WhatsApp is working on a useful feature that could change how people send messages. The platform has started rolling out scheduled messages to some Android beta testers, allowing eligible users to prepare messages in advance and choose when they should be sent. The feature supports text messages, links, photos, and videos, according to a report by WABetaInfo published on October 12, 2026.

Until now, users who wanted to send WhatsApp messages at a specific time often had to rely on reminders, workarounds, or third-party automation tools. The new feature aims to make this process easier by adding scheduling directly to WhatsApp.

For example, you could prepare a birthday greeting in the evening and schedule it for midnight. You could also plan a work reminder, share a photo at a particular time, or send an announcement to a group without having to remember to do it manually.

The feature is currently available to a limited number of Android beta testers. WhatsApp has not announced a public release date, so most users may need to wait before they can use it.

What Is the WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Feature?

WhatsApp scheduled messages will let users write a message, select a delivery date and time, and allow the app to send it automatically. Instead of waiting until the right moment to press Send, users can prepare their communication whenever it is convenient.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature is appearing in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.40.7. It is being introduced gradually, which means installing the compatible beta version does not guarantee that the option will appear on every account.

The feature is designed for both individual conversations and group chats. It also supports different types of content, making it useful for more than just text messages.

Key Features of WhatsApp Scheduled Messages

1. Schedule Text Messages in Advance

The main feature allows users to prepare a text message and choose when it should be delivered.

For example, if you need to remind a colleague about a meeting at 10 AM, you could write the reminder earlier and schedule it for the appropriate time. Similarly, you could prepare birthday wishes, appointment reminders, or important personal messages in advance.

This feature could be particularly helpful for people who manage busy schedules or frequently forget to send messages at the right moment.

2. Schedule Photos and Videos

WhatsApp’s reported scheduling feature also supports photos and videos. Users can select a media file, make supported edits, add a caption, and choose when the content should be sent.

This could be useful for sharing birthday photos, event invitations, travel pictures, or other media at a planned time.

However, the current beta implementation reportedly supports only one photo or video per scheduled media message. Users should not expect to schedule multiple photos or videos together in a single message through this workflow.

3. Schedule Links and Other Content

The feature also supports links, allowing users to prepare useful information and send it later.

For example, you could schedule a link to an online meeting, a document, an article, or an event page. This would help users organise communication without needing to return to the conversation at a specific time.

The exact content types supported may change as WhatsApp continues testing the feature.

4. Choose a Delivery Time

The reported scheduling window ranges from 10 minutes to two weeks ahead.

This gives users flexibility to schedule messages for later in the day or plan communications several days in advance.

The time limit also means that users cannot currently rely on the feature to schedule messages months into the future.

5. Automatic Message Delivery

Once a message has been scheduled, WhatsApp is expected to deliver it at the selected time without requiring the user to open the conversation and press Send again.

According to the feature report, scheduled messages can be delivered even when WhatsApp is closed or the sender’s phone is offline. This could make scheduling more convenient because users would not need to keep the app open while waiting for the delivery time.

WhatsApp has not publicly explained all the technical details behind this reported offline delivery behaviour, so the final implementation may be clarified as the feature becomes more widely available.

6. Manage or Delete Scheduled Messages

WhatsApp is also introducing a dedicated section in the chat information screen to manage scheduled messages.

Users will reportedly be able to review messages that are waiting to be sent and delete them before delivery. This is useful when plans change or a reminder is no longer necessary.

For example, if a meeting is cancelled, you could remove the scheduled reminder before it reaches the recipient. According to the report, deleting a pending scheduled message does not send a cancellation notification to the recipient.

7. Support for Group Conversations

Scheduled messages are also expected to work in WhatsApp group chats.

This could make it easier to share event announcements, meeting reminders, family updates, and other information with several people at once.

There is one important limitation. According to the reported implementation, people who join a group after a message has been scheduled may not receive that message. Users should check the group membership before scheduling important announcements.

How to Schedule a Text Message on WhatsApp

The following steps describe the reported feature for eligible Android beta testers. They may not work on your phone if WhatsApp has not enabled scheduling for your account.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp

Launch WhatsApp on your Android phone and open the individual or group conversation where you want to send the message.

Step 2: Type Your Message

Write the text you want to send in the message box. Review it carefully before scheduling.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Send Button

Instead of tapping Send normally, press and hold the button. If the scheduling feature is enabled for your account, WhatsApp should display an option to choose the delivery date and time.

Step 4: Select the Date and Time

Choose when you want the message to be delivered. The reported beta feature supports scheduling from 10 minutes to two weeks in advance.

Step 5: Confirm the Schedule

Review your selection and confirm it. The message should remain pending until the selected delivery time.

If you do not see a scheduling option, your account may not have received the feature yet.

How to Schedule Photos and Videos on WhatsApp

Scheduling media follows a similar process, although the controls may appear through the media picker or editing screen.

1. Open WhatsApp and select the conversation.

2. Open the gallery or media picker.

3. Select the photo or video you want to send.

4. Edit the media or add a caption if needed.

5. Press and hold the Send button to check for scheduling options.

6. Choose the delivery date and time.

7. Confirm the schedule.

The current reported implementation allows one photo or video per scheduled media message. If you need to share several files, you may have to schedule them separately or send them manually.

These steps are based on the beta feature report, and the final controls may change before the public release.

How to View or Delete Scheduled Messages

WhatsApp is reportedly adding a Scheduled Messages section to the chat information screen. This section will help users manage messages that have not yet been delivered.

To check a pending message, open the relevant conversation and tap the contact or group name at the top. If the feature is enabled, look for the Scheduled Messages section and open it to review pending items.

Select the message you no longer want to send and use the available delete option. Once removed before delivery, the message should not reach the recipient.

The feature is intended to give users more control over planned communication without requiring them to remember every message they have prepared.

Is WhatsApp Scheduled Messaging Available on Android and iPhone?

As of October 12, 2026, the reported rollout is limited to some Android beta testers using a compatible WhatsApp beta version.

WhatsApp has not announced an official date for a wider stable release. The feature may reach more beta testers over time, but the schedule remains uncertain.

Users should install updates from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid downloading modified WhatsApp apps or unofficial tools that claim to unlock unreleased features.

Why WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Could Be Useful

The new feature could help users handle everyday communication more efficiently.

• Birthday wishes: Prepare a greeting in advance and schedule it for the intended time.

• Work reminders: Plan messages about meetings, deadlines, or appointments.

• Family updates: Schedule announcements for a group conversation.

• Photos and videos: Prepare media and choose when to share it.

• Time-zone differences: Plan a message for a suitable time without needing to remember it later.

A built-in scheduling option could also reduce the need for third-party automation tools. Users would be able to manage planned messages directly inside WhatsApp, provided their accounts have access to the feature.

What to Do If the Schedule Option Is Missing

If the scheduling option does not appear, it does not necessarily mean something is wrong with your phone.

First, check whether WhatsApp has an update available through the official app store. If you are part of the Android beta programme, make sure you are using the latest available beta version.

However, even installing WhatsApp beta version 2.26.40.7 may not enable the feature because the rollout is limited to selected accounts. In that situation, the best option is to wait for WhatsApp to enable it for your account.

iPhone users should also wait for an official announcement rather than assuming that Android beta instructions will work on iOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule WhatsApp messages right now?

Only some Android beta testers have access to the reported feature. It is not yet available to all WhatsApp users.

Can I schedule WhatsApp messages without keeping the app open?

The reported feature supports automatic delivery even when WhatsApp is closed. WABetaInfo also reports delivery when the sender’s phone is offline.

How far in advance can I schedule a WhatsApp message?

The reported beta feature allows scheduling from 10 minutes to two weeks in advance.

Can I schedule multiple photos or videos together?

The current reported media workflow supports one photo or video per scheduled message. Multiple files may need to be scheduled separately.

Can I cancel a scheduled WhatsApp message?

Yes. The feature is expected to let users delete pending messages from the Scheduled Messages section before delivery.

Will the recipient know that I scheduled a message?

The reported feature does not indicate to the recipient that a message was scheduled. Deleting a pending message also reportedly does not notify the recipient.

Does WhatsApp support scheduled messages on iPhone?

A public iPhone release has not been confirmed in the report. The current rollout concerns selected Android beta testers.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp’s scheduled messages feature could make everyday communication easier by allowing users to prepare texts, links, photos, and videos ahead of time. Its reported support for automatic delivery, group chats, and scheduled message management could be useful for both personal and work-related conversations.

For now, the feature remains in limited Android beta testing, and WhatsApp has not confirmed when it will reach everyone. If the option is missing from your app, keep WhatsApp updated and wait for the official rollout rather than relying on unofficial downloads.

Source: WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out scheduled messages on Android beta, October 12, 2026.