You can schedule text messages on iPhone using the Messages app, but only if you have iOS 16 or later

Apple added scheduled messaging to iPhones in iOS 16, released in September 2022. If your phone runs that version or newer, you can write a text message, then choose when it sends — anywhere from a few minutes to days ahead. The message stays in your Drafts folder until the scheduled time arrives, then sends automatically.

If your iPhone runs iOS 15 or earlier, this feature is not available. You would need to either upgrade your phone's operating system or use a third-party app from the App Store, though those apps have limitations and may not work as reliably as Apple's built-in feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Scheduled messages require iOS 16 or later; check Settings > General > About to see your current version.
  • You write the message normally, then press and hold the send button to see scheduling options.
  • Messages stay in Drafts until they send at the time you chose, and you can edit or delete them before they go out.
  • Scheduled messages only work when you send them to individual contacts or group chats, not to business accounts or iMessage group threads with certain settings.

Check your iOS version before you start

Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says "Software Version" — that number tells you which iOS version you have. If it says 16.0 or higher, you can schedule messages. If it says 15.9 or lower, you cannot use this feature without upgrading.

To upgrade, go back to Settings, tap General again, then tap Software Update. Your phone will check for the latest version available. If an update is ready, tap Download and Install. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and how much storage your phone has free.

How to schedule a text message step by step

Open the Messages app and either start a new conversation or open an existing one. Type your message in the text field at the bottom of the screen, the same way you normally would.

Instead of tapping the send button (the arrow icon), press and hold it. A menu will appear with options including "Send Now," "Send in 1 Hour," "Send Tonight," "Send Tomorrow," and "Send at a Specific Time." Tap whichever option matches when you want the message to go out.

If you choose "Send at a Specific Time," a date and time picker will appear. Scroll to set the exact date and time you want, then tap Send. The message moves to your Drafts folder and will send automatically at that time.

What happens to scheduled messages before they send

Your scheduled message sits in the Drafts section of that conversation until the scheduled time arrives. You can see it there with a small clock icon next to it. If you change your mind, you can tap the message and either edit it or delete it entirely — it will not send if you delete it.

The message will only send if your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or cellular data) at the scheduled time. If your phone is off or in airplane mode when the time comes, the message will send as soon as your phone reconnects to the internet.

Limitations and situations where scheduling does not work

Scheduled messages work with regular text messages (SMS) and iMessages to other iPhone users. However, they do not work when you are sending to a business account that uses a special messaging service, or in some group chats with specific privacy settings enabled.

If you try to schedule a message in a conversation where it is not supported, the press-and-hold menu will not show scheduling options — you will only see "Send Now." In that case, you can only send the message immediately.

Why a message might not send at the scheduled time

The most common reason is that your phone lost internet connection. Scheduled messages need either Wi-Fi or cellular data to send. If your phone was in airplane mode or completely offline at the scheduled time, the message will wait until you reconnect.

Another reason is that you deleted the message from Drafts before it sent, either intentionally or by accident. Once deleted, it will not send. If you are not sure whether a message sent, open the conversation and look for it in the message thread — if it is there with a timestamp, it went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a message to send at 3 AM?

Yes. When you choose "Send at a Specific Time," you can set any date and time you want, including times in the middle of the night. Your phone will send it at exactly that time if it is connected to the internet.

What if I schedule a message but then turn off my phone?

The message will not send at the scheduled time. When you turn your phone back on and it reconnects to the internet, the message will send then. If you want to prevent that, delete the message from Drafts before turning the phone off.

Can I schedule messages to multiple people at once?

No. You schedule each message individually in each conversation. If you want to send the same message to multiple people at the same time, you would need to schedule it separately in each chat.

Do scheduled messages work with group chats?

Usually yes, but not always. Standard group iMessage chats support scheduling, but some group chats with special settings or business accounts do not. Try pressing and holding the send button — if scheduling options appear, it will work in that chat.