WhatsApp is rolling out scheduled messages on iOS beta
WhatsApp is finally introducing a feature that lets users decide when they want to send their messages. The feature lets users pick a specific date and time, so WhatsApp can send the message automatically even if the app is closed. Message scheduling is compatible with both individual and group chats.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Scheduled messages |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.42.10.19 is a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is testing a dynamic bottom navigation bar on Android! |
WhatsApp rolled out scheduled messages on Android beta
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.40.7 update, we announced a message scheduling feature. The feature lets users compose a message and choose when to send it. Users can access the schedule message screen by tapping and holding the send button. This action opens a bottom sheet where users can set the date and time for delivery. The update supports text messages, photos, videos, and links, and it is compatible with end-to-end encryption. Scheduled messages are available in a dedicated section in the chat info screen, where users can view and delete them before the app delivers them.
WhatsApp is introducing scheduled messages on iOS
WhatsApp introduced the message scheduling feature on the Android app last week. Finally, WhatsApp is making it available on the iOS app as well. We discovered the news with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.42.10.19 update, which is available on TestFlight. With this update, WhatsApp is rolling out scheduled messages to some beta testers. This feature makes it easier for users to choose the exact moment to send a message, even when the device is offline.
How to schedule a message
Users can schedule a message from the chat interface. After typing the message into the chat composer, they need to tap and hold the send button. WhatsApp opens the schedule message screen with a date and time picker. Users can scroll through the page and tap the green button at the bottom of the screen to confirm. The button shows the exact delivery time before users schedule the message. After scheduling a message, WhatsApp shows a confirmation in the chat, but it is only visible to the user who scheduled it.
Scheduled messages support text, photos, videos, links
WhatsApp supports scheduling for text messages, photos, videos, and links. For photos and videos, users can tap and hold the send button right within the drawing editor screen. However, it is not possible to schedule more than one item at once. This means that users need to create a separate scheduled message for every photo or video they want to send. The feature is compatible with end-to-end encryption, so WhatsApp protects scheduled messages just like any other message.
How far ahead users can schedule a message
WhatsApp gives users a flexible window to schedule their messages. The minimum scheduling time is 10 minutes from the current time. This gives users a chance to delete the message to make any last-minute changes. The maximum is two weeks in advance, so users can plan messages well ahead of time. For example, users can schedule a birthday greeting days before the date or set a quick reminder.
How to manage scheduled messages from the chat info screen
Once users schedule a message, it appears in a dedicated scheduled messages section within the chat info screen. For group chats, this section is also accessible from the group info screen. Here, users can see their scheduled messages before the server sends them. Users can also delete a scheduled message from this screen at any time before WhatsApp sends it. The recipient never receives a notification when users delete a scheduled message.
How scheduled messages work in group chats on iOS
The feature is also compatible with group chats. However, WhatsApp only sends a scheduled message to the members who are part of the group when the user scheduled it. If someone joins the group after the sender scheduled the message, they will not receive it. As a result, WhatsApp prevents the message from being delivered to people who were not part of the group chat.
WhatsApp is rolling out scheduled messages to iOS beta testers
Scheduled messages are currently available to some users who install the latest update from TestFlight. WhatsApp is rolling the feature out gradually, so not every beta tester will see it immediately. If the option to schedule messages does not appear yet, it should become available to more accounts over the coming weeks. WhatsApp has not announced when scheduled messages will be available to everyone.
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