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How to Automate Sending an SMS Every Month on iOS

Automating monthly SMS messages on iOS presents a unique challenge. Apple’s iOS, renowned for its robust security and privacy features, deliberately restricts background processes and direct access to SMS functionalities for third-party apps. Therefore, there is no direct, built-in method within iOS to completely automate sending SMS messages on a recurring monthly basis without user interaction. However, you can achieve similar results through creative workarounds and by leveraging available tools.

The most viable approach involves a combination of using the Reminders app with time-based notifications, coupled with Shortcuts automation to pre-populate an SMS with the desired content. This, however, still necessitates the user tapping “send,” meaning it’s semi-automated rather than fully automated. Let’s break it down:

Reminders App: Set up a recurring monthly reminder on the specific day and time you want to send your SMS.
Shortcuts App: Create a shortcut that, when triggered, opens the Messages app with the recipient pre-filled and the message body pre-populated.
Automation: Use the “When Reminder is Triggered” automation within the Shortcuts app to run your newly created shortcut.

This approach is the closest you can get to automating SMS sending on iOS without relying on jailbreaking or non-approved methods. While it requires minimal user interaction (just tapping “send”), it maintains the security principles Apple prioritizes.

Understanding the Limitations

Before diving into workarounds, it’s crucial to understand why direct automation is not possible:

Privacy Concerns: Allowing apps to send SMS messages automatically in the background would be a significant privacy risk. Malicious apps could potentially send spam or engage in fraudulent activities without the user’s explicit consent.
Security Considerations: Automated SMS sending could be exploited to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) or other security measures.
Apple’s Design Philosophy: Apple emphasizes user control and transparency. Automating SMS sending without explicit user interaction contradicts this philosophy.

Setting Up the Semi-Automated Solution

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to implement the workaround using Reminders and Shortcuts:

Step 1: Create a Recurring Monthly Reminder

Open the Reminders app on your iPhone.
Create a new reminder.
Enter a descriptive title, such as “Send Monthly SMS.”
Tap the “i” icon next to the reminder.
Enable the “Remind me on a day” option.
Set the date for the day of the month you want to send the SMS.
Enable the “Remind me at a time” option and set the desired time.
Tap “Repeat” and choose “Monthly”.
Adjust any other reminder settings as desired.
Tap “Done” to save the reminder.

Step 2: Create a Shortcut to Pre-populate an SMS

Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Tap the “+” button in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
Tap “Add Action”.
In the search bar, type “Send Message” and select the “Send Message” action.
In the “Recipients” field, enter the phone number of the recipient.
In the “Message” field, enter the text you want to pre-populate in the SMS. You can use variables here (see FAQs).
Tap the “…” icon at the top right of the shortcut editor.
Give your shortcut a name, such as “Monthly SMS Shortcut.”
Optionally, customize the icon and color of the shortcut.
Tap “Done” to save the shortcut.

Step 3: Create an Automation Triggered by the Reminder

In the Shortcuts app, tap the “Automation” tab at the bottom.
Tap the “+” button in the top right corner to create a new automation.
Select “Create Personal Automation”.
Scroll down and tap “Reminder”.
Choose the reminder you created in Step 1 (“Send Monthly SMS”).
Ensure “Is Due” is selected.
Tap “Next”.
Tap “Add Action”.
Search for “Run Shortcut” and select the “Run Shortcut” action.
Tap “Shortcut” and select the shortcut you created in Step 2 (“Monthly SMS Shortcut”).
Tap “Next”.
Disable the “Ask Before Running” toggle. This is crucial; otherwise, the automation won’t run automatically. Note: Disabling this setting requires confirmation and grants the shortcut permission to run without explicit confirmation each time.
Tap “Done” to save the automation.

How it Works

Now, when your monthly reminder triggers, your automation will automatically run the shortcut. The shortcut will open the Messages app with the recipient and message body pre-filled. All you need to do is tap the “send” button.

Alternatives to Consider

While direct automation is limited, here are a few alternative strategies:

Third-Party Services (with caution): Some third-party services claim to offer automated SMS sending. However, be extremely cautious when using these services, as they may require you to share your Apple ID credentials or grant them access to your SMS messages, posing significant security and privacy risks. Use at your own risk.
Jailbreaking (not recommended): Jailbreaking your iPhone removes security restrictions and allows you to install unofficial apps and tweaks. However, jailbreaking voids your warranty, makes your device vulnerable to malware, and can cause instability. This option is strongly discouraged due to the security risks.
Using a Different Platform: If fully automated SMS sending is critical, consider using an Android device or a dedicated SMS marketing platform that supports automation features.

Important Considerations

Battery Life: Running background processes and automations can impact your iPhone’s battery life.
Data Usage: Sending SMS messages consumes mobile data or SMS credits.
Carrier Limitations: Some mobile carriers may have restrictions on sending automated SMS messages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I completely automate SMS sending on iOS without any user interaction?

No, due to Apple’s security and privacy policies, completely automated SMS sending is not possible without jailbreaking, which is highly discouraged.

2. Is jailbreaking my iPhone the only way to achieve full SMS automation?

While jailbreaking would technically allow it, it’s strongly discouraged due to the inherent security risks and warranty voidance.

3. What are the risks of using third-party apps that claim to automate SMS sending?

These apps may compromise your privacy and security by requiring access to your Apple ID credentials, SMS messages, or other sensitive data. Choose carefully and do thorough research.

4. How can I personalize the SMS message with dynamic content (e.g., the current date)?

You can use variables within the Shortcuts app. For example, you can use the “Get Current Date” action and format it to include it in the message body.

5. Can I schedule SMS messages to be sent at specific times each month?

Yes, by setting the specific date and time within the Reminders app, you can schedule the automation to trigger at the desired times.

6. Will the automation work if my iPhone is locked?

Yes, the automation will trigger even if your iPhone is locked, as long as you have disabled the “Ask Before Running” setting and granted the necessary permissions.

7. Does the automation require a Wi-Fi connection to work?

No, the automation does not require a Wi-Fi connection. It will use your cellular data or SMS credits to send the message.

8. How do I disable or delete the automation if I no longer need it?

To disable the automation, go to the “Automation” tab in the Shortcuts app, find the automation, and toggle it off. To delete it, swipe left on the automation and tap “Delete.”

9. Can I use this method to send SMS messages to multiple recipients?

You can create separate shortcuts and automations for each recipient. However, you cannot send a single SMS message to multiple recipients using this method.

10. Is there a limit to the number of automated SMS messages I can send per month?

The limit depends on your mobile carrier’s SMS plan and any restrictions they may have on automated SMS sending.

11. What happens if the automation fails to run?

If the automation fails to run, ensure that you have granted the necessary permissions, disabled the “Ask Before Running” setting, and that your iPhone is not in Low Power Mode, which can restrict background processes.

12. Can I use this method to send MMS messages (messages with images or videos)?

No, the “Send Message” action in the Shortcuts app only supports SMS messages. You cannot send MMS messages using this method.

While achieving fully automated monthly SMS sending on iOS remains a challenge, the workaround described above offers a practical solution that balances functionality with Apple’s security and privacy principles. Remember to prioritize security and privacy when considering any alternative methods.