Last year, Google started rolling out a feature in its Messages app that let users schedule texts to send at a later time.
Although it’s been fully rolled out since February 2021, not many people know about the feature since it’s somewhat hidden. So, we thought we’d put together a little guide on how to schedule messages on Android.
First up, you’ll need Google Messages installed — you can download it for free from the Play Store if you don’t have it.
Once you’ve got the app installed and set-up, here’s how it works:
- Open Messages and start a new chat or enter an existing one.
- Type a message you want to send, but don’t hit send yet.
- With the typed message still in the text entry field, press-and-hold on the send button.
- A pop-up will appear with options to schedule your message.
- There are three default options; Later today, Later tonight and Tomorrow. Each has an associated time with it (i.e. 8am).
- If none of the preset options work for you, tap ‘Select date and time’ to enter a custom schedule.
- Once you’ve set the scheduled time, you should see your message in the text field along with the scheduled delivery time above it. Further, the send button should now show a clock.
- Tap send — Messages will show your text in the chat along with a clock icon.
- You can tap the clock icon to update the message, send it right away or delete it.
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Steps to send a scheduled message (right-click or long-press on the image to open it in a new tab to see a bigger version).
It doesn’t appear to matter whether you use RCS or SMS, Google Messages can still schedule chats to send at a later time. It’s worth noting, however, that you need to keep your phone on and connected to Wi-Fi or data to send a scheduled message.
If you’re not connected at the time the message is scheduled to go out, your phone won’t send the message.