Have you ever wished you could send a text message at the perfect moment, even if you're busy or asleep? Perhaps a happy birthday message that lands precisely at midnight, or a gentle reminder that goes out during business hours. Well, if you're a Verizon customer, you're in luck! The Verizon Messages (Message+) app offers a fantastic feature that allows you to schedule texts in advance.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you master the art of scheduled messaging. Let's dive in!
The Power of Scheduled Messaging
Before we get into the "how-to," let's briefly touch upon why scheduling texts is so beneficial:
Timeliness: Ensure your messages arrive exactly when they're most impactful.
Convenience: Compose messages at your leisure and let the app handle the delivery.
Organization: Plan out your communications for the day or week, reducing last-minute stress.
Professionalism: Send follow-ups or reminders at appropriate times without interrupting your workflow.
Now, let's get down to business!
Step 1: Confirm You Have the Verizon Messages (Message+) App
First things first, let's make sure you have the right tool for the job!
Are you already using the Verizon Messages (Message+) app? This is crucial, as the scheduling feature is built right into this specific application. It's different from the default messaging app that comes with your phone (like Google Messages or Samsung Messages, although some Android phones with Google Messages also have a scheduling feature, it's not the same as the Verizon-specific one).
How to Check:
Look for an app icon that typically has a red bubble with a white message symbol or similar Verizon branding.
If you're unsure, search for "Verizon Messages" or "Message+" in your phone's app drawer.
If you don't have it, you can easily download it from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, or the App Store for iOS). Just search for "Verizon Messages" and install it.
Once you've confirmed you're using the correct app, you're ready to proceed!
Step 2: Initiate a New Message or Open an Existing Conversation
Time to compose your masterpiece!
There are two primary ways to begin the process of scheduling a message:
Sub-heading: Starting a Brand New Scheduled Message
Open the Verizon Messages (Message+) App: Tap on the app icon to launch it.
Tap the "New Message" Icon: This is usually represented by a
+symbol or a speech bubble icon, typically located in the bottom right or top right corner of your main message inbox. This will open a fresh message composition screen.
Sub-heading: Scheduling a Message Within an Existing Conversation
Open an Existing Conversation: If you want to send a scheduled message to someone you're already chatting with, simply tap on their conversation thread in your Message+ inbox. This will open the chat window.
Step 3: Enter Your Recipient(s) and Compose Your Message
This is where your words come to life!
Sub-heading: Adding Recipients
Enter Contact Name or Phone Number: In the "To:" field at the top of the message screen, start typing the name of a contact from your phone's address book or directly enter their 10-digit phone number.
Pro Tip: The app will often suggest contacts as you type.
Add Multiple Recipients (Optional): If you want to send the scheduled message to a group, simply continue adding names or numbers to the "To:" field. Keep in mind that group messages can sometimes be sent as multimedia messages (MMS), which might have different sending characteristics.
Sub-heading: Crafting Your Message Content
Type Your Message: In the main message composition box (often labeled "Type a message" or similar), write out the text you want to schedule.
Be thoughtful about your message: Since it's scheduled, you won't be there to clarify immediately.
Attach Media (Optional): If you want to include a photo, video, GIF, or other attachment, look for icons like a paperclip, camera, or image gallery. Tapping these will allow you to select media from your device to include with your scheduled message.
Note: Attaching media will convert your message to an MMS (Multimedia Message Service), which might have different size limits and could affect delivery if recipients don't have MMS enabled.
Step 4: Access the Scheduling Option
This is the magic step!
This step is where the process might vary slightly depending on your specific phone model and the version of the Verizon Messages app, but the general principle remains the same: you're looking for the "schedule" functionality.
Sub-heading: Method A: Long-Press the Send Button
This is the most common and often the easiest way to schedule a message in Verizon Messages.
Long-Press the Send Button: Once you have composed your message (and added any attachments), press and hold the "Send" button (usually a paper airplane icon or an arrow pointing right). Do not just tap it, as that will send the message immediately.
Look for Scheduling Options: After holding the send button for a second or two, a pop-up menu or a new screen should appear with options like:
"Send Now"
"Schedule Message"
"Send Later"
Pre-set times (e.g., "15 Minutes," "30 Minutes," "1 Hour," "2 Hours," "Later")
Sub-heading: Method B: Accessing via a Menu or Icon
In some versions or specific device interfaces, the scheduling option might be found through a menu or a dedicated icon.
Look for a "..." or Menu Icon: In the message composition screen, look for a three-dot menu icon (often in the top right or bottom right) or a similar "More Options" icon.
Select "Schedule Message": Tap on the menu icon and then look for an option that explicitly says "Schedule Message" or "Send Later."
Step 5: Set Your Desired Date and Time
Precision is key!
Once you've selected the scheduling option, you'll be prompted to choose the exact date and time for your message to be sent.
Choose a Date: A calendar will typically appear. Navigate to the desired date.
Set the Time: You'll then be able to set the hour and minute for delivery. Some interfaces use a clock picker, others might have a simple numerical input.
Important Consideration: Pay attention to AM/PM settings to avoid sending a message at the wrong half of the day!
Confirm Your Selection: After choosing the date and time, you'll usually tap a button like "OK," "Set," "Schedule," or "Save."
Step 6: Confirm and Monitor Your Scheduled Message
Almost there! A quick check ensures everything is in order.
After you've set the schedule, the message will not disappear from your conversation thread. Instead, it will often appear with a special indicator.
Sub-heading: Recognizing a Scheduled Message
Clock Icon: You'll typically see a small clock icon next to the message itself or the "Send" button will transform into a clock icon.
"Scheduled" Text: The message might also be displayed in italics or have a small note above or below it indicating "Scheduled for [Date] at [Time]."
Sub-heading: Managing Scheduled Messages
Viewing All Scheduled Messages:
From the main Verizon Messages app screen, look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines or dots, usually in the top left or top right).
Tap on this and look for an option like "Scheduled Messages" or "Scheduled." This will take you to a list of all your pending scheduled messages.
Editing or Deleting a Scheduled Message:
From within the conversation thread (where the scheduled message is displayed with the clock icon) or from the "Scheduled Messages" list, tap or long-press on the scheduled message.
You'll typically see options to:
Edit: Change the message content or the scheduled time.
Send Now: Deliver the message immediately, overriding the schedule.
Delete: Remove the scheduled message entirely.
Always double-check before deleting!
Step 7: What Happens When the Message Sends?
The final act!
When the scheduled date and time arrive:
The Verizon Messages app will automatically send your text.
The message will then appear in the regular conversation thread with the recipient, just like any other sent message. The "scheduled" indicator will disappear.
The recipient will receive the message as a standard text message.
And there you have it! You've successfully scheduled a text message using the Verizon Messages (Message+) app. This feature is incredibly useful for staying organized and ensuring your messages hit their mark at the perfect time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scheduling Texts on Verizon Messages
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to help you further master scheduled messaging:
How to know if I have the Verizon Messages (Message+) app? Look for an app icon with a red bubble and white message symbol, or search "Verizon Messages" in your phone's app drawer. If you don't have it, download it from your device's app store.
How to schedule a text to multiple people at once? When composing your message, simply add multiple contact names or phone numbers to the "To:" field before proceeding with the scheduling steps.
How to attach a picture or video to a scheduled text? Before scheduling, tap the paperclip, camera, or image gallery icon in the message composition screen to select and attach your desired media.
How to confirm a message has been successfully scheduled? After setting the schedule, the message in your conversation thread will typically display a small clock icon or "Scheduled for [Date] at [Time]" text.
How to find all my currently scheduled messages? From the main Verizon Messages app screen, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots) and look for "Scheduled Messages" or "Scheduled."
How to edit a scheduled message's content or time? Go to the conversation thread or the "Scheduled Messages" list, tap or long-press the scheduled message, and select the "Edit" option.
How to send a scheduled message immediately instead of waiting? Tap or long-press the scheduled message from the conversation or scheduled list, and choose the "Send Now" option.
How to delete a scheduled message before it sends? Tap or long-press the scheduled message and select the "Delete" or "Cancel" option.
How to know if the recipient will see that the message was scheduled? No, the recipient will receive the message as a regular text. They will not be aware that it was previously scheduled.
How to troubleshoot if the schedule message feature isn't working? Ensure your Verizon Messages (Message+) app is updated to the latest version. If issues persist, try restarting your phone or reinstalling the app. You can also consult Verizon's official support resources for specific troubleshooting steps.
