Have you ever wished you could write a text message now and have it sent later? Maybe you want to send a birthday message right at midnight, or remind someone about an appointment without the fear of forgetting. Well, good news! If you have an iPhone, scheduling text messages is not just a wish anymore; it’s a possibility. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll need to use the Shortcuts app that comes pre-installed on your iPhone. By creating a personal automation, you can set a specific date and time for your message to be sent.
Step by Step Tutorial on Scheduling Text Messages on Your iPhone
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what you’ll achieve. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a scheduled text message that will be sent automatically at the time you’ve specified. No more last-minute scrambling to send out messages!
Step 1: Open the Shortcuts App
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
The Shortcuts app is a powerful tool that comes pre-installed on your iPhone. It allows you to automate a wide range of tasks. If you’ve never opened it before, don’t fret! It’s user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Step 2: Create a Personal Automation
Tap the “Automation” tab at the bottom, then tap the plus “+” button, and select “Create Personal Automation.”
In this step, you’re setting up the foundation of your scheduled text message. Think of it as setting an alarm clock, but instead of waking you up, it’s sending a message on your behalf.
Step 3: Choose the Time and Date
Select the “Time of Day” option to schedule when you want the message to be sent, and set the specific time and date.
This step is crucial because it determines when your message will be sent. Be sure to double-check the AM/PM settings and the date so that your message goes out at the right time.
Step 4: Add the Text Message Action
Tap “Add Action,” then search for “Send Message” and select it. Type your message and fill in the recipient’s contact information.
Here’s where you craft your actual message. Type out whatever you want to say, and be sure to add the correct recipient. You wouldn’t want your sweet “Happy Birthday” text accidentally going to your boss instead of your friend.
Step 5: Turn off ‘Ask Before Running’
Toggle off the “Ask Before Running” option and confirm by tapping “Don’t Ask.”
By default, Shortcuts wants to make sure you’re certain about automating tasks, which is why this option is turned on. However, for your message to be sent automatically, you need to disable this.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your text message is all set to be sent at the date and time you’ve chosen. It’s like having your own personal assistant tucked away in your iPhone.
Tips on Scheduling Text Messages on Your iPhone
- Make sure your iPhone is charged and turned on at the scheduled time, or the message won’t be sent.
- Check and double-check the time and date you’ve set to avoid any mix-ups.
- Remember that the recipient’s phone number must be correctly entered into the contact field.
- Use the scheduling feature responsibly—don’t spam friends or family with scheduled messages.
- Keep in mind that this automation works best for one-time scheduled messages rather than recurring ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a text message to be sent to a group chat?
Yes, you can schedule messages for group chats by adding all the recipients in the action step.
Will scheduled text messages be sent if my iPhone is in Do Not Disturb mode?
Yes, the message will still be sent even if your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode since the automation runs in the background.
Is it possible to cancel a scheduled text message?
Yes, you can cancel the scheduled message by going to the “Automation” tab in the Shortcuts app and deleting the automation.
Can I see a history of scheduled text messages I’ve sent?
The Shortcuts app does not keep a history, but the messages will appear in your Messages app just like any other text.
Can scheduled text messages be sent if my iPhone is off or without cellular service?
No, your iPhone must be turned on and have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection for the message to be sent.
Summary
- Open the Shortcuts App
- Create a Personal Automation
- Choose the Time and Date
- Add the Text Message Action
- Turn off ‘Ask Before Running’
Conclusion
Scheduling text messages on your iPhone can be a game-changer for staying on top of communication without the stress of remembering to send messages at the right moment. Whether it’s for business or personal use, this feature can help you plan ahead and ensure that you always stay connected with those who matter most. While the process might seem daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So why not give it a try? Set up your first scheduled text message today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your message will be delivered exactly when you want it to be.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.