"Send Later" option not appearing in Message app iOS 18

I followed instruction but when tapping plus sign and then more, send later does not appear.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 23, 2024 1:01 AM

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Posted on Oct 2, 2024 3:29 AM

I did do the same but no luck cant see the send later icon

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Sep 26, 2024 6:43 PM in response to Betsy1227sal

I've turned off all focus settings still no send later option except for the one Iphone contact I have thats always had the options since this update just all my other contacts don't have the option so far this only works between iphone and iphone it will not work with iPhone to Android or an older flip phone. The only thing I've not tried is factory reseting the device I'm on iPhone 14 with ios 18.

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Dec 9, 2024 3:24 PM in response to Lloeb

I tried this feature and noticed it was there sometimes and then not others. A little internet searching show that it apparently only works with other iOS devices. Then it all made sense.


After years of my partner teasing me about how she can schedule texts to be sent later I was thinking to myself, "Finally I'm going to be able to do that too." But..., no. How shockingly out of touch with its user base Apple must be to only allow that feature to other iPhone users. Hard to comprehend really - I didn't think they would stoop that low. I guess I will finally move on to Android now, I can't take the embarrassment any longer and I'm tired of waiting for basic features that the rest of the world gets years before Apple decides to bless us with them.

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Jan 29, 2025 7:17 PM in response to Lloeb

When I turned FOCUS to "Do Not Disturb"as someone mentioned in a previous post I saw the "Send Later" option on iMessages. When I tried the same thing for another iMessage, the "Send Later" option is no longer visible. Please fix this bug.

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Feb 20, 2025 12:54 PM in response to tanushi6565

I like the honesty within your posting. You are right, who is going to ask someone about their Mobile or Desktop system before sending them a text.

It makes me think that Apple's response is basically, "It could be them and their system".

It is never that maybe Apple should focus on why Apple's software does not play well with others. Period.

I have used Apple since their PowerMac series in 1994. I am a loyal customer, but I do find annoyance in some of their reasoning.

Lately, AppleCare+ is requesting a system reset more and more with their troubleshooting. I don't get that either.

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Mar 21, 2025 6:26 AM in response to Lloeb

Based on what everyone is saying Apple Support is in denial when it comes to customer feedback with the Send Later function. Apple Support, the issue is real and has not been fixed. Find a fix!


My specific situation: Send Later does not appear as an option unless I am texting another iPhone user. I tried to find a work around. The closest I got was when I created a new message (no recipients). I was able to use the function, but as soon as I put the contact in (an Android user) the message went from looking like a scheduled message back to a normal message. The blue box showing when it was scheduled went away and Send Later was no longer an option when pressing the + button. But it worked fine when I tried the same for an iPhone user.

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Mar 25, 2025 7:37 AM in response to Jbr_252

Jbr_252 wrote:

Exactly what I did too! I send myself notes and reminders all the time. Tested it there and it was missing

I agree with Mac Jim ID on this. Use Siri to send yourself a reminder. You can set it to remind you at any time you want. The phone doesn't even have to be in your hands.

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Apr 5, 2025 9:41 PM in response to Punkin0001

Punkin0001 wrote:

The Send Later feature of my iPhone is missing

Assuming you are using iOS 18, do you have the + button next to where you would type the message. That is where you would find the Send Later option that can only be used to send later to other users with iMessage. That means it is not possible to send later to an Android phone.

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Apr 17, 2025 7:17 AM in response to BlueButterfly888

BlueButterfly888 wrote:

There is a glitch. I’ve tried everything and everyone on your message list has to be using an IPhone for this to work.

Yes, everyone needs to be using iMessage. It's not a "glitch." It's working as designed. Whether or not you agree with this decision is another matter. You can let Apple know your thoughts using the feedback link previously provided in this thread.

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Apr 18, 2025 7:32 AM in response to Frog09

I’ve successfully delay-texted to the same person (iPhone user) several times! Loved that feature. But now for some unknown reason the option no longer appears when trying to text to that same user. 🤷‍♂️ Definate bug that needs to be fixed.

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Apr 22, 2025 8:43 AM in response to iLmd_2009

iLmd_2009 wrote:

I’ve successfully delay-texted to the same person (iPhone user) several times! Loved that feature. But now for some unknown reason the option no longer appears when trying to text to that same user. 🤷‍♂️ Definate bug that needs to be fixed.

Are other messages sent to that user blue? What matters isn't the recipient, it's whether or not you and the recipient are using iMessage. And that can change.

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May 15, 2025 6:14 PM in response to Lloeb

It’s worked for me when texting non-iOS devices until today. I have no idea why it’s no longer on the iMessage + list. Apple Support pages still provides instructions for its use iOS 18+. So, it seems bizarre that it would suddenly quit working. Maybe it’s true that previous messages where it worked were all going to Apple devices. But, I’m pretty sure that’s not the case. Plus, the Apple Support pages still say all devices should get it since it’s stored on Apple servers until delivery time.

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"Send Later" option not appearing in Message app iOS 18

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