WhatsApp to Introduce Message Scheduling: Here’s How the New Feature Works

WhatsApp is rolling out scheduled messages to some Android beta testers, allowing users to send texts, photos, videos and links at a chosen time, even when their device is offline.

WhatsApp is testing a long-requested feature that will let users schedule messages instead of sending them immediately. The feature is designed to help people plan reminders, prepare birthday greetings in advance and coordinate messages across different time zones.

The feature was first spotted during development in WhatsApp’s Android beta version 2.26.8.11. According to WaBetaInfo, it is now rolling out to some testers through Android beta version 2.26.40.7. More beta users are expected to receive access over the coming weeks. Meta has not announced a public release date.

How to Schedule Messages on WhatsApp

Users can schedule a message directly from a conversation. After composing the message, they can tap and hold the send button to open a date-and-time selector.

The feature offers these options:

• Scheduling window: Messages can be set to send from 10 minutes to two weeks in advance.
• Supported content: Users can schedule text, links, photos and videos
• Offline delivery: Messages can be sent at the selected time even if the sender’s device is offline or the app is closed
• Group chats: Scheduling works in both individual conversations and groups.
• Message management: A dedicated section in the chat information screen lets users review or delete scheduled messages before delivery.
• Privacy: Scheduled messages retain end-to-end encryption. Recipients are not notified that a message was scheduled.

Users can also schedule a photo or video after selecting it from their gallery. However, the current implementation supports only one photo or video per scheduled message. In group chats, the message goes to members who belonged to the group when it was scheduled.

When Will WhatsApp Release the Feature?

The scheduling option remains limited to some Android beta testers. Having the compatible beta version does not guarantee access because WhatsApp is enabling the feature gradually.

The company has not confirmed when it will reach all Android users or whether the public rollout will begin on a specific date. WhatsApp has also been developing message scheduling for iPhone, although its iOS version was still under development in the reports available.

Telegram has offered scheduled messages since 2019, making WhatsApp’s planned addition a significant change for users who want to prepare messages ahead of time.