Note (October 2026): Since iOS 18, the iPhone Messages app has a built-in Send Later option for iMessage, and the two apps reviewed below, Delayd and Text Timer, no longer appear in a search of the US App Store.
To schedule a text message on iPhone, open a conversation in the Messages app, tap the plus (+) button, tap Send Later, pick a time, type the message and tap Send. According to Apple, this works for iMessage on iOS 18 or later and lets you schedule a message up to 14 days ahead. No jailbreak or paid app is needed.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone Messages app has a built-in Send Later option on iOS 18 and later; Apple says it works only for iMessage.
- Scheduled messages can be set up to 14 days in advance and edited, rescheduled, sent early or deleted before delivery.
- Apple says a scheduled message is delivered even if all your devices are offline, and the recipient will not know it was scheduled.
- For SMS or recurring texts, a Shortcuts automation with a Time of Day trigger or a third-party scheduler app is the alternative.
- Delayd and Text Timer, the apps reviewed in the original 2016 article, could not be found in the US App Store in October 2026.
Schedule text messages on iPhone without any jailbreak. Timing matters: a birthday wish, a reminder or a congratulations often lands best at one particular moment. If yes then don’t you think even a text message or simply say a SMS also should have a best time to be sent.
Sometimes we often tend to forget sending a message within the time frame and when we remember about it. We know that we are late. In this case don’t you think having a feature that allow us to schedule a message for a particular time can be of great help? Yes, this is possible, and since iOS 18 the iPhone can do it without any extra app.
Schedule Text Messages on iPhone Without any Jailbreak
There are several applications as well as tricks available for the jailbreak iPhone users. When this article was first written in 2016, it was hard to find a way to schedule text messages on an iPhone without a jailbreak. Because Apple has placed number of restrictions in case of third party applications. But we have a good news for the iPhone users. As now they can schedule text messages and send the scheduled message automatically in the specified time without need to jailbreak their iPhone.
Applications allowing to schedule text messages
Let us have a quick look over two amazing applications. Which can help iPhone users to schedule text messages and send them in the specified time automatically without facing any kind of complications.
Best iPhone SMS Scheduler App to Schedule Text Messages
Delayd
You may find number of applications in the app store claiming to provide you with the features allowing you to send messages in the specified time. However they fail too. Delayd was one of the better-known scheduling apps when this article was first published in 2016. As of October 2026, a search of the US App Store no longer returns this messaging app; the only app listed under the name Delayd is an unrelated flight-delay rewards app. Its main selling point was that it sent messages automatically. As the name itself specifies that the text message is delayd for the future.
Download Delayd (no longer listed on the US App Store as of October 2026)
How is Delayd different from other applications? This might be one question popping in your mind.
If you have tried other apps you might have noticed that when you have specified particular time for a text message to be sent. A particular pop up flashes on your handset at the specified time asking for a confirmation in order to send the message. You manually need to confirm it followed by dispatching the same.
Don’t you think this might be irritating. Sometimes when a message is scheduled to be sent in the mid night. Think about it that you need to wake up, confirm and dispatch. No it isn’t working and in this case Delayd is one application which should work for you. As it sends the messages automatically in the scheduled time.
The usage of the application is very simple. You just need to type your message. Schedule your preferred time and date (it can be adjusted by 15 minutes), click on the schedule button. You are good to go. You will be notified once your message is delivered.
Other features:
Apart from this, Delayd offered a couple of other features when it was available.
Do you want a particular message to be recurred? If yes then it is possible using delayd app. As it provides a feature allowing message to be recurred on different intervals of time. Delayd clearly showcases the Schedules, sent and the recurring options on the main screen of your handset in order to display what exactly is going on in your application.
Apart from scheduling text messages. You can also schedule automatic sending of Facebook updates, emails and also tweets on the twitter. Don’t you think it is pretty cool application where you can schedule anything and forget about it and move on with other important stuffs.
As earlier in the post I mentioned that Apple has put several restrictions to the third party applications and in the case of Delayd there is small restriction. The application uses their own servers in order to deliver your scheduled emails and text messages due to which recipient cannot directly reply to your messages or the emails as they cannot view your original number.
However you can include your contact number or your email ID. So that they can understand from where and whom they have received the message or the mail. As the application uses their own servers you need to pay for the credits and the pricing is as follows. When this article was first published in 2016, it listed the price as $0.99 for 50 credits and $3.99 for 500 credits; these historical prices no longer apply because the app is no longer listed. Apart from this application will provide you with 50 free credits for the first time users who download the application for the first time without any charge.
Text Timer
Apart from Delayd there is one of application which allows you to schedule text messages. Text timer is doesn’t allow scheduling of social media posts like Facebook post updates and tweets for twitter. It’s only allows scheduling of text messages. Text timer is user friendly as you just need to click on the compose button followed by choosing the date and time of the message you desire to send along with choosing the recipient whom you want to send the message and at last type your message.
Download Text Timer (no app by this name appeared in a US App Store search in October 2026)
Text Timer was neat, easy to use and free of cost when this article was first written. In this you need not pay for the credits unlike delayd in order to continue using the text timer to schedule your text messages.
Today, the free option to try first is the built-in Send Later feature in the Messages app, explained below, which needs no extra app or credits for iMessage conversations.
One can opt for Delayd text message scheduler. If they wish to schedule text messages and social media posts or else one can opt for text timer. If they only wish to schedule text messages. Neither app appeared in a US App Store search in October 2026, so the built-in option and the alternatives below are the practical choices now.
Schedule Text Messages on Whatsapp
How to Use PayPal Securely on iPhone
Make a good choice followed by making the most use of the application and also do not forget to share your experience with us. And if you have any issues related to the applications or you have any better alternatives. Please let us know so that we can share your ideas with our readers.
Stay tuned stay updated. 🙂
How to Schedule a Text Message on iPhone With Send Later
Send Later is the built-in way to schedule a text message on iPhone. Apple’s iPhone User Guide says it requires iMessage with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, visionOS 2 or later, and that a message can be scheduled up to 14 days into the future.
- Open the Messages app and go to the conversation, or start a new one.
- Tap the plus (+) button, then tap Send Later.
- Tap the time to open the scheduler and choose when the message should go out. The text field border turns into a dashed line and the send time appears with the message.
- Type the message, then tap the Send button.
The message stays in the conversation with a dashed outline until it is sent. According to Apple, scheduled messages are encrypted and stored on Apple servers only until they are sent, and they are delivered even if all your devices are offline. Once sent, the bubble turns a solid color.
How do you edit, reschedule or cancel a scheduled iMessage?
A scheduled iMessage can be changed at any time before its delivery time. Scheduled messages may appear below sent messages, so scroll to the bottom of the conversation first. Apple lists these options:
- Edit: touch and hold the message bubble, tap Edit, make changes and confirm.
- Reschedule: tap Edit beside the date above the scheduled message, tap Edit Time and choose a new time.
- Send now: tap Edit beside the date, then tap Send Message.
- Cancel: touch and hold the message bubble, then tap Delete. Apple says a message deleted before its scheduled time is not delivered.
You need to be online to reschedule, edit or delete a scheduled message. The recipient can use any device and will not know the message was scheduled.
How to Schedule SMS Messages With a Shortcuts Automation
A Shortcuts automation is the built-in workaround for regular SMS texts or for messages that repeat on a schedule, because Apple’s Send Later option is limited to iMessage. Apple’s Shortcuts User Guide describes automations that run when a trigger fires, such as a specific time of day.
- Open the Shortcuts app and create an automation (or add an automation trigger to a shortcut, depending on your iOS version).
- Choose the Time of Day trigger and pick the time and how often it repeats: daily, weekly on selected days, or monthly on a selected day.
- Add a Send Message action with the text and the recipient.
- If you want it to send without a tap, turn on the setting that lets the automation run without asking.
Apple lists Time of Day among the triggers that can run automatically, but notes that individual actions may also need to be set to run automatically. Menu names have changed between iOS versions, so the exact wording on your iPhone may differ. Test the automation with a message to yourself before relying on it.
Third-Party Apps to Schedule Texts on iPhone
Third-party apps are useful if you need scheduling for SMS, WhatsApp or business reminders. The apps below were listed on the US App Store in October 2026; their descriptions come from their App Store listings, and features and prices can change.
- Scheduled – Send text later: its listing says it can schedule messages for iMessage, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Line and email, with iMessage, SMS and email auto-sent through iOS Shortcuts and other messengers handled by a reminder to send. It also offers recurring messages.
- Reminderbase: Scheduled Text: its listing describes scheduled text and email reminders from a personal or custom phone number, one-off or recurring, for personal and business use.
- Text Delay – Schedule SMS: still listed, but its last update was in April 2022. The listing describes an add-on service, Text Delay Plus, that sends texts automatically.
Before using any scheduler, check what it can access. Some services send messages through their own systems, as Delayd did, which means your message text passes through a third party. Our guide to enhancing iPhone security covers settings worth reviewing.
Send Later vs. Shortcuts vs. Scheduler Apps
| Method | Works with | Timing | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messages Send Later | iMessage on iOS 18 or later | Up to 14 days ahead | Free, built in | One-off iMessages |
| Shortcuts automation | Send Message action, including SMS | Specific time; daily, weekly or monthly repeats | Free, built in | Recurring texts |
| Third-party apps | Varies by app (SMS, WhatsApp, email) | Varies by app | Varies; check the listing | Other messengers, business reminders |
Common Problems When Scheduling Texts on iPhone
- No Send Later option: check that the iPhone runs iOS 18 or later and that the conversation uses iMessage. Apple’s guide says iMessage is required.
- Message not found: scheduled messages may sit below the sent messages, so scroll to the bottom of the conversation.
- Cannot change a scheduled message: you need to be online to edit, reschedule or delete it.
- Automation did not send: confirm the automation is allowed to run without asking and that its actions are set to run automatically. Restrictions set on the phone can also block features; see how to turn off restrictions on an iPhone.
For businesses that need to schedule texts to many customers, consumer apps are rarely the right tool. Our guide on how to set up SMS marketing for business covers dedicated platforms. If you are switching phones, see how to transfer contacts from Android to iPhone so scheduled messages reach the right numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you schedule a text on iPhone without an app?
Yes. On iOS 18 and later, the Messages app has a built-in Send Later option: tap the plus (+) button in a conversation, tap Send Later, choose a time and send. Apple says it works for iMessage and up to 14 days ahead.
How far in advance can you schedule an iMessage?
According to Apple’s iPhone User Guide, a message can be scheduled up to 14 days into the future. For anything further ahead, a Shortcuts automation or a scheduler app is needed.
Can you schedule a green-bubble SMS text on iPhone?
Not with Send Later, because Apple’s guide says you must be using iMessage. A Shortcuts automation with a Time of Day trigger and a Send Message action, or a third-party scheduler app, can be used instead.
Will the recipient know a message was scheduled?
No. Apple says the recipient can use any device and will not know the message was scheduled.
Does a scheduled message send if my iPhone is off?
Apple says a message scheduled with Send Later is delivered even if all your devices are offline, because it is stored encrypted on Apple servers until it is sent. You do need to be online to edit, reschedule or delete it.
How do I cancel a scheduled text on iPhone?
Touch and hold the scheduled message bubble in the conversation, then tap Delete. Apple says a message deleted before its scheduled time is canceled and not delivered.
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