WhatsApp Beta Testers Get Message Scheduling Feature
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
WhatsApp is gradually releasing a message scheduling feature to some Android beta testers, allowing them to schedule text, links, photos, and videos up to two weeks in advance. The feature, similar to Telegram's, sends messages automatically even when the app is closed. In group chats, scheduled messages are only sent to members present at the time of scheduling. The feature is expected to be rolled out to more users and eventually to iOS in the coming weeks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- WhatsApp is testing a new message scheduling feature for Android beta users.
- Users can schedule text, links, photos, and videos up to two weeks in advance.
- Scheduled messages will send automatically, even if the app is closed or offline.
- In group chats, messages are only sent to members present at the time of scheduling.
- The feature is expected to be released to more users and iOS in the future.
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a long-awaited message scheduling feature to a portion of its beta testers on Android. The functionality, discovered in beta version 2.26.40.7, allows users to schedule text messages, links, photos, and videos for future delivery. The feature operates similarly to Telegram's, where a long press on the send button opens the scheduling option. Users can schedule messages from 10 minutes up to two weeks in advance, and they will be sent automatically at the chosen time, even if the app is closed or the device is offline. The scheduling supports end-to-end encryption.
For group chats, a message scheduled will only be delivered to members who were part of the group at the time of scheduling. This ensures that new members joining later do not receive the message. In individual chats, users can schedule a single photo or video at a time, and the option is also available within the photo editing screen. Scheduled messages can be viewed, managed, and deleted before they are sent from a dedicated section within the chat's contact information.
The feature has been in development for several months, with earlier mentions appearing in beta version 2.26.8.11. The current rollout is gradual, meaning not all users who install the latest update will have immediate access. However, users whose accounts do not yet support sending scheduled messages can still receive them. Based on past patterns, the feature is expected to be released for iOS users eventually, followed by a wider public release and an official announcement from WhatsApp.