How to Send an Automatic Text on an iPhone: The Definitive Guide

Want to automate your text messaging game on your iPhone? While Apple doesn’t offer a built-in, native feature for scheduling texts directly, there are clever workarounds involving Shortcuts, third-party apps, and even leveraging your computer. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods to achieve automatic text sending on your iPhone, allowing you to stay connected without constantly reaching for your device.

Harnessing the Power of Shortcuts

The most reliable method for simulating automatic text sending on your iPhone relies on the Shortcuts app. This powerful tool allows you to create custom automations that can trigger text messages based on specific times or events. It’s not true automation in the sense that it requires a confirmation prompt, but it’s the closest you’ll get without venturing into less reliable third-party solutions.

Setting up a Time-Based Automation

1. Open the Shortcuts app. If you can’t find it, use the search bar on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. Tap the “Automation” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap “Create Personal Automation.”
4. Select “Time of Day.” Choose the specific time and frequency (Daily, Weekly, Monthly) you want the text message to be sent.
5. Tap “Next.”
6. Tap “Add Action.”
7. Search for “Send Message” and select the “Send Message” action.
8. Enter the recipient’s phone number in the “Recipients” field.
9. Type your message in the message field.
10. Tap “Next.”
11. Important: Disable “Ask Before Running.” This is crucial for automation, but remember, disabling this will still show a notification that you need to tap for it to send. This is a security feature imposed by Apple. If you leave it enabled, it will request permission to run the automation every time, defeating the purpose.
12. Review your automation and tap “Done.”

Understanding the Limitations

The key caveat is that even with “Ask Before Running” disabled, you will still receive a notification prompting you to tap “Run” to send the message. This is an Apple security feature designed to prevent unauthorized background activity. While it’s not fully automatic, it’s a significant step towards automated texting, especially for recurring messages or reminders. The notification serves as a prompt, requiring minimal interaction from your end.

Third-Party Apps: Tread Carefully

While a plethora of third-party apps claim to offer true automatic text sending, exercise extreme caution. Apple’s security policies severely restrict apps from sending messages in the background without user interaction. Many of these apps are either unreliable, require jailbreaking your iPhone (which voids your warranty and exposes you to security risks), or are outright scams designed to collect your personal data.

Potential Risks of Third-Party Apps

• Privacy Concerns: Many apps require access to your contacts and message history, potentially compromising your privacy.
• Security Risks: Apps with excessive permissions can be exploited by malicious actors.
• Unreliable Functionality: Many apps fail to deliver on their promises, often due to Apple’s restrictions.
• Subscription Traps: Some apps lure you in with free trials and then charge exorbitant subscription fees.

If you choose to explore third-party options, thoroughly research the app developer, read user reviews, and carefully examine the app’s permissions. Be prepared for the possibility that the app might not function as advertised.

Leveraging Your Computer

Another workaround involves using a computer (Mac or PC) with a text messaging service or a program that can interface with your iPhone’s messages. This typically requires syncing your iPhone to your computer and using software that allows you to schedule messages.

Mac Users: AppleScript and Automator

Mac users can potentially leverage AppleScript and Automator to create a more automated solution, although this requires some technical expertise. You could write a script that interfaces with the Messages app and schedules messages using the macOS calendar. However, be aware that Apple’s security updates can sometimes break these scripts.

PC Users: Third-Party Software

PC users can explore third-party software options that allow them to schedule text messages via a connected iPhone. Again, exercise caution and research the software thoroughly before installing it. Look for reputable developers and read reviews to ensure the software is legitimate and safe.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Can I schedule texts directly within the iPhone’s Messages app?

No, the iPhone does not offer a built-in feature to schedule text messages directly within the Messages app. You need to rely on workarounds like Shortcuts or third-party solutions.

2. Is it safe to use third-party apps for automatic texting?

It’s generally not recommended unless you’ve done extensive research and trust the app developer. Many apps make promises they can’t keep due to Apple’s security restrictions, and some can be malicious. Prioritize your privacy and security.

3. Will the Shortcuts automation work if my iPhone is locked?

Yes, the Shortcuts automation will work even when your iPhone is locked, but as explained above, it will still require you to tap a notification to send the message. It’s not a fully hands-free solution.

4. Can I schedule a text message to multiple recipients using Shortcuts?

Yes, when creating the “Send Message” action in Shortcuts, simply add multiple phone numbers separated by commas in the “Recipients” field.

5. Does the Shortcuts method work for group texts?

Yes, you can send scheduled messages to existing group chats by selecting the group chat from your contacts when setting up the “Send Message” action in Shortcuts.

6. What happens if my iPhone is turned off when the scheduled text is supposed to send?

The automation will not run if your iPhone is turned off. Once you turn your iPhone back on, the scheduled text will likely be missed, and you won’t receive a notification for it.

7. Can I cancel a scheduled text message created with Shortcuts?

Yes, to cancel a scheduled automation, open the Shortcuts app, go to the “Automation” tab, find the automation you want to cancel, and either disable or delete it.

8. Does the Shortcuts method consume a lot of battery?

The impact on battery life is minimal. The automation only runs at specific times and doesn’t constantly operate in the background.

9. Can I schedule text messages to be sent at different time zones?

The Shortcuts app uses your iPhone’s current time zone. To schedule messages for different time zones, you would need to manually calculate the corresponding time in your current time zone and set the automation accordingly.

10. Are there any alternatives to the Shortcuts app for scheduling texts?

Besides potentially risky third-party apps, using your computer with compatible software is the main alternative. AppleScript/Automator on a Mac, or third-party messaging software on a PC.

11. Can I send pictures or videos using the Shortcuts method for scheduled texts?

Yes, you can include images or videos in your scheduled texts using the Shortcuts app. After adding the “Send Message” action, add an action to “Select Photos” before it. Then, within the send message action, select the variable from the ‘select photos’ action to be sent within the message.

12. What’s the future of automatic texting on iPhones?

It is difficult to say what Apple will do in the future, but for now, they seem set on the need to require explicit consent for sending automatic text messages. As mentioned before, this requirement stems from the need to prevent unsolicited messages, unwanted subscriptions, and possible scams.