How to schedule your WhatsApp messages

Whether it’s sending a quick note, reminders, or follow-ups. Scheduling messages on WhatsApp can save you time and avoid interrupting people outside of business hours. 

Does WhatsApp allow scheduled messages?

WhatsApp does not currently support native message scheduling for personal accounts. However, WhatsApp Business offers limited options for automating replies, such as Greeting Messages and Away Messages. For broader scheduling capabilities, third-party apps and automation tools can bridge the gap.

Scheduling messages natively on WhatsApp

Before you test these, note that these features are best suited for automated responses and may not replace true scheduling capabilities.

Scheduling Messages Using WhatsApp Business

Setting Up Greeting Messages:

1. Open WhatsApp Business and navigate to Settings > Business Tools > Greeting Message.
2. Toggle on the feature and customize the message.
3. Choose the recipients (e.g., all contacts, new chats only).

Setting Up Away Messages:

1. Go to Settings > Business Tools > Away Message.
2. Toggle on the feature and set the time periods when the message should be sent.
3. Write your custom away message and configure recipient preferences.

Scheduling messages with third-party tools on WhatsApp for Android users

Please note that the following requires you to download a third-party application that is limited to Android users.

By using a third-party application

If you decide to use a third-party app, please be aware about your privacy settings and permissions. 

1. Download SKEDit from the Google Play Store.
2. Grant necessary permissions, including accessibility settings.
3. Open the app and select WhatsApp from the scheduling options.
4. Compose your message, select the contact, and set the time and date.
5. Enable the "Ask me before sending" option for a final review or let the app send automatically.

Scheduling messages on WhatsApp for iPhone users

Unfortunately for iPhone users, there aren’t a lot of third party apps that allow you to schedule WhatsApp messages. However, there is a workaround by using Siri shortcuts.

Using the Siri Shortcuts application

• Open the Shortcuts app and create a custom shortcut.
• Add actions for opening WhatsApp and composing a message.
• Use the scheduling feature within Shortcuts to automate the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AsPeEYxzv0 

Conclusion

Scheduling messages on WhatsApp is achievable with the help of WhatsApp Business, third-party apps, and automation tools. But it is a little trickier to do with personal accounts unless you are familiar with Siri Shortcuts and automation sequences. Make sure you send a test message to someone you’re familiar with before you use it for work purposes.

More Resources

• How to send broadcast message on WhatsApp: A quick guide