Scheduling messages in WhatsApp is a highly desired feature for many users, allowing them to send messages at a specific time without needing to remember to do so manually. However, as of now, WhatsApp does not offer a native scheduling feature. Despite this, there are several workarounds and third-party apps that can help you achieve the same result. Here’s a detailed guide on how to schedule messages in WhatsApp:

Using Third-Party Apps on Android

Several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store allow you to schedule WhatsApp messages. One popular option is SKEDit Scheduling App.

Steps to Schedule Messages with SKEDit

  1. Download and Install SKEDit:
    • Go to the Google Play Store and search for “SKEDit Scheduling App.”
    • Download and install the app on your device.
  2. Set Up SKEDit:
    • Open the app and sign up or log in if you already have an account.
    • Grant the necessary permissions, including accessibility settings, to allow the app to function properly.
  3. Schedule a WhatsApp Message:
    • In the SKEDit app, tap on “WhatsApp.”
    • Tap on “Add Contact” and select the recipient from your WhatsApp contacts.
    • Enter your message in the text field.
    • Set the date and time for when you want the message to be sent.
    • If desired, toggle the “Ask me before sending” option to manually confirm before sending.
    • Tap on the checkmark or save button to schedule the message.

Using Siri Shortcuts on iOS

While there isn’t a direct way to schedule messages on WhatsApp for iOS due to the operating system’s restrictions, you can use Siri Shortcuts to create a reminder to send a message at a specific time.

Steps to Set Up a Reminder with Siri Shortcuts

  1. Create a Shortcut:
    • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
    • Tap the “+” button to create a new shortcut.
    • Tap “Add Action” and search for “Text.”
    • Add the text you want to send in the action.
  2. Add WhatsApp Action:
    • Tap “Add Action” again and search for “Send Message via WhatsApp.”
    • Select the contact you want to send the message to.
  3. Save the Shortcut:
    • Name your shortcut and save it.
  4. Create a Reminder:
    • Open the Reminders app on your iPhone.
    • Create a new reminder for the time you want to send the message.
    • In the reminder’s details, tap “Remind me at a time” and set the desired time.
    • In the notes or URL section, type “Run [Shortcut Name]” (replace [Shortcut Name] with the name of your shortcut).

When the reminder goes off, you can tap it to run the shortcut, which will then send your WhatsApp message.

Using WhatsApp Web and Browser Extensions

For desktop users, scheduling messages via WhatsApp Web can be done using browser extensions like Blueticks for Google Chrome.

Steps to Schedule Messages with Blueticks

  1. Install Blueticks Extension:
    • Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
    • Search for “Blueticks” and add it to your browser.
  2. Set Up Blueticks:
    • Open WhatsApp Web in your browser.
    • Follow the instructions provided by the Blueticks extension to link it with your WhatsApp Web session.
  3. Schedule a Message:
    • Click on the Blueticks icon in the Chrome toolbar.
    • Choose the contact and enter your message.
    • Set the date and time for when you want the message to be sent.
    • Save the scheduled message.

Conclusion

While WhatsApp does not currently offer a built-in message scheduling feature, these workarounds and third-party applications provide viable solutions for both Android and iOS users. By using apps like SKEDit for Android, Siri Shortcuts for iOS, or browser extensions like Blueticks, you can efficiently schedule your WhatsApp messages and ensure timely communication without manual intervention. Always be cautious when granting permissions to third-party apps and ensure they come from trusted sources to protect your privacy and data.