Send a future email to yourself: the complete guide
This isn't a reminder
Let's get one thing straight: scheduling an email to your future self is not the same as setting a calendar reminder.
A reminder says: "Do this thing."
A future email says: "Here's who you were."
One is a task. The other is a time machine. Big difference.
Why people do this
The idea has been around since 2002, when FutureMe launched the concept of writing letters to your future self. Since then, millions of people have sent themselves emails across time. The reasons vary:
How to actually do it
You have a few options:
Option 1: Use a dedicated service
The simplest approach. Services built specifically for this handle the scheduling, delivery, and timing so you don't have to think about it.
Laterr lets you write a message, pick a future date and time, choose your timezone, and get it delivered to your inbox automatically. It's completely free, no account needed.
Option 2: Use email scheduling (Gmail, Outlook)
Gmail and Outlook both have "Schedule Send" features. You can write an email to yourself and schedule it for a future date.
The catch: Most email clients only let you schedule a few days or weeks out. Try scheduling something for a year from now and you'll run into limits. Plus, the email sits in your Sent folder, spoiling the surprise if you see it.
Option 3: Calendar reminders with a note
You could set a calendar event with your letter in the description. But it shows up as a task, not a message. It doesn't feel like getting a letter from your past self. The medium matters.
What to write
If you're staring at a blank screen, start here:
Open with where you are. Literally describe your surroundings, your mood, what you had for lunch. These tiny details become the most meaningful part when you read it later.
Include something you're worried about. Future-you will either laugh because it worked out, or appreciate knowing that past-you survived it.
Add a question. "Did you take the trip?" "Are you still at that job?" "Did you ever learn to cook?" Questions make the letter feel like a conversation.
End with encouragement. Even something simple like "I'm rooting for you" hits different when it arrives from your own past.
For more inspiration, check out our writing prompts and message ideas.
When to send it
The timing changes the experience:
| Timeframe | Best for |
|-----------|----------|
| 1 week | Accountability check-ins |
| 1 month | Short-term goal tracking |
| 3 months | Seasonal life snapshots |
| 6 months | The surprise sweet spot |
| 1 year | Annual reflection tradition |
| 5+ years | True time capsule |
Pro tip: Make it a ritual. Every January 1st or every birthday, write yourself a letter for next year. After a few years, you'll have an incredible personal archive.
The 60-second version
1. Go to laterr.app
2. Type your message
3. Pick a date
4. Enter your email
5. Hit send
That's it. No account. No app to download. No credit card. Your future self gets an email exactly when you planned.
Laterr also supports phone calls — you can record a voice message and have it call you on the date you pick. If you're interested, get in touch to set it up.