To schedule a text message on your phone, use the built-in tools in Google Messages for Android or Apple Messages for iPhone, no third-party app required. Both methods let you write a message now and choose an exact future time for it to be sent automatically.
How to schedule a text message on Android
Google Messages, the default texting app on many Android phones, includes a built-in scheduler that works with SMS, MMS, and RCS chats. The feature is available on devices running Android 7.0 and higher. Google Messages scheduling feature is fairly new in Android systems. Google Messages schedule feature works with SMS, MMS, and Chats.
- Open the Messages app.
- Open a conversation.
- Enter your message.
- Touch and hold the Send button.
- Choose one of the suggested send times, or tap Pick date and time.
- After selecting a custom date, a clock opens for time selection.
- Tap Next.
- Tap Send.
If your phone is offline at the scheduled time, the message is sent when the device reconnects. To edit, send immediately, or delete a scheduled message, open the conversation and tap Schedule next to the message.
Samsung Messages: Tap the + icon, choose Schedule Message, set date/time, tap Done, compose message, tap Send; delete by choosing message and tapping Delete.
Pulse SMS: Long press Send, confirm schedule, pick date/time, tap Save; edit by long-pressing the message. Pulse SMS features end-to-end encryption, easy connection, and customization options.
Textra SMS: Tap the + icon beside the message field, choose the clock icon, pick date/time, tap Send.
How to schedule a text message on iPhone
Apple Messages includes a Send Later feature that lets you schedule a text directly within the app. Note that the available documentation does not list specific model requirements, recurring send options, message-length limits, or carrier restrictions.
- Go to the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Open an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Tap +, then tap Send Later.
- Tap the time to open the scheduler, then choose when you want the message sent.
- Enter your message, then tap Send.
This feature works with both iMessage and standard SMS, and it integrates with your existing text messaging and T-Mobile text settings without requiring any additional configuration.
Scheduled App: Select recipient, choose iMessage/SMS or WhatsApp, compose, tap Schedule Date, pick date/time, tap Schedule Message.
Telegram: Long-press Send button, use in-app scheduler, pick date/time, tap Send. Telegram features end-to-end messaging encryption.
GO SMS Pro: Tap the + icon beside the message field, select Scheduled, pick date/time, hit Send.
Takeaway
Both major mobile platforms now provide free, built-in methods to schedule text messages. Google Messages supports Android 7.0 and newer, while Apple Messages offers Send Later directly on iPhone. No third-party apps are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a recurring text message?
Neither Google Messages nor Apple Messages currently supports recurring scheduled messages. You must set each scheduled send individually.
Does scheduling a text work if my phone is turned off at the scheduled time?
On Android, if the phone is offline when the message is due, it will send as soon as the device reconnects. On iPhone, the message will send once the device is back online and connected to the network.
Can I schedule a text message to someone not in my contacts?
Yes. In both Google Messages and Apple Messages, you can start a new conversation with any phone number and schedule the message following the same steps.
Will a scheduled message still send if I delete the conversation thread?
No. Deleting a conversation that contains a scheduled message will cancel the send. On Android, you must open the conversation and tap Schedule to delete the scheduled message first.
Does the scheduled send feature work with group messages?
Yes. You can schedule a text to a group conversation in both Google Messages and Apple Messages using the same steps described for individual conversations.
For the wider topic, see text messaging and T-Mobile texts.
