How to schedule a text message

How to schedule a text message

Ah yes, the text message. Some may consider it our generation’s superpower. Others may lament how impersonal and casual a text feels. Both are valid opinions, but we can’t escape how essential this communication channel is to both our personal and professional lives.

Sometimes we don’t have the time–or capacity–for a voice call, so we look to texting as a direct way to reach someone. But sometimes it’s not as simple as drafting a SMS and hitting “send.”

There may be instances when you’d like to send a text message, but the timing isn’t quite right. Maybe it’s too early, a bit late in the evening, or it would make more sense to send something a few days from now. But waiting to send a text means you risk forgetting about it completely. 

What’s a person to do?! Let’s explore options for scheduling text messages on both iPhone and Android. 

Can you schedule a text on iPhone or Android?

Yes! Just like you can schedule emails and social media posts, you can either schedule a message or use a workaround on both Android and iOS. 

The method will vary depending on your mobile device, but this blog outlines a few ways to accomplish this (or come close) on both Android and iOS. And if you’re interested in sending scheduled messages to your customers, we include a section that explains the most efficient way to do so (and it doesn’t depend on your mobile phone). We'll show you exactly how to send a delayed text and how to send a text at a certain time.

How to schedule a text on iPhone

Can you schedule a text on iPhone? While there's no feature to schedule a text message directly from iMessage, there are a few ways to work around the limitation. Here's how to send a text at a certain time on iPhone.

Option 1: Use a Shortcuts automation

The Shortcuts app allows you to create various useful automations, including sending scheduled text messages. This option requires some maneuvering, but it’s free and comes preinstalled on devices running iOS 13 or later. If you have an earlier version of iOS, download the free Shortcuts app from the App Store before proceeding to step 1.

This method will set up a recurring message. Later, we’ll cover how to remove the automation when you want to cancel a recurring message.

Step 1. Open the Shortcuts app. If you can't find the app on your home screen, swipe down and enter “Shortcuts” in the search bar.

Step 2. Tap the Automations tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap Create Personal Automation if this is your first time creating an automation.

If you’ve created automations before, you’ll see your existing automations here and will need to tap the + sign in the upper-right corner. Then, tap Create Personal Automation.

Step 3. Create your automation. Select the Time of Day automation for a scheduled message. Then, set the time when you want to send your message.

Next, in the Repeat section, select Daily, Weekly, or Monthly, depending on the desired frequency. Then, select when you want to send the message (such as weekly on Mondays). For a one-time message, select Month, choose the date, then follow step 6 to remove the automation before it recurs. Finally, tap Next.

Step 4. Compose your message. Tap Add Action once you’ve created your automation, then select Send Message. Type your text in the Message field and choose the recipient. Then, tap Next.

Step 5. Review and finalize the automation. Check the date, time, recipient, and message to ensure everything is correct. Then, consider the Ask Before Running option. This is enabled by default, but you can tap the toggle to disable it if you want the automation to run automatically without requiring confirmation. Finally, tap Done to finalize the automation.

Step 6. Set a reminder to delete the automation. If you only need to send a one-time message or a recurring message for a limited period, set yourself a reminder to delete the automation when you no longer need it. When the time comes, open the Shortcuts app, navigate to the message automation, slide your finger to the left, and tap Delete. This will remove the automation.

Option 2: Use a third-party app

The App Store has plenty of third-party applications—like Scheduled or Text Delay—that you can use to schedule a text message. Some apps are free, and others will require a fee to access advanced features. A few options don’t actually send the text message you’ve scheduled—instead, you’ll get a notification to send the message yourself at the scheduled time.

Option 3: Use the iPhone Reminders app

If you’d rather not download anything new, consider using your iPhone’s preinstalled Reminders app as a workaround. The Reminders app won’t send your text message at a desired time, but it'll give you the option of composing your message in advance. Then, you can set a reminder to prompt you to manually send the message when desired.

Step 1. Open the Reminders app. Pull down on the home screen and enter “Reminders” in the search bar if the app isn’t visible on the home screen.

Step 2. Add a list. Tap on Add List in the lower-right corner. (Or to add the reminder to an existing list, tap on + New Reminder in the lower-left corner, title the reminder, and go to Step 5.)

Step 3. Enter your details. Title your list (such as "text messages") and choose a color.

Step 4. Add a reminder. Tap on + New Reminder in the lower-left corner and title your reminder (such as "text Zach").

Step 5. Choose a time and date to send, and compose your text. Tap the details icon to the right of the label (the “i” enclosed in a circle) to include a date and time to receive your notification. If you’d like to create your text so that you don’t have to do it later, enter it in the Notes section. Tap Done. Or if you just want a general reminder to send a text, tap on the calendar icon that appears above the keyboard (it features a clock icon) and choose to send the reminder to yourself today, tomorrow, or over the weekend.

Step 6. Copy and paste the text into iMessage when you get your reminder. Open your reminder when it pops up at the scheduled time and follow these steps:

• Open the reminder details.

• Double tap the note—a highlight will appear.

• Drag the highlight to select the entire message.

• Tap Share.

• Choose your recipient from the pop-up options and paste the selected text into the blank field. Alternatively, tap on the messages icon, add your recipient, and double tap to paste the selected text into the blank field.

How to schedule a text on Android

So far, this guide has explained how to schedule texts on iPhone, but Android users may be asking, can you schedule a text on Android? The answer is yes. Android users have a few options to send a scheduled text message. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel device owners have the fewest steps, while others will need to use a work-around method or download a third-party app. Here's how to send a delayed text on Android using four different methods.

Option 1: Use the Samsung Galaxy Messages app

If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can schedule a text message using the default Messages app. Here's how to schedule a text message on Samsung devices:

Step 1. Open Messages. Swipe up on the home screen and enter “Messages” in the search bar if the app isn’t visible.

Step 2. Compose your message. Tap Compose in the lower-right corner, then select your recipient and write your text.

Step 3. Schedule the message. Tap + or the arrow on the left side.

Step 4. Set a time and date. Tap the schedule message icon and enter a date and time up to a year from the current date.

Option 2: Use the Messages by Google app

If you're not on a Samsung Galaxy, there are other ways to schedule a text message on Android. Messages by Google is the default texting app on some Android devices, like the Google Pixel and certain Samsung phones, and it has native text message scheduling. If not preinstalled on your device, you can download Messages by Google for free from Google Play and set it as your default texting app. Then, move on to step 1.

Step 1. Open the Messages by Google app. Swipe up on the home screen and enter “Messages” in the search bar if the app isn’t visible.

Step 2. Compose the message. Select an existing text conversation or tap Start chat to begin a new one, then select the recipient and type your message.

Step 3. Schedule the message. Tap and hold the Send arrow until the Schedule send menu appears. Choose from the suggested send times or select Pick date and time to manually select when you want to send your message. If you’re scheduling a text manually, use the calendar to select the date, then tap Next. Use the clock to select the time, then tap Next.

Step 4. Finalize the send. Confirm that the date and time in the preview window are correct, then tap Save. Finally, tap Send to schedule your message.

Option 3: Use your Google Calendar app

This option is a workaround to schedule a text message that serves more as a reminder with the option to write the text ahead of time. The steps below are for Google Calendar since it’s the default calendar app on every Android phone, but other calendar apps offer similar functionality.

Step 1. Open the Calendar app. Swipe up on the home screen and enter “Calendar” in the search bar to access the app.

Step 2. Create a new event. Tap + (Create), then tap Event.

Step 3. Choose a date and time to send and compose your text. Swipe up to edit the event details. Add a title (such as "text mom"), include the date and time you’d like to send the text, and enter your text message in the Notes section. Then, set the time for a notification reminder. You may want to set the notification to a minute before the event so that it’s as close as possible to the time you want to send it.

Step 4. Receive your reminder, then copy and paste the text to your recipient. Open the event when you get your reminder notification and follow these steps:

• Open the event notes.

• Select the text and copy it.

• Open your default text message app.

• Choose your recipient and paste the selected text into the text field.

Option 4: Use a third-party app

If you’re open to downloading an app, you can use a third-party messaging app that comes with a scheduling feature. A few popular, well-reviewed apps are Pulse SMS and Textra SMS. Keep in mind that some apps display advertisements, and others will require a fee to access advanced features.

When to schedule a text message to customers

Using texting software to send automated text messages is a time saver and can be helpful in the following scenarios: 

• Marketing campaigns: Preplanning is a must when it comes to marketing campaigns. Schedule timely messages to let customers know about upcoming sales or special events.

• Deadline alerts: Sometimes customers need a little nudge. Prompt them to remember registration deadlines, sign digital documents, and more.

• Appointment reminders: Missed appointments waste time and hurt revenue. By scheduling a reminder the moment you set the appointment, you'll spare yourself the need to remember to do it as the appointment approaches. 

• Billing date reminders: Some customers prefer a notification when you charge their credit card or when they need to make a payment. A text message ensures they’ll see the message right away.

• Follow-up with prospects: Building a relationship with prospects is an essential sales strategy. Stay in touch by scheduling a few follow-up texts throughout the sales cycle.

How to schedule a text message with Twilio

Want an efficient way to schedule messages to customers? Try Twilio Message Scheduling. This feature enables you to schedule an SMS, MMS, or WhatsApp message for a fixed time in the future.

Or sign up for a free Twilio account (no credit card required) to set up SMS for your business and start sending texts in under five minutes.

Are you looking to expand the reach of your social impact organization beyond scheduling text messages? Twilio.org can help you expand its reach and scale its mission. With Twilio, you can build your first application and start engaging your audience at no cost with product credits from the Impact Access Program. Learn more about eligibility and how to start your benefits today.

Text scheduling FAQs