Pranks have always been a fun pastime in the Drummond household—just ask anyone who's fallen victim to their ongoing rubber snake gag! The family loves hiding a toy snake around the house, waiting for an unsuspecting victim to stumble upon it. But if jump scares aren't your thing, there are still plenty of playful ways to bring on the laughter. And what better time to lean into a little harmless mischief than on April Fools' Day? When the calendar hits April 1, it's basically your cue to pull off a good old-fashioned April Fools' Day prank.
Of course, you could go all out with a classic food-related prank like whipping up some savory rolls that are disguised as Ree's famous cinnamon rolls for your family. But if you're looking for laughs that don't require a lot of effort (or, for that matter, getting out of bed), why not send a hilarious texting prank to your significant other or best friend? An April Fools' Day prank conducted over text is such an easy way to trick a loved one, especially if they live far from you. Plus, initiating (and encouraging) a playful text exchange will create a shared memory that the two of you will laugh about for years.
Here, we have the funniest April Fools' Day pranks to send via text, such as a fake blocked number, a text bot, and even a song lyric prank. While these practical jokes are all fun and games, it's important to choose the right recipient who'll laugh with you rather than yell at you. So, charge your phone, find your target, and get ready for an afternoon of endless giggles.
Flat Tire Prank
Ree Drummond tried this viral TikTok prank on her husband, Ladd, and he totally fell for it. Even though Ree pranked Ladd in person, you can easily pull it off over text on April Fools' Day. Here's how it works: Send a message to your partner, friend, or relative, simply stating that you got a flat tire. Naturally, they'll wonder whether or not you got it fixed, so once they ask, respond by explaining that you got it filled with "premium air" for a steal—$200. If all goes according to plan, they'll press you on your arguably questionable purchase, and if you're like Ladd, you'll end the conversation with "Honey! There's no such thing as premium air! Air is free!" And if you still have it in you, you can keep the conversation going like Ree: "Well, it was my money."
You: I got a flat tire.
Them: Did you have to put air in it?
You: Yes, I got premium air. It was only $200.
Them: You paid $200 to put air in your tire?
You: Well, it was actually $195.
Them: There's no such thing as premium air! Air is free!
You: Well, it was my money.
Text Replacement Prank
This hilarious prank involves the text replacement feature on a phone. Given that, you'll need access to their phone ahead of April Fools' Day. Simply go to their text replacement settings and replace a common response, like "Yes," with a funny word. If you're a pickle fan like Ree Drummond, you can choose the word "pickles" or a more specific inside joke or phrase. Get the prank rolling by texting your friend a yes or no question, then watch as their frustration builds
You: Hey, are you on your way?
Them: PICKLES
You: Huh?
Them: I meant PICKLES, I'm On My Way!
You: You're bringing pickles to the party?
Them: No.
You: Are you at least on your way?
Them: PICKLES
Countdown Prank
There's nothing more nerve-wracking than waiting for a surprise countdown to end. There's also nothing more frustrating than having that countdown amount to nothing! That's why this is the ultimate prank. Begin by sending them a mysterious text like, "8 hours left." Gradually build the suspense throughout the day until the allotted time has passed. Then, give them the answer they've been waiting for, which is...absolutely nothing! Your friend will be overcome with relief (and possibly anger) after a day full of anticipation.
You: 8 hours left.
Them: What?
You: You'll see after 8 hours.
Them: Huh? What will I see?
You: The countdown is almost over. Are you ready for the grand reveal?
Them: I guess…
You: Hey!
Text Bubble Prank
Here's a simple texting prank that's sure to keep them on their toes! The premise of this prank relies on a clever gif of the texting ellipsis, which iPhone users often see when waiting for a response. The gif will make it look like you're typing a response out forever, filling your friend with confusion and maybe even fear over what this long, drawn-out text could be. This prank works best if someone has recently asked you a question, to which you can respond with the gif. Of course, you can always initiate a convo to get things started, too.
Them: Do you want to go to the movies today?
You: Hmm. It depends on the movie.
Them: Maybe a comedy or animated flick. What do you think?
You: 💬
Song Lyric Prank
Depending on what song you choose, this prank can work on anyone, from your significant other to your mom. Choosing a dramatic yet funny song like "I'm Just Ken" would work well when trying to scare your boyfriend or girlfriend, as the cryptic lyrics will get their heart racing until you get to the hilarious chorus. To execute this prank, keep the song lyrics from your chosen song in a notes document on your phone so you have easy access to it. Start with one line, and try not to break character, no matter how ridiculous the lyrics seem or how confused your friends are!
You: Doesn't seem to matter what I do…
Them: Uh about what?
You: I'm always number two
Them: Woah what? No you aren’t!!
You: No one knows how hard I tried, oh-oh, I
You: I have feelings that I can't explain
Them: Tried hard at what? Where is this coming from?!
You: Drivin' me insane
Them: Ok now you’re taking it too far. I did nothing to you!
You: All my life, been so polite
Them: I don’t know if polite is the word I’d use
You: But I'll sleep alone tonight
Them: Ok.
You: 'Cause I'm just Ken
Fake Ad Prank
If you're looking for a low-stakes prank you can pull on your friends or family, try faking a ad listing! This prank is so simple and customizable, as you can get crazy with the details of the "listing" if you want to—like pretending you want to buy their car or dog! To pull off this prank, start by making an offer on the fake listing. Even if they dispute what you're saying, keep insisting on buying the item. You can even go as far as acting betrayed or angry when they continually tell you they don't have anything to sell.
You: Saw your ad for the king-sized mattress. Would you take $50?
Them: Wait, what?? I’m not selling a mattress
You: C’mon man, I know you’ve got the mattress. Just name your price.
Them: First of all I don’t have an extra mattress. Second, why would I ever sell it for that cheap??
You: Wow, I thought we were friends.
You: You’re really not gonna sell me that mattress?
Text Subscription Prank
Everyone knows how annoying it is to receive spam messages from a subscription you don't even remember signing up for! Spread the frustration to your friends or family with a fake bot text prank. This prank works on anyone, but it would go even smoother if you choose a not-so-tech-savvy friend or older family member. The fake Cat Facts subscription is hilarious due to the amount of random, silly facts about cats you can keep sending them. After sending them each fact, type out a fake word they can text back to cancel the subscription, only ignore their pleas to stop the texts!
You: Thank you for signing up for Cat Facts! You'll now receive daily facts about CATS! 😻 Did you know that studies suggest domesticated cats first appeared around 3600 B.C.? Mee-wow! Text STOP to unsubscribe.
Them: What is this
Them: STOP
You: A cat’s purr vibrates at a frequency of 25 to 150 hertz, which is the same frequency at which muscles and bones repair themselves. <To cancel Daily Cat Facts, reply ‘cancel’>
Them: Cancel
You: Command not recognized. You have a <year> subscription to Cat Facts and will receive fun <hourly> updates
You: Many cats like to lick their owner’s freshly washed hair. Sham-purr!
Them: Cancel
Them: STOP please
You: You want to cancel your subscription? Please answer the following question to confirm you’re human: Your favorite animal is the (blank).
Them: Dog.
You: INCORRECT. Your favorite animal is the cat. You will continue to receive Cat Facts every <hour>
Suspenseful Text Prank
Receiving a cryptic, suspenseful text from a friend or parent can be so scary! This prank mirrors that terrifying experience and is for your best friend or partner. Whether you simply text them their name or "We need to talk," this prank is sure to raise their blood pressure. After sending the recipient the initial text or texts (ensuring it's as vague as can be), ignore them for a few hours and let them stew in suspense, imagining all of the horrible possibilities before you let them off the hook with an "April Fools!" text.
You: We need to talk.
Them: Um ok about what?
You: Text me back ASAP! This can’t wait!
Them: What??
Them: I’m scared
Them: Hello???
Social Media Post Prank
Make their blood run cold with a fake risky social media post prank! If you've ever felt paranoid that you accidentally posted something you shouldn't have on your Instagram story, then you know how real and anxiety-provoking the premise of this prank is. This prank is for a friend who posts frequently on social media, as it's more believable that they'd accidentally post something in between all their nonstop Instagram stories. Text the person and ask if they meant to post on their story or if they could delete a photo that has you in it. Make sure to be vague about the details when they ask what post to up the confusing factor.
You: OMG your story
Them: Wait what story
You: Did you mean to post that??
Them: I’m at work right now and don’t have access to Instagram
Them: Post what??
You: Everyone’s texting me about your post
You: Normally I wouldn’t care, but I’m tagged in it and don’t want to be a part of something like this
Them: I didn’t post anything I’ve been at work all day??
Them: You’re scaring me!!
Blocked Number Prank
This prank is for a friend, significant other, or anyone that you see daily, as you have to receive a text from them first to initiate the prank. This prank starts with a text from your friend asking you to hang out, to which you can respond with a fake "SMS ERROR." Once they respond, keep sending them different errors to make it seem like they've been blocked and are receiving automated texts from their phone provider. Before it gets too heated, make sure to text them "April Fools!" so you don't get blocked back in the process!
Them: Wanna go get ice cream?
You: SMS ERROR: The phone number you are trying to reach is no longer in service.
Them: Huhh you literally just texted me this morning
You: SMS SERVICE ERROR 202: Message delivery failed. Further messages will be charged to your account.
Them: Is this real?? What the
You: SMS ERROR 404: The message could not be delivered. Try again later.
Them: I’ve actually had enough of this!! I knew you were mad at me after last night!
Them: Am I blocked??
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
