WhatsApp could soon let you schedule messages instead of having to send them yourself at the right time. The feature is reportedly under testing mode with only a small group of people having access to it with its Android Beta in their hands a larger rollout is expected sooner.
As reported by WABetaInfo, the feature would let users write a message in advance and choose when it should be delivered. It may also work with links, photos and videos, and is expected to be available in both personal and group chats. Users could also check their pending messages and delete them if they no longer want to send them.
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WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Feature: How to Use It
The feature has reportedly appeared for some users running WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.40.7. If it reaches your account, scheduling a message could be as simple as typing it in a chat and tapping and holding the send button. WhatsApp may then show an option to choose the date and time.
The reported scheduling window runs from 10 minutes ahead to two weeks later, giving users some flexibility over when a message goes out.
It won't just be for text, either. Users may be able to schedule links, photos and videos. For images, WhatsApp could also let them make edits in the drawing editor or add a caption before setting the delivery time. However, the current version for now only supports one picture or a video per schedule reportedly.
Scheduled Messages Could Work Even When Your Phone Is Offline
Once the scheduled time arrives, WhatsApp could send the message on its own, without requiring users to open the app or tap send again. The message is expected to go through even if WhatsApp is closed or the sender's phone is offline.
Group chats are also expected to support scheduled messages, although there may be a catch. The report suggests that only people who were already members of a group when the message was scheduled will receive it. Anyone who joins the group afterwards may miss that message.
WhatsApp may also add a dedicated section to the chat information screen where users can view messages waiting to be sent. If plans change, they could delete a scheduled message before it goes out. The recipient reportedly won't receive a notification if the sender removes it from the queue.
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When Will WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Arrive?
The feature is reportedly rolling out to a limited number of Android beta testers through the Google Play Store. WhatsApp has yet to announce when it will be available to everyone, so users on the stable version may have to wait.
The feature is also expected to support end-to-end encryption, although the full details have not yet been confirmed. An iPhone release date remains unclear as well.
For now, scheduled messages are still under testing. If the feature makes it to the wider release, it could be handy for birthday wishes, reminders and messages that need to reach someone at a particular time without relying on memory.