My iPhone has been keeping secrets from me. In a TikTok video posted in December 2021, tech expert Frank McShan [1] explained exactly how to use your iPhone's Shortcuts feature to schedule text messages [2]. After playing around with all the new texting and scheduling possibilities, I'm convinced this hack is about to change my life. Much like the time I realized the Apple logo on the back of my iPhone [3] is touch-sensitive, I basically transformed into a human Math Lady meme when I found out how much the Shortcuts Automations feature can do.
In addition to scheduling texts to send out whenever you want to anyone in your contacts list, the Actions section also allows you to schedule emails, track how long your commute is, preplan posts on apps like Twitter, open apps at a designated time, and even program songs to play in specific scenarios. Want to send your crush a "good morning" text, remind your friend not to forget their sunglasses before they head to the park, or play "ABCDEFU [4]" every time you open Instagram to scroll through your ex's account? Done.
See how to schedule texts and a lot more ahead.
Open the "Shortcuts" App on Your iPhone
On the Bottom Menu Bar, Select the "Automation" Tab
Select "Time of Day" at the Top of the New Page
Select the Time (and Frequency) You Want to Schedule Your Text For
From the List of Actions, Select "Send Message"
Type Out the Text You'd Like to Send and the Person You're Sending It To
Double-Check That the Time and Message Are Correct and Hit "Done"
To Schedule More Than 1 Text, Go Back to Step 7 and Repeat the Process
Similar to Calendar Reminders, You Can Also Schedule Texts to Repeat a Certain Number of Times
Instead of Sending a Text, You Can Also Send Instagram Messages and More
From the "Actions" tab in step six, you can also schedule phone calls, set alarms, play music, automatically set your phone to low-power mode, switch the volume, go into sleep mode, and preprogram just about any function your phone has. You can even schedule apps to open at specific times, preplan emails, and basically plan out your entire week and beyond.
And if you ever want to permanently shut down a shortcut, all you have to do is swipe left and delete it from the Automation tab. Until then, we'll be happily using our new phone powers to schedule virtual weekend brunch dates, set reminders about chores, surprise our friends, and make life a little bit easier.