Thanks to Google, you can now schedule text messages on your Android phone

Summary (IA Generated)

Sarah Tew/CNET Have you ever forgotten to send a happy birthday text message to a friend? Or had an idea in the middle of the night that you desperately wanted to share with co-workers but didn’t want to risk waking them if their ringer was on? The next time that happens, use Google Messages‘ new scheduling tool to pick the exact time and date you want to send a message.

The text message scheduler is one of several new Google updates to its Android apps.

Before you can schedule a message, you’ll need to have the latest version of Google Messages installed on your phone.

Note that this feature will not work with your phone’s default text message app, only Google Messages.

If you don’t know how to change your default messaging app, don’t worry — the first time you open Google Messages you’ll be asked if you want to make the switch.

Below I’ll show you how to schedule a text message, including picking a custom send time and how to edit the message if you want to change anything.

Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET How to schedule a text with the Google Messages app.

The first time you launch the Google Messages app and open a conversation after updating to the latest version, you’ll see a small pop-up window appear over the Send button letting you know you can schedule messages.

To schedule a text, start typing your message then long-press the Send button.

I recommend picking the scheduled time before you fully compose your message, so you don’t write out the message and accidentally send it.

That will open Android’s date and time picker that lets you customize when the message will be sent, to the minute.

Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET How to view, edit or delete a scheduled text message.

To edit the message or the scheduled delivery time, tap the clock icon.

Those options are update message, send now or delete message.

Update message will let you edit the text or pick a different time.

Being able to schedule a message is a feature that’s sure to be useful, especially if you often remember to send a message at an inconvenient time and then end up forgetting.