Imagine this. It’s midnight, and you’re fast asleep. But at exactly 12:00 AM, your birthday wish goes out to your friend automatically. Or you’re stuck in a meeting, but at 2 PM sharp, that important work reminder gets delivered without you touching your phone. This isn’t some distant dream. WhatsApp is finally working on a WhatsApp scheduled messages feature that will let you do exactly this.
This simple but powerful tool has been requested by users for years. Other messaging apps have it as well. Privacy risks were associated with third-party apps. WhatsApp is listening now. According to WABetaInfo, the feature may be released to everyone soon based on the latest beta build.
Here I’ll explain what we know so far about WhatsApp scheduled messages, how it works, when it’ll arrive, and how it impacts your daily life.
What Are WhatsApp Schedules? Messages?
The WhatsApp scheduled messages feature will allow you to write a message now but have it delivered automatically at a future date and time of your choosing.
Think of it as setting an alarm for your texts. You compose the message, pick the exact moment you want it sent, and WhatsApp handles the rest. When that time comes, the message goes out even if you’re offline, asleep, or busy with something else.
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about making sure important communications happen exactly when they need to, without relying on your memory or availability.
The feature was first spotted in WhatsApp beta version 26.7.10.72 for iOS, released through Apple’s TestFlight program. Screenshots shared by WABetaInfo show how it will work in both individual and group chats.
Why This Feature Matters
Let me be honest with you. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve forgotten to send an important message at the right time. A colleague’s birthday. A reminder for a morning meeting. Wishing someone at exactly midnight on Eid.
Right now, if you want to send a message at a specific time, you have two options. Stay awake and remember to do it manually. Or use third-party apps that schedule messages for you.
Neither is ideal. The first depends on your memory and availability. The second often comes with privacy concerns because those apps need access to your WhatsApp data.
The native WhatsApp scheduled messages feature solves both problems. It’s built directly into the app, end-to-end encrypted like all WhatsApp messages, and completely free for everyone.
How WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Will Work
Based on information from multiple sources and the WABetaInfo findings, here’s exactly how the feature is expected to function.
Composing a Scheduled Message
The process will be straightforward. You type your message as you normally would. But instead of tapping send immediately, you’ll have an option to choose a future date and time.
According to reports, this option might appear when you long-press the send button or access it through a plus (+) icon in the chat box. A calendar and clock interface will let you pick the exact moment for delivery.
Where Scheduled Messages Are Stored
All your pending scheduled messages will live in a dedicated section. You’ll find this inside the chat info screen for each conversation.
This section will show you:
- For that chat, how many messages are scheduled?
- The content of each pending message
- The date and time they’re set to send
Managing Your Scheduled Messages
You retain complete control.
- View all pending messages in one place
- Edit the content if you need to make changes.place.
- Delete any message before it goes out.
If you delete a scheduled message before delivery, the recipient never knows it existed. No notification, no trace. This is because the message was removed before it was ever sent.
Will It Work in Groups?
Yes. The scheduled messages feature is expected to work in both individual chats and group conversations.
For group admins and members, this opens up possibilities for coordinating announcements, scheduling reminders, and timing messages perfectly for when group members are most active.
Step-by-Step: How to Schedule WhatsApp Messages
When the feature launches, here’s how to use it. Using other apps and what the beta suggests, I have put together this guide.
Step 1: Update WhatsApp
Install the latest WhatsApp version from the App Store or Google Play Store. Regular updates will roll out the feature.
Step 2: Compose Your Message
You can schedule a message in a chat. Type your message as usual.
Step 3: Access Schedule Option
Rather than tapping send, tap schedule. You can accomplish this by:
- Sending a long message
- Calendar icon
- Scheduling options for plus (+) menus
Step 4: Pick Date and Time
Message delivery can be scheduled using the clock and calendar interfaces. A future date, an hour, or even a minute can be selected. Step 5: Confirm and Wait
Once you confirm, the message moves to your scheduled messages section. When the appointed time arrives, WhatsApp automatically sends it.
Step 6: Manage If Needed
If plans change, go to the chat info screen, find the scheduled messages section, and edit or delete pending messages as needed.
When Will WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Launch?
This is the question everyone is asking. The honest answer is that we don’t have an exact date yet.
The feature is currently in early development. It was spotted in beta version 26.7.10.72 for iOS, but it’s not yet available even to beta testers.
WhatsApp typically follows a pattern. Features get developed internally first, then released to beta testers, and finally rolled out to all users. The scheduled messages feature is still in the first stage.
Reports suggest it will first become available to beta testers on iOS and Android. After testing and refinement, it will launch for everyone worldwide.
Given the level of interest and how far along the development appears, we might see this feature later in 2026. But as with all things in tech, timelines can change.
Current Ways to Schedule WhatsApp Messages
Until the official feature arrives, some users have found workarounds. I should mention these come with limitations and potential privacy concerns.
On iPhone: Apple Shortcuts
The Apple Shortcuts app lets iPhone users set up automations right now. This means making a shortcut that sends a WhatsApp message at a certain time.
The catch is that it’s hard to set up, doesn’t always work, and your phone has to be on and connected at the right time.
Third-Party Apps on Android
There are a number of third-party apps for Android that say they can schedule WhatsApp messages. Most of the time, these apps use accessibility features to send messages automatically.
The catch is that you’re letting a third-party app see your notifications and maybe even your messages. This is a big problem for privacy. WhatsApp has also been known to block accounts that use third-party apps without permission.
On Both: Reminders
The simplest workaround is setting a reminder on your phone to send the message manually. It’s not automatic, but it’s safe and reliable.
The upcoming native feature will be better than all these workarounds. It will be built into WhatsApp, fully encrypted, and completely reliable.
Who Will Benefit Most from This Feature
Different people will use WhatsApp scheduled messages in different ways. Here’s who stands to gain the most.
Busy Professionals
If your work involves sending updates, reminders, or announcements at specific times, this feature will be a game-changer. Write messages when you have time; schedule them for when they need to go out.
People in Different Time Zones
Communicating across time zones is tricky. You don’t want to wake someone up with a notification at 3 AM their time. Scheduled messages let you write when convenient and deliver when appropriate.
Anyone with a Bad Memory
Let’s be honest. We all forget things. Birthday wishes, anniversary messages, meeting reminders. Scheduled messages ensure you never miss an important communication again.
Group Admins
Managing a WhatsApp group takes effort. Scheduling announcements for when members are most active can increase engagement and ensure important information isn’t missed.
Night Owls and Early Birds
Want to wish someone at exactly midnight? Schedule it. Need to send a message at 6 AM but don’t want to wake up? Schedule it. The feature works whether you’re awake or asleep.
Privacy and Security Considerations
WhatsApp has built its reputation on privacy. End-to-end encryption means only you and the person you’re communicating with can read your messages.
The scheduled messages feature will maintain this encryption. Your scheduled messages are stored on your device until the send time. They’re encrypted during this storage and remain encrypted when sent.
A key privacy feature is that deleting a scheduled message before it sends does not notify the recipient. Since the message was never delivered, the other person has no way of knowing anything was scheduled.
This is much better than third-party apps, which often require access to your notifications and can compromise your privacy.
What About Android Users?
The initial beta discovery was in the iOS version. But WhatsApp typically develops features for both platforms, with Android often following shortly after iOS.
Android users should expect the scheduled messages feature to arrive as well. The timing might differ slightly, but both platforms will eventually get this capability.
The feature will work similarly on Android, with the same ability to pick dates and times, manage pending messages, and schedule for both individual and group chats.
Other New WhatsApp Features Coming
The scheduled messages feature isn’t the only thing WhatsApp is working on. Here are a couple of other updates worth knowing about.
Spoiler Tags for Messages
WhatsApp is developing a feature that lets you hide text behind a spoiler tag. Recipients would need to tap to reveal the hidden content. This is useful for sharing surprises, sensitive information, or content that some people might not want to see immediately.
Group Message History
Another useful feature in development is Group Message History. When someone new joins a group, admins and members will be able to share recent messages with them. This helps new members catch up without scrolling through endless old chats. The feature will share between 25 and 100 recent messages and is end-to-end encrypted.
Frequently Asked Questions About WhatsApp Scheduled Messages
Is the WhatsApp scheduled messages feature available now?
No, not yet. The feature is still under development and was spotted in beta version 26.7.10.72 for iOS. It’s not available even to beta testers at this point.
Will scheduled messages work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes, once launched, the feature should be available on both platforms. It was first seen in the iOS beta, but Android typically gets similar features.
Do scheduled messages support end-to-end encryption?
Yes. WhatsApp has confirmed that all messages, including scheduled ones, will maintain end-to-end encryption. Your messages remain private and secure.
Can I schedule messages for groups?
Yes. The feature is expected to work in both individual chats and group conversations.
What happens if I delete a scheduled message?
If you delete a message before its scheduled send time, it’s removed completely. The recipient never receives it and gets no notification that anything was deleted.
Will this feature be free?
Yes. Unlike business broadcasts, which require payment, the scheduled messages feature will be completely free for all WhatsApp users.
How far in advance can I schedule messages?
This detail hasn’t been confirmed yet. Based on similar features in other apps, you’ll likely be able to schedule days, weeks, or even months in advance.
Can I edit a scheduled message after setting it?
Yes. The dedicated scheduled messages section will allow you to view and edit pending messages before they’re sent.
Will scheduled messages work if my phone is off?
The message is stored on your device. If your phone is completely off at the scheduled time, the message won’t send until your phone is back on and connected.
Is this better than third-party scheduling apps?
Absolutely. The native feature will be more reliable, fully encrypted, and doesn’t require giving access to third-party apps that might compromise your privacy.
What This Means for WhatsApp Users
The scheduled messages feature represents something important. WhatsApp is listening to what users actually want.
For years, people have requested this simple capability. Competing apps have had it. Business tools have offered it. Regular users have been left to find workarounds.
It’s changing now. Millions of people will benefit from this feature when it launches. Communication can be managed better by professionals. Friends can send birthday wishes at just the right time. Families can stay connected without disturbing each other’s sleep across time zones.
The best part of all? We can expect the same level of privacy and security with WhatsApp.
Conclusions
I’ve been following WhatsApp feature updates for years. Some come and go without much impact. The scheduled messages feature is different. It addresses a real need that millions of users have expressed.
While we wait for the official launch, keep an eye on your app updates. When the feature arrives, you’ll know. And when it does, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
For now, the key takeaways are simple. The feature is coming. It will work in individual and group chats. It will be free and encrypted. And it will make your life just a little bit easier.
Stay tuned to NewMobilePriceInPakistan.com for updates. As soon as WhatsApp announces a release date, we’ll let you know.
