How to Schedule WhatsApp Messages: New Built In Feature, Steps and Limits

For years, people have asked for one simple feature: a way to schedule WhatsApp messages so a birthday wish goes out at midnight while they sleep. That feature is finally arriving. In October 2026, WhatsApp began testing built in message scheduling, first on Android beta and then, on 22 October, on iPhone beta.

This guide explains how to schedule WhatsApp messages with the new feature, its limits, how to cancel a scheduled message and what to do if you do not have it yet.

Can you schedule WhatsApp messages now?

Yes, but only if you are a beta tester for now. Here is the current status based on reports from WABetaInfo, the site that tracks WhatsApp test builds:

WhatsApp has not made an official announcement yet. Therefore, if you do not see the option, wait for the stable update rather than installing unofficial apps.

How to schedule a WhatsApp message (step by step)

The method is the same on Android and iPhone once the feature reaches your app.

1. Open the chat or group you want to message.
2. Type your message or paste a link.
3. Press and hold the send button instead of tapping it.
4. Pick the date and time in the picker that opens.
5. Confirm. On iPhone, a green button shows the exact delivery time.

After that, a small note appears in the chat that only you can see, so you know the message is waiting. According to WABetaInfo’s Android report, you do not need to keep the app open for it to send.

How to schedule a photo or video

1. Tap the attachment icon and open your gallery.
2. Select one photo or video.
3. Add a caption or draw on it if you like.
4. Press and hold the send button, then choose the date and time.

WhatsApp scheduled message limits

The feature is simple, but it has some clear rules:

• Time window: at least 10 minutes ahead and up to two weeks ahead.
• Content: you can schedule text, links, photos and videos.
• One item at a time: you cannot schedule an album or several photos together. Instead, schedule each one separately.
• Offline delivery: the message goes out on time even if your phone is off or offline.
• Privacy: reports describe the feature as working with end to end encryption.

How scheduling works in groups

You can schedule messages in group chats as well. However, there is one catch. Only people who were in the group when you scheduled the message will receive it. So if someone joins the group later, even before the send time, they will not get that message.

How to cancel a scheduled WhatsApp message

Changed your mind? You can remove a pending message before it goes out.

1. Open the chat and tap the contact or group name at the top.
2. Find the section that lists scheduled messages.
3. Select the message you want to remove and delete it.

The other person gets no notification when you delete a scheduled message. In addition, once it sends, it looks like a normal message, with no “scheduled” label. Most reports do not confirm editing a scheduled message, so for now the safe method is to delete it and schedule a new one.

Best uses for scheduled WhatsApp messages

Scheduling sounds small, yet it solves real problems:

• Birthday and festival wishes at midnight without staying awake.
• Time zones: message family or clients abroad during their morning, not yours.
• Reminders: send a group a reminder the morning of a meeting or event.
• Small businesses: confirm appointments or share offers at the right time.

For businesses that need more than one off scheduling, our guide to AI automation for small business shows how to automate replies and follow ups safely.

How to schedule WhatsApp messages if you do not have the feature yet

Until the feature reaches the stable app, you have a few safe options.

Use WhatsApp Business away messages

The free WhatsApp Business app can send automatic away messages on a custom schedule or outside business hours. It can also send greeting messages to new customers. However, these are automatic replies, not messages you schedule to one person at a set time.

Set a phone reminder

It is low tech but reliable. Write the message in your notes, set a reminder and send it when the alert goes off.

Avoid unofficial scheduling apps

Some apps promise to schedule WhatsApp messages by controlling your phone or using modified WhatsApp versions. Be careful. WhatsApp has banned accounts that use unofficial clients in the past, and these apps may read your chats. In short, it is not worth the risk now that the official feature is close.

Other new WhatsApp features in October 2026

Scheduling is not the only recent change. On 14 October 2026, WhatsApp launched guest calls. You can now invite anyone to a voice or video call with a link, even if they do not have a WhatsApp account. Guests join from a computer browser and wait until the host lets them in. These calls are free, have no time limit and support up to 32 people. You can read the details on the official WhatsApp blog.

Also, WhatsApp Web now supports audio and video calls without installing the desktop app. Meanwhile, scam messages are still common on every chat app, so it helps to know the warning signs. Our guide to iPhone scam protection explains the new tools that flag risky calls and messages.

FAQ

How do I schedule a message on WhatsApp?

Type your message, press and hold the send button, pick a date and time, then confirm. The feature is in beta for now, so it may not show in your app yet.

How far ahead can I schedule a WhatsApp message?

You can schedule a message from 10 minutes up to two weeks in advance.

Does a scheduled WhatsApp message send if my phone is off?

Yes. Reports say WhatsApp delivers the message at the set time even if the app is closed or your phone is offline.

When will scheduled messages reach all WhatsApp users?

WhatsApp has not announced a date. The feature is rolling out to more beta testers over the coming weeks, which usually comes before a stable release.