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WhatsApp scheduled messages are in beta: what we know so far

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People have asked WhatsApp for a "send later" button for years. Telegram has had one since 2019. This month WhatsApp started testing it with a small group of Android beta users.

What the beta does

According to WABetaInfo, which spotted the feature in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.40.7:

  • You can schedule text, links, photos and videos.
  • It works in one-to-one chats and in groups.
  • The earliest slot is 10 minutes from now and the latest is two weeks out.
  • The message goes out at the set time even if your phone is offline, and it stays end-to-end encrypted.
  • A separate screen lists your scheduled messages, so you can edit or delete one before it sends.

Engadget's write-up adds how you reach it: press and hold the send button, then pick a date and time.

Who has it

Only some Android beta testers, for now. WABetaInfo says it will reach more accounts "over the coming weeks." WhatsApp hasn't said when everyone gets it, and nobody has reported it on iPhone or WhatsApp Web yet. If you don't see it, nothing is wrong with your app.

You can receive a scheduled message even if your own app can't send one.

What it doesn't do (yet)

The reports mention text, links, photos and videos. They don't mention voice notes, documents or recurring messages, so don't count on those. Business accounts already have their own away messages and quick replies, which are separate from this.

Until then, on WhatsApp Web

If you work from a computer, two habits cover most "send later" cases:

  1. Draft now, send later. Type the message and leave it in the box. WhatsApp Web keeps the draft in that chat.
  2. Set a reminder to follow up. Often you want to chase someone who hasn't answered, not schedule a message. That's a reminder.

WhatsApp's scheduler will cover the first case once it reaches your account. The second is a different problem: you sent something and need to know if they never replied.

Sources