Blog · Scheduling · Step-by-step
How to Schedule a WhatsApp Message
WhatsApp has no universal schedule button, but several workarounds can send or prepare a message at the time you choose. Start with your phone below.
The right method depends on whether you use Android or iPhone and whether this is a one-off message or recurring business work.
Pick the method for your device
- Android: Use a free scheduling app like SKEDit, or Samsung's built-in scheduler if you have a Galaxy phone.
- iPhone: Use the Shortcuts app for a reminder-based semi-automatic send, or a third-party app.
- For business / recurring sends: Use WhatsApp Business tools or an automation service.
Method 1: Schedule on a Samsung Galaxy
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you may already have scheduling built into the keyboard. No extra app is needed.
- Open the WhatsApp chat
- Type your message in the text box
- Tap the + (or the three-dot menu, depending on model) near the text field
- Look for Schedule message
- Set the date and time
- Confirm
The message sends automatically at the time you set, as long as the phone is on. Availability varies by model and One UI version — if you don't see "Schedule message," use Method 2.
Method 2: Schedule on Android with SKEDit
SKEDit is the most popular free app for scheduling WhatsApp messages on Android.
- Install SKEDit from the Google Play Store
- Open it and choose WhatsApp
- Grant the Accessibility permission it requests (this is what lets it open the chat and send for you)
- Select the recipient (a contact or group)
- Type your message
- Set the date and time
- Tap the checkmark to schedule
Two things to know:
- Your phone must be on and connected at the scheduled time.
- On newer Android versions, SKEDit may show a "Send now?" confirmation at the scheduled moment instead of sending fully automatically. You'll just tap once.
Cost: Free for a limited number of scheduled messages; paid plan for unlimited.
Method 3: Schedule on iPhone with Shortcuts
iOS doesn't allow apps to send WhatsApp messages fully automatically, but you can use the built-in Shortcuts app to get a one-tap reminder at the right time.
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Go to the Automation tab → tap + → Create Personal Automation
- Choose Time of Day and set when you want it to send
- Tap New Blank Automation → Add Action
- Search for Text and add it, then type your message
- Add the Send Message action and select WhatsApp + the recipient
- Turn off "Ask Before Running" if your iOS version allows it
Reality check: On most iOS versions, WhatsApp will still require you to tap "Send" when the automation fires — so this is semi-automatic. It opens WhatsApp with your message ready at the right time; you confirm with one tap. There is no fully hands-off native method on iPhone.
Method 4: Use WhatsApp Business tools
The free WhatsApp Business app doesn't schedule messages to specific contacts, but it has two automation tools worth knowing:
Greeting Message — auto-sends to new contacts:
- WhatsApp Business → ⋮ → Business tools → Greeting message
- Toggle on, write your message, choose recipients
Away Message — auto-replies when you're offline:
- Business tools → Away message
- Toggle on, write it, set a schedule (Always / Outside business hours / Custom)
These are auto-replies to incoming messages, not scheduled outgoing messages — but if your goal is “reply automatically when I’m not around,” they do the job for free. See our auto-reply setup guide for full steps.
Method 5: Automate recurring business messages
If you regularly schedule messages — reminders, follow-ups, confirmations — a manual app gets tedious. A few approaches:
- Zapier + WhatsApp Business API: Connect your calendar or CRM so messages fire on a schedule. Powerful, but requires the WhatsApp Business API (Meta verification, a provider like Twilio/360dialog, and setup time).
- AI agents like WhatsBook AI: These run on your existing personal WhatsApp number. You tell the agent your schedule in plain language and it handles the timing — and because it reads replies, it can also respond when someone answers. Simpler than the API route, no separate number, flat pricing. For interactive help from ChatGPT (list chats, draft replies), see how to add ChatGPT to WhatsApp.
These make sense when scheduling is a recurring part of how you run things — not for a one-off message.
Which method should you use?
| Your situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy, one-off message | Built-in scheduler (Method 1) |
| Any Android, occasional scheduling | SKEDit (Method 2) |
| iPhone, occasional scheduling | Shortcuts (Method 3) |
| Want auto-replies when offline | WhatsApp Business tools (Method 4) |
| Recurring business reminders/follow-ups | Automation service / AI agent (Method 5) |
Before you rely on a scheduled message
- Double-check the time zone if you're messaging someone abroad.
- Keep the phone charged and online — every app-based method depends on it.
- Don't over-schedule to people who didn't ask. Scheduling a reminder to someone expecting it is great; scheduling unsolicited messages to a list is spam and risks a ban.
- Test it once on yourself before relying on it for something important.
Choose the least complicated option
For a one-off message, use the option that already fits your phone. If reminders and follow-ups have become a daily job, move the schedule into a booking system, automation service or agent so it is not tied to your memory.
Scheduling reminders regularly?
Tell an agent when to follow up and which conversations it may use. Preview the job before you activate it.
Try WhatsBook AI →