How to Schedule Email in Gmail on iPhone & iPad

This guide shows you how to schedule an email in the Gmail app on your iPhone or iPad, so you can write a message now and have it sent automatically at a specific time later. You only need the Gmail app installed and a Google account signed in.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad with the Gmail app installed (free from the App Store).
A Google account (Gmail address) signed in to the app.
An active internet connection at the scheduled send time (the app will send when online).

Step-by-Step

Open the Gmail app on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure you’re signed in to the account you want to send from.
Tap the Compose button — the pencil icon in the bottom-right corner of the main screen.
Write your email as you normally would: enter the recipient(s) in the “To” field, add a subject, and type your message. You can also add attachments or CC/BCC if needed.
Instead of tapping the Send arrow (the paper plane icon), tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the compose screen.
Tap “Schedule send” from the dropdown menu. A list of suggested times will appear (e.g., “Tomorrow 8:00 AM,” “Monday 8:00 AM”).
Choose one of the suggested times if it works for you, or tap “Pick date & time” to set a custom date and time.
If you chose “Pick date & time,” use the date picker and time wheel to select your desired send date and time, then tap “Save” (or “Schedule” on some versions).
Tap the Send arrow (paper plane) to confirm the scheduling. You’ll see a confirmation message at the bottom of the screen, and the email will be moved to the “Scheduled” folder.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to confirm the schedule: After choosing a time, you must still tap the Send arrow. If you don’t, the email stays as a draft and won’t be scheduled.
Choosing the wrong time zone: The schedule uses the time zone of your device. If you travel, the scheduled time may shift relative to your home time zone.
Editing a scheduled email and sending it immediately: If you open a scheduled email from the “Scheduled” folder and tap Send, it goes out right away instead of on the planned date.
Assuming it will send offline: The Gmail app must be connected to the internet at the scheduled time. If you’re offline, the send may be delayed until you reconnect.

Tips

Use scheduled send for time‑zone differences: If you’re emailing someone in a different time zone, schedule it to arrive during their business hours.
Check your scheduled folder regularly: Go to the main menu (hamburger icon) and tap “Scheduled” to see all pending emails. You can cancel or edit them from there.
Schedule in advance for important reminders: Use it to send a follow‑up or a reminder to yourself or colleagues at a specific time.
Keep the app updated: Scheduling features work best on the latest version of Gmail from the App Store.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see “Schedule send” in the menu. Make sure your Gmail app is updated to the latest version. If it’s still missing, try restarting the app or your device. Scheduling is available on iOS and iPadOS for all Google accounts.

My scheduled email didn’t send at the chosen time. Check your internet connection. If the app wasn’t open or the device was off, the email will send when you next open Gmail and are online. Also verify the time zone on your device is set correctly.

I accidentally scheduled an email and want to cancel it. Open the Gmail app, go to the “Scheduled” folder (via the hamburger menu), tap the email, then tap the three‑dot menu and choose “Cancel send.”

I can’t pick a custom date/time. The “Pick date & time” option should appear in the list. If it doesn’t, update the app. Also ensure you’re not in offline mode, which can hide some options.

The email shows as “Scheduled” but I want to send it now. Open the “Scheduled” folder, tap the email, then tap the three‑dot menu and choose “Send now.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an email to repeat weekly?

No, Gmail’s scheduling is one‑time only. You need to schedule each occurrence manually or use a third‑party tool.

What happens if I schedule an email and then change my mind about the content?

You can edit a scheduled email before it sends. Go to “Scheduled,” open the email, make changes, and tap “Schedule” again to save.

Does the recipient see that the email was scheduled?

No, the recipient only sees the email when it arrives in their inbox. There’s no indication that it was scheduled.

Can I schedule an email from my iPhone if I don’t have the Gmail app?

No, the native Mail app on iOS does not support scheduled sending. You need the Gmail app (or another third‑party email client that offers scheduling).

Will my scheduled email send if my phone is off at the scheduled time?

No, the email will not send while your phone is off. It will send the next time you open Gmail and are connected to the internet.

Is there a limit to how many emails I can schedule?

No, Gmail does not impose a limit on the number of scheduled emails.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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