Schedule reminders, coordinate time zones, and manage after-hours communications.
WhatsApp users have been eager for the ability to schedule messages to set recurring reminders, manage different time zones, and facilitate off-hours business communications. This absence has been notable, considering that a similar feature has been available on Telegram since 2019. Recently, it seems that Meta’s messaging platform is preparing to introduce this capability, as indicated by findings from a WhatsApp Android beta version.
The message scheduling option appeared in the most recent WhatsApp beta for Android update version 2.26.8.11. Users can access this feature by long-pressing the send button, which prompts a dialog box to select the delivery date and time. Additionally, there’s a section to manage scheduled messages prior to their dispatch.
WaBetaInfo
Scheduled messages will be sent at the chosen time, regardless of whether the device is online. Like other messages, these will support text, links, photos, and videos, all safeguarded by end-to-end encryption. Users can schedule messages for times as soon as 10 minutes from now or as far as two weeks in advance. This feature will also be available for group chats.
Currently, this feature is in beta testing for select WhatsApp users on Android and is expected to extend to a larger audience in the upcoming weeks. With the beta version now live, an official launch is anticipated soon.
