that the feature is supported on your iPhone model (iPhone XS and newer).

    4

    Set the Date and Time

    ~15s
    A date and time picker appears. Use the scrolling wheels to set the exact date and time you want the message to send. When done, tap the send button (now labeled with the scheduled time). The message is scheduled.
    5

    View or Cancel a Scheduled Message

    ~21s
    In the conversation, your scheduled message appears with a small clock icon and the scheduled send time below it. To cancel or edit it before it sends: press and hold the scheduled message → choose "Edit" to change the text, or "Cancel sending" to delete the schedule. The message returns to your text field where you can edit or delete it.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Schedule a Text Message to Send Later on iPhone

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    iOS 18 (released fall 2024) added a built-in "Send Later" feature to the Messages app on iPhone. For the first time, you can write a text message now and schedule it to send automatically at any future date and time — without keeping the app open or remembering to send it.

    This is useful for: wishing someone a happy birthday at midnight, sending a morning check-in text without waking up at dawn, reminding a family member about an appointment the day before, or drafting a text while you remember but sending it at a more appropriate hour.

    You need iOS 18 or later for the built-in Send Later feature. Check Settings → General → About to see your iOS version. If you have an older iPhone, third-party apps like Scheduled or Carrier-based options may work, but they require keeping the app open or have limitations.

    Send Later works for both iMessage (blue bubble) and SMS (green bubble) texts. Scheduled messages appear in the conversation with a small clock icon indicating they are pending.

    You can also edit or cancel a scheduled message before it sends — great if plans change.

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    Official Resources

    How-To GeekAARP Technology TipsTom's Guide — Tips

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    How to Schedule a Text Message to Send Later on iPhone — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure