Can You Schedule a Text on iPhone? A Complete Guide

Introduction

Have you ever missed sending an important text message because you were caught up with some other task? Have you ever wished you could schedule a text message on iPhone? Scheduling texts on iPhone is an essential feature that helps you to automate SMS messaging and save time. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using scheduled text messages, how to schedule a text on iPhone using step-by-step guidance, a comparison of popular apps that allow you to schedule texts, using Siri, limitations of scheduling texts, and do’s and don’ts of scheduling texts on an iPhone.

Why Schedule Texts?

Scheduled texts on iPhone have many benefits. Here are some of the reasons why we think you should try them:

• Efficiency in communication: Scheduled texts allow you to communicate more efficiently, especially when you have a busy schedule. You can draft your text messages when you have free time, and schedule them to go out when you know it is the right time for the recipient to receive it.
• Time-management and productivity: If you have a lot of people to message, scheduling text messages can help ensure that you don’t forget. This saves time and lets you concentrate on other tasks.
• Manage Social Etiquette: Scheduled texts can also help you to manage social etiquette. You can pre-schedule birthday messages or event reminders, so you don’t forget to send them on the day.
• Personal Benefits: For personal purposes, you can also use scheduled texts to send messages to yourself for a reminder or task list. You may also use it for journaling or starting a habit-forming routine.

How to Schedule Texts on iPhone

Apple’s native Messages app allows you to schedule texts in a few easy steps.

A. Step-by-step guide (with screenshots) using the stock Messages app:

1. Open the ‘Messages’ app on your iPhone and create a new message.
2. Type the message you want to send and tap and hold the send button until the contextual menu appears.
3. Select “Schedule Message” from the options.
4. Choose the date and time from the drop-down calendar.
5. Touch ‘Send’ and your message will be scheduled.

B. Common workarounds to scheduling texts, and their pros and cons:

Although the native Messages app is the easiest way to schedule text messages on iPhone, some users are looking for alternatives. One workaround is to use the ‘Shortcuts’ app on your iPhone. It allows you to create a shortcut to send scheduled text messages. While creating a shortcut may take some time, it is helpful for frequent texting.

The other option is to use a third-party app, such as ‘Scheduled’, ‘Textra’, or ‘Do it Later’. These apps give you more control and customization options for your scheduled messages. However, compared to the native app, they may have some downsides like fees or compatibility issues with the latest version of iOS.

Comparison of Popular Apps

Here is a brief overview of some popular apps that allow you to schedule texts and their comparison:

App Name	Features	Pros	Cons
Scheduled	Message templates, SMS automation, message backup, and restore.	User-friendly, intuitive interface, and reliable.	High subscription fees and a limited free option. Availability of features depends on subscription type.
Textra	Customization, scheduling, delayed sending, and SMS backup.	Easy to use, stable and reliable.	Some features are paid only. Some users may find the interface overwhelming and complicated.
Do It Later	SMS scheduler, automatic resending, personalized sender.	Simple interface, customizable messages, and location-based scheduling.	Ads are shown, and some features need translation, no backup option.

After reviewing these apps, we suggest using Scheduled because of its user-friendly interface, rich features, customization options, the availability of message templates, cloud backup, and restore options. Compared to the other apps, the subscription fees are a bit higher, but it is worth it for the premium features it provides.

Using Siri to Schedule Texts on iPhone

Siri is a built-in feature of iOS that allows you to schedule text messages easily. You can activate Siri by using the “Hey Siri” command or long-pressing the home button on your iPhone. Here’s how to activate Siri for scheduling texts:

A. How to use Siri to schedule texts on iPhone:

1. Activate Siri on your iPhone by saying “Hey Siri” or long-pressing the home button.
2. Ask Siri to “Send a message” to a specific person with the content of your message.
3. Siri will ask the time and date for the message to be sent, set them up.
4. Siri will ask for confirmation before scheduling the message, say ‘Yes’ to send and schedule the message.
5. Your message will be scheduled and sent at the specified time.

B. Benefits and drawbacks:

Siri is helpful when your hands are busy, or it can be a faster way to schedule messages compared to the previous method. However, the reliability of Siri’s voice recognition system is not always perfect so sometimes the wrong message may be sent. Also, due to background noise or low volume, Siri may not work when you need it. Finally, Siri is not a good option for people who prioritize privacy, since it may listen to your conversations and store your data – although, some privacy features are available in the Settings menu.

Using Third-Party Keyboard Apps to Schedule Texts on iPhone

Third-party keyboard apps are alternative keyboards that allow users to type in a different way, offer a vast range of additional functionality, one of which is scheduling text messages. Here is how to use third-party keyboard apps:

A. Explanation of what third-party keyboard apps are:

Third-party keyboard apps are alternative keyboards that can be installed from the App Store, which you can use instead of the default iOS keyboard. They offer various additional functionalities, customizations, and themes. These apps work by detecting when you’re writing a message or composing an email – then they activate, giving you more options than the default keyboard.

B. How to install and use third-party keyboard apps for scheduling texts:

1. Install a third-party keyboard app such as Gboard or SwiftKey from the App Store.
2. Go to the Settings app and select ‘General’ > ‘Keyboard’ > ‘Add New Keyboard’.
3. Select the third-party keyboard you’ve installed and grant the necessary permissions.
4. Open the messaging app and start composing your text message.
5. Tap on the third-party keyboard icon to activate it, and you can now schedule your text message.

C. Best third-party keyboard apps to use and their features:

The most recommended third-party keyboard apps to use for scheduling texts are Gboard and SwiftKey. Gboard has a user-friendly interface, and the Auto Correct feature ensures that you type accurately. In contrast, SwiftKey has AI-powered predictive text which makes texting and writing more comfortable and faster.

The downside to third-party keyboard apps is that they may not be compatible with some apps, and the keyboard may not be as stable as the native keyboard, which can sometimes lead to crashes or long screen delays.

Limitations of Scheduling Texts on iPhone

Scheduling texts on iPhone is excellent, but there are some limitations you should be aware of:

• The need to have an unlocked iPhone: A locked iPhone makes scheduling text messages impossible. Ensure your phone is unlocked, or you know the unlock code.
• The problem of network availability: To send a scheduled message, you need network access. If you’re in an area with no coverage and your scheduled message is due to go out – there’s a chance the message will not be sent.

If you face these limitations, a different method like sending an email or using a voice mail message may be a better option.

Do’s and Don’ts of Scheduling Texts on iPhone

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to follow when scheduling text messages:

• Do choose appropriate timing for scheduling Texts: Ensure your message doesn’t come across as needy or out of place by choosing the best timing based on the recipient’s availability and interest.
• Don’t forget to personalize the message to the intended recipient: Avoid misunderstanding or offense by tailoring the message to the recipient’s taste, interests, and understanding.
• Do be mindful of the message content: Be concise, clear, and avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion, or past events.
• Don’t use scheduled text messages as a substitute for face-to-face communication: As much as scheduling text messages on iPhone is beneficial, it should not replace meaningful conversations or critical discussions with people.

Conclusion

Scheduling text messages on iPhone is a useful feature that can help you save time, manage your communications better, and improve social etiquette. This article outlines the easy steps on how to use the native Messages app, various workarounds, third-party keyboard apps, and voice automation like Siri to schedule your SMS messages. There are a few limitations associated with scheduling text messages, but following our Do’s and Don’ts can help you avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. By using an ideal app like Scheduled, you can enjoy features such as message templates, cloud backup, and restore. We hope this guide helps you improve your texting experience and make scheduling texts stress-free.