Ever typed out a birthday message at midnight, or remembered a work reminder too late? WhatsApp is testing a fix: scheduled messages. The feature, spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android, lets you write a message now and have it delivered at a date and time you choose — even if your phone is offline or the app is closed when the moment arrives.
What you need
Right now, scheduled messages are available only to select Android beta testers running WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.40.7 or newer from the Google Play Store. The rollout is gradual, so installing the latest beta does not guarantee immediate access, and WhatsApp has not announced a general release date. If you do not have the feature yet, you can still receive a scheduled message sent by someone who does.
How to schedule a message on WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where you want to send the message — it works in individual chats and group chats.
- Type your message as usual. You can also attach a photo or video from the gallery picker (one media item per scheduled message).
- Instead of tapping the send button, press and hold it. If the feature is available on your account, a scheduling interface will appear.
- Pick the delivery date and time. Messages can be scheduled from 10 minutes ahead of the current time up to two weeks in advance.
- Confirm. Your message is now scheduled and will be sent automatically at the chosen time — even if the app is closed or your phone is not connected to the internet.
Managing or cancelling a scheduled message
WhatsApp is adding a dedicated "Scheduled messages" section inside the chat info screen, where you can review, edit or delete messages before they are delivered. If you delete a scheduled message, the recipient is not notified, and recipients cannot tell that a message they received was scheduled.
One catch with group chats: only members who were part of the group when the message was scheduled will receive it. Anyone who joins the group later will not get it. Scheduled messages keep WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption.
Tips and common problems
Use scheduled messages for birthday wishes, meeting reminders, and follow-ups you would otherwise forget. If pressing and holding the send button does nothing, the feature has not reached your account yet — check the Play Store for a WhatsApp beta update and try again later. Remember the two-week limit: anything further out will need another reminder. And double-check the date before confirming — a message scheduled for the wrong day still sends itself.
The takeaway: Scheduled messages are a small feature with an outsized payoff for forgetful texters. Join the Android beta if you want it early — everyone else will get it when the wider rollout arrives in the coming weeks.
Sources: Business Today, Digit