WhatsApp users may soon be able to schedule messages
WhatsApp is testing a message scheduling feature for Android, addressing a long-standing request from users who want to plan reminders, work communications and messages across time zones. The option would bring WhatsApp closer to rival Telegram, which has offered scheduling since 2019.
Spotted in Android beta version 2.26.8.11, the feature lets users choose a delivery date and time by pressing and holding the send button, and provides a section to manage scheduled messages. Messages can be sent from 10 minutes to two weeks ahead, including in group chats, and are sent even if the device is offline. Text, links, photos and videos are supported, with end-to-end encryption; the beta is available to some Android testers, with wider access expected in the coming weeks.
- WhatsApp is testing scheduled messages on Android.
- Messages can be set up to two weeks ahead.
- The feature is in beta for some testers.
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WhatsApp is a messaging app used by billions of people worldwide to send text messages, photos and videos. Message scheduling would let users compose messages now but have them automatically sent at a specific time chosen by the sender.
For years, users have asked for this feature on WhatsApp, but the company has been slower than some competitors to add it. Telegram, a rival messaging platform, introduced scheduling in 2019, showing what WhatsApp users have been missing.
Scheduling messages is useful for people managing work communications across different time zones, planning reminders, or simply sending messages at a time that suits the recipient rather than the sender. The feature is practical rather than complex, and its absence from WhatsApp has been a notable limitation.