Schedule WhatsApp Messages: Step-by-Step Guide [2026]
Schedule WhatsApp messages is one of the most requested features by both individual users and businesses that manage communication through this platform. Being able to write a message and have it sent automatically at a specific time solves a real problem: not relying on your memory or being available at the exact right moment. In this guide, we explain all the ways to send scheduled WhatsApp messages, from native options to third-party tools and API automation. If you are looking for a broader strategic view on business communication via WhatsApp, check out our guide on WhatsApp marketing for business.
What Is Scheduling WhatsApp Messages
Schedule WhatsApp messages consists of writing a message and setting a future date and time for it to be sent automatically, without you having to be watching your phone at that moment. It is a feature that Meta has been progressively adding to both personal WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business.
In 2026, this capability is no longer a luxury but an operational necessity. Sales, customer support, marketing, and post-sale service teams depend on sending communications at the right moment. A follow-up message at 9:00 AM has a significantly higher open rate than one sent at 11:00 PM. Scheduling these sends lets you optimize communication without being chained to the clock.
Within the WhatsApp Business ecosystem, message scheduling integrates with other features such as WhatsApp broadcast lists and WhatsApp bulk messaging, forming a complete and scalable communication strategy.
How to Schedule WhatsApp Messages Step by Step
There are several ways to send scheduled WhatsApp messages depending on your operating system and whether you use the personal or business version. Below we detail each option.
Prerequisites
Before scheduling any message, make sure you meet these requirements:
- Updated version of WhatsApp: the native scheduling function requires the latest version available on Google Play or the App Store. Make sure you have WhatsApp updated to the 2026 version.
- Stable internet connection: the message is sent from your device at the scheduled time. If you do not have a connection at that moment, the send is delayed until you reconnect.
- WhatsApp Business (for advanced features): the personal app allows scheduling individual messages, but if you need scheduling at scale, you will need WhatsApp Business or access to the WhatsApp Business API.
Step 1: Access the setup
On Android:
- Open the conversation where you want to schedule the message.
- Type the message text in the input field.
- Long-press the send button (arrow icon) for one second.
- A menu will appear with scheduling options: "Later today," "Tomorrow morning," or "Choose date and time."
On iPhone (schedule WhatsApp messages iPhone):
- Open the relevant conversation.
- Type your message.
- Long-press the send button.
- Select the desired date and time in the picker that appears.
The interface is virtually identical on both operating systems since the Meta update in late 2025.
Step 2: Activate the feature
Once the date and time are selected:
- Confirm the schedule by tapping "Schedule send."
- The message will appear in the conversation with a clock icon, indicating it is pending delivery.
- You can edit or cancel the scheduled message by tapping on it and selecting "Edit scheduled message" or "Cancel send."
If you do not see the scheduling option, your version of WhatsApp is likely not up to date. Go to your device's app store and download the latest version.
Best Practices and Tips for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages
Knowing how to send scheduled messages on WhatsApp is only the first step. The difference between effective communication and one that goes unnoticed lies in what, when, and how.
How to effectively schedule a WhatsApp message
Choose the right time slot. Engagement data in Spain shows that messages sent between 9:00 and 11:00 AM have the highest read rate. The second-best slot is 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Avoid scheduling messages at night or during lunch hours.
Do not schedule too many messages to the same person. A common mistake is overwhelming the recipient with automated messages. If you combine scheduled messages with WhatsApp bulk messaging, set a maximum limit of 2-3 contacts per week per recipient.
Review the content before confirming. Unlike a regular message, you will not be in front of the screen when it is sent. A typo or a broken link in a scheduled message can remain uncorrected for hours.
How to schedule a WhatsApp message for a specific time
Schedule WhatsApp messages without apps is possible natively on both Android and iPhone. However, if you need advanced features like recurring scheduling (for example, a reminder every Monday at 9:00 AM), the native app falls short.
For recurring scheduling without external tools, an alternative on Android is to use OS automation with Tasker or Bixby routines on Samsung. On iPhone, iOS Shortcuts lets you create automations that open WhatsApp and send a message at a specific time, although with certain interaction limitations.
For businesses that need scheduling at scale, the most robust solution is to connect directly to the WhatsApp Business API and manage sends from your own backend or from a platform like GuruSup.
Practical Examples of Scheduling WhatsApp Messages
Let us look at real use cases for scheduling WhatsApp messages adapted to different industries. These templates are ready to copy, paste, and adjust to your needs.
Examples by industry
Ecommerce - Shipping confirmation:
"Hello [name], your order #[number] has been shipped and will arrive tomorrow between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. You can track it here: [link]. If you have any questions, we are here to help."
Dental clinic - Appointment reminder:
"Good morning [name], this is a reminder that you have an appointment tomorrow at [time] at our clinic on [address]. If you need to change the time, please reply to this message."
Training academy - Course start:
"Hello [name], your [topic] course starts tomorrow. The class access link is: [link]. We expect you at [time]. Have your questions ready."
Real estate - Visit follow-up:
"Hello [name], it was a pleasure showing you the apartment at [address] yesterday. Attached is the complete listing. If you would like a second visit or have questions about financing, let us know."
Restaurant - Reservation confirmation:
"Hello [name], your reservation for [number] guests on [date] at [time] is confirmed. We look forward to seeing you at [address]. To cancel or modify, reply to this message."
Ready-to-use templates
These templates cover the most common scenarios for scheduling WhatsApp messages for free from the native app:
| Escenario | Plantilla |
|---|---|
| Recordatorio de pago | "Hola [nombre], os recordamos que la factura #[numero] vence el [fecha]. Podeis realizar el pago en [enlace]." |
| Bienvenida a nuevo cliente | "Bienvenido/a a [empresa], [nombre]. Estamos encantados de teneros. Cualquier duda, escribidnos por aqui." |
| Encuesta de satisfaccion | "Hola [nombre], nos gustaria saber que tal fue vuestra experiencia. Podeis valorarnos en 30 segundos aqui: [enlace]." |
| Promocion limitada | "Hola [nombre], solo durante 48h teneis un 20% de descuento en [producto]. Usad el codigo [codigo] en [enlace]." |
If you handle a high volume of messages, these templates can be automated through the WhatsApp Business API. We explain the differences between both options in our article on WhatsApp Business vs API.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to schedule sending a WhatsApp message
To schedule a message on WhatsApp, open the conversation, type the text, and long-press the send button. A date and time picker will appear where you can set the exact send time. The feature is available on both Android and iPhone with the updated version of WhatsApp.
How to schedule a WhatsApp message for a specific time
When you long-press the send button, select "Choose date and time" from the menu that appears. You can set any future moment with minute-level precision. The message will remain visible in the conversation with a clock icon until it is sent automatically.
How to set the send time for a message
In addition to WhatsApp's native feature, you can use OS automation tools. On Android, apps like Tasker let you create recurring send rules. On iPhone, iOS Shortcuts offer similar functionality. For businesses, the WhatsApp Business API provides full control over send time through scheduled calls from your server.
How to send scheduled messages
You can send scheduled WhatsApp messages in three ways: the native app feature (available since 2025), third-party apps like SKEDit or Wasavi, and the WhatsApp Business API for automated business sends. The native option is the simplest and does not require installing any additional app.
How GuruSup Enhances Your WhatsApp Message Scheduling
WhatsApp's native scheduling solves the basic case: one message, one time, one recipient. But when you manage customer support, sales, or communication at scale, you need something more powerful.
Key Features of GuruSup
GuruSup takes WhatsApp message scheduling to the next level through integration with the WhatsApp Business API and AI agents that automate the entire workflow:
- Intelligent scheduling: GuruSup's AI agents analyze conversation history and suggest the optimal send time for each contact, based on when they typically read and respond.
- Bulk scheduling with personalization: send hundreds of scheduled messages with dynamic variables (name, order, date) without losing the personalized tone.
- Automatic post-send responses: when the recipient responds to a scheduled message, an AI agent can continue the conversation autonomously, resolving common questions without human intervention.
- Conditional flows: schedule message sequences that adapt based on the customer's response. If they confirm, send the next step. If they do not respond within 24 hours, send a reminder.
How to Get Started with GuruSup
Connecting your WhatsApp Business number to GuruSup takes less than 10 minutes. You configure scheduled message flows from a visual dashboard, without writing code, and the AI agents handle the rest.
Try GuruSup for free: automate your customer support with AI agents on WhatsApp.
Discover how GuruSup helps support teams resolve inquiries automatically and schedule WhatsApp messages at scale without manual effort.
