Schedule WhatsApp Messages on Android: Step-by-Step

This guide shows you how to schedule WhatsApp messages on Android so you can compose a text now and have it send automatically at a specific time later. You’ll learn the built-in method (using the chat’s timer feature) and a reliable workaround for messages you want to schedule days or weeks in advance. No third-party apps are required.

What You’ll Need

An Android phone with WhatsApp installed and logged in.
The latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store (the scheduling feature is available in recent versions).
An active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) at the scheduled time for the message to send.

Step-by-Step

Open the chat where you want to schedule the message. This can be an individual or group chat.
Write your message in the text input field as you normally would. You can also attach media (photo, video, document) if you want to schedule that too.
Long-press the send button (the paper plane icon) instead of tapping it once. After a moment, a menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Select “Schedule message” from the menu. If you don’t see this option, make sure WhatsApp is updated to the latest version.
Choose the date and time using the picker. You can set the exact minute and AM/PM. Tap “Schedule” or the checkmark to confirm.
Your message is now scheduled. It will be sent automatically at the chosen time, provided your phone is on and connected to the internet.

To view, edit, or cancel a scheduled message:

Go to the chat where you scheduled the message. You’ll see a small clock icon next to your message in the chat thread.
Tap and hold the scheduled message to select it.
Use the icons at the top to either edit the time (pencil icon) or delete the schedule (trash icon). Deleting a scheduled message cancels it completely.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to update WhatsApp: The scheduling feature is relatively new. If you don’t see the option, go to the Play Store and check for updates.
Setting the wrong AM/PM: Double-check the time picker, especially for messages scheduled around noon or midnight.
Scheduling for a past time: If you pick a time that has already passed today, WhatsApp will either send it immediately or ask you to choose a future time, depending on the version.
Turning off the phone or losing connection: The message will not send if the phone is off, in airplane mode, or has no internet at the scheduled moment. It will not be sent later automatically.

Tips

Use the “Schedule message” feature for short delays (e.g., a reminder for later today or tomorrow). It’s built-in and reliable.
For messages weeks or months in advance, use a workaround: write the message in a note-taking app and set a calendar reminder with a notification. When the reminder pops up, copy the text and send it manually. This avoids relying on the phone being on at that exact time.
Schedule media messages too: You can attach a photo or video before long-pressing the send button. The media will be sent along with the text at the scheduled time.
Keep your phone charged and connected if you rely on scheduled messages for important communication.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see the “Schedule message” option. Update WhatsApp from the Play Store. If it’s still missing, your device may not support the feature yet (some older Android versions or WhatsApp Business accounts may have limitations). In that case, use the calendar reminder workaround.
The message didn’t send at the scheduled time. Check if your phone was off, in airplane mode, or had no internet. Also verify that WhatsApp was not force-stopped by the system (some battery optimizers kill background apps). Add WhatsApp to your battery optimization exception list in Android settings.
I can’t edit a scheduled message. You can only edit the time, not the content. To change the text, delete the scheduled message and create a new one.
The scheduled message appears as sent, but the recipient didn’t get it. Check your internet connection and the recipient’s status. If you see a single grey tick, it’s still sending; a single blue tick means it was delivered to the server. If it’s stuck, try resending a new message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a message in WhatsApp Business?

Yes, WhatsApp Business has a similar scheduling feature, but it may be located in a different menu (often under the “More options” or “Attach” icon). The steps are essentially the same: compose, long-press send, and select “Schedule message.”

Will the scheduled message send if my phone is locked?

Yes, as long as the phone is powered on and has an internet connection. The screen can be off or locked.

Can I schedule a message for a group chat?

Yes, the scheduling feature works in both individual and group chats.

Is there a limit to how many messages I can schedule?

No official limit has been announced. You can schedule as many as you like, but be mindful that each one requires your phone to be on at its scheduled time.

Can I schedule a message to be sent every day or weekly?

No, the built-in feature only sends a message once. For recurring messages, you would need a third-party automation app, but those are not officially supported and may violate WhatsApp’s terms.

Does the recipient see that the message was scheduled?

No, the recipient sees the message as a normal WhatsApp message. There is no indication that it was scheduled.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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