How to Text Yourself on iPhone

What to Know

  • You can text yourself to send yourself reminders or alerts, or you can keep a digital log.
  • It is also possible to schedule a text to be sent to yourself using the Shortcuts app.

You can text yourself using the Messages app or even schedule texts to yourself from the Shortcuts app. Texting yourself is an easy way to keep a digital log, complete with timestamps, or to send yourself reminders. The best part is that it is super easy to do!

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How to Text Yourself on iPhone Using the Messages App

Texting yourself or self-texting is as easy as texting anyone else. Here's how you can text yourself using the Messages app:

  1. Open the Messages app.

    Open the Messages app.
  2. Tap the New Message icon.

    Tap the New Message icon.
  3. Type your name, phone number, or email until your contact pops up; tap it to select it.

    Type your name, phone number, or email until your contact pops up; tap it to select it.
  4. Now you can send texts like you normally would.

    Now you can send texts like you normally would.

You will see your texts doubled as the sender and as the recipient. You will receive notifications with incoming texts from yourself, and you can mark the texts unread if you wish to save them as a reminder. For more iPhone tips, don't forget to check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

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How to Schedule a Text to Yourself Using Shortcuts

Can you text yourself scheduled messages? Yes! You can use the Shortcuts app to schedule texts for your contacts but also for yourself. This is one way to send "fake iMessages," for example, to send yourself in the middle of a first date in case you need an excuse to leave. There are apps that can be used to send fake text messages that may suit your needs better, but a scheduled text can do the trick.

Now you know how to text yourself without using any third-party apps! You can use the Messages app to text yourself and the Shortcuts app to schedule text to send you a notification at a certain time. Next, learn how to report and block spam texts.

FAQ

  • How to make fake text messages? You can send yourself fake iMessages scheduled for a specific time using the Shortcuts app. There are third-party apps that can send you fake text messages as well.
  • Why can't I text myself on iPhone anymore? If you can no longer text yourself or your texts appear green rather than blue, go into your Settings, tap Messages, and make sure iMessage is toggled on.
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Author Details

Olena Kagui's picture

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.