How to use WhatsApp: schedule message on Android, iOS, web & business in 2025

Learn how you can schedule WhatsApp messages to boost user engagement and drive sales.

According to Statista, WhatsApp is currently the most popular global mobile messenger application, with two million monthly active users. It’s more than double the number of people who use Messenger, which is an excellent indicator of WhatsApp's importance for your business's continuous growth.

If you want to use WhatsApp for business, you need to use message scheduling, which allows you to compose messages in advance and send them automatically at a specified time. This functionality is crucial for both personal convenience and business efficiency, ensuring timely communication and increased engagement.

This guide covers various methods, ranging from manual workarounds to advanced automated solutions, to help you find the best message scheduling option. We also included comprehensive instructions on how to schedule WhatsApp messages across different platforms. Let’s get to it!

Can you schedule a message on WhatsApp?

Yes, you definitely can! Although WhatsApp has no built-in scheduling feature, you can easily schedule messages by using third-party tools or automation platforms. This capability is significant for businesses, as the timing of WhatsApp communication can significantly impact engagement and customer satisfaction.

Can I schedule messages in WhatsApp without third-party apps?

No, unfortunately, WhatsApp does not offer a native message scheduling feature. You will need to rely on external tools or workarounds for this.

Is WhatsApp message scheduling safe?

The short answer is “yes”. The slightly longer (and more accurate) one is “it depends”. The safety of WhatsApp message scheduling depends on the method and third-party app you choose. Investing in reputable and well-reviewed applications from official Meta partners, such as Chatfuel, minimizes risks.

Different methods of handling WhatsApp scheduling – a summary table

Method	Platforms	Difficulty	Reliability	Best For
iOS Shortcuts	iOS only	Medium	Manual setup required	Personal use, occasional messages
Third-party apps	Android/iOS	Easy	Variable reliability	Regular personal scheduling
WhatsApp Business App	Android/iOS	Medium	Limited features	Small business, basic needs
WhatsApp Business API	All platforms	Easy with right partner	Highly reliable	Business users, high volume

How to schedule WhatsApp messages on Android

For Android users, SKEDit is a popular third-party application that enables the scheduling of WhatsApp messages. Other top third-party scheduling apps for Android devices include AutoResponder for WA and Wasavi. However, for simplicity's sake, this article will focus on SKEDit.

Scheduling WhatsApp messages using SKEDit:

Download and install SKEDit from theGoogle Play Store.
Open SKEDit and grant the necessary Accessibility permissions in the Settingsmenu. (Please note: granting accessibility permissions to third-party apps can pose security risks. Ensure you trust the app developer.)
In the app, select the required WhatsApp contact or group and then choose the desired time and date.
Write the message that you want to schedule. You can also add attachments.

Source: youtube.com/@skeditschedulingapp8420

On the top right corner, you will see the Schedule button. Tap it when your message is ready. You can also enable the Ask me before sendingoption. If you do it, you will need to confirm the message text once again.
You will receive a notification after your message is sent.

Source: youtube.com/@skeditschedulingapp8420

When scheduling your messages using the SKEDit app, you can also choose whether you want them to be sent only once or if they should be repeated. This feature can be invaluable when you need to send some reminders to clients or colleagues.

Limitations and reliability concerns: While convenient, these apps often rely on accessibility services, which can sometimes be unstable or prone to breaking with WhatsApp updates. There are also inherent security considerations when granting such extensive permissions to third-party software.

How to schedule WhatsApp messages on iPhone

Source: youtube.com/@ProgrammingKnowledge2

iPhone users can use the built-in Shortcuts Appto schedule WhatsApp messages, though it requires a bit more manual setup.

Scheduling WhatsApp messages using the Shortcuts App:

Open the app and choose Automation.
Then, select the Create Personal Automationoption by tapping the ➕ icon in the top-right corner.
After picking the time and date, tap the Next button.
Then, press Add Actionand type into the search bar. Choose the relevant variant from the results.
Add the desired message text in the opened field.
When you're ready to proceed, tap the ➕ icon. Next, enter WhatsApp in the pop-up search bar.
Choose the Send Message Through WhatsAppoption in the dropdown menu.
Select the contact who should receive the scheduled message and then tap Next and Done.

Expert tips:Ensure your phone is unlocked and the WhatsApp app is open around the scheduled time for the automation to run successfully.

Limitations of this approach:The main limitation is that the message won't be sent if your phone is locked or if WhatsApp isn't in the foreground when the automation triggers. It's best suited for personal, non-critical messages.

Troubleshooting section for common issues: If you want to automate the process of sending your message, you need to disable the Ask Before Runningtoggle. Unless you do it, you will receive a notification from the app at the scheduled time, and will need to click on the notification and then send the scheduled message manually.

How to schedule WhatsApp messages on WhatsApp Web

If you use the web version of WhatsApp, schedule message with the Blueticks extension for Google Chrome. It can be found on the Chrome Web Store.

Scheduling WhatsApp messages using WhatsApp Web:

On WhatsApp Web, select and open a contact, chat or group you want to send your message to.
Click the clock iconnext to the message typing field. It will open the window for scheduling messages.

Source:youtube.com/@BlueticksTeam

Write the message that you want to schedule and select the desired date and time using the calendar, as well as the Send Timefield.

Source:youtube.com/@BlueticksTeam

Click the Schedule Sendbutton.

Limitations:The primary issue is browser compatibility. Blueticks is specifically designed forGoogle Chromeand other browsers (especially ones not based on the Chromium technology, i.e., Firefox or Opera) may not support this extension.

How to schedule WhatsApp messages in the WhatsApp Business app

The native WhatsApp Business App has limited scheduling capabilities, primarily for auto-replies.

Scheduling WhatsApp messages using the WhatsApp Business app:

Log in (or create a WhatsApp Business accountfirst, if you haven’t already).
Open the WhatsApp Business app, then open Settings and select Business Tools.
Choose Away Messageand turn on the Send Away Messageoption.
Tap the pencil icon next to Away Message.
In the text field, type your message, then tap OK.

Select the way you prefer to schedule your message. There are such options as Always send, Custom scheduleand Outside of business hours.

Limitations:The WhatsApp Business App does not allow scheduling of individual messages to specific contacts. You can only use WhatsApp auto-replies, which boil down to:

Away Messages: Automatically sent when customers message you outside of business hours or when you're away. You can customize the message and set a schedule for when it should be active.
Greeting Messages: Sent automatically to new customers or after 14 days of no activity, providing an immediate welcome or re-engagement message.

Best use cases: These features are ideal for setting up out-of-office notices, informing customers about holiday hours or providing instant first contact for new inquiries.

Use Chatfuel and Business API to automate WhatsApp messaging

How to schedule a message on WhatsApp_ a step-by-step guide 1.png

As you can see, when you need to schedule a message, WhatsApp has limited possibilities. Moreover, even the available options require significant manual work, which can be challenging for a growing business. Therefore, for companies with higher volume and more complex needs (medium to large firms), the WhatsApp Business API is the most powerful and reliable solution for message scheduling and automation.

The key features of a WhatsApp API include:

WhatsApp business messaging:Businesses can send mass (bulk) messages to customers without the risk of blocking.
Rich media:The API supports sending images, videos and documents.
Templates:Businesses can use predefined message templates for everyday interactions.
Analytics:Insights into message delivery and response rates.
Integrations:Connection toCRM systems, chatbots and other tools.
Security:The API offers encryption and other security measures to protect customer data.

How to schedule a message on WhatsApp_ a step-by-step guide 2.png

ALT: A WhatsApp message with a booking confirmation

To use the API, you need to integrate with a Business Solution Provider (BSP), such as Chatfuel (don’t worry, you can do this without any coding skills).

What is Chatfuel?

Chatfuel enables businesses to use the WhatsApp Business APIto schedule, automate and personalize messages at scale. It goes beyond simple auto-replies. You can configure personalized flows, forgo manual scheduling altogether and enable lightning-fast lead responses with a 98% open rate. Our solution also offers advanced features like drip campaigns, follow-up sequences and targeted notifications.

Moreover, Chatfuel is an official Meta partner and takes security and privacy very seriously, so you can rest easy knowing that no one will mishandle your data.

Specific business use cases:

Customer support follow-ups: Send automated messages with follow-ups after a support interaction to gather feedback or provide further assistance.
Order status updates: Proactively inform customers about the progress of their orders, from confirmation to delivery.
Appointment reminders: Send timely reminders for scheduled appointments to reduce no-shows.
Marketing campaigns: Schedule promotional messages, new product announcements, or special offers for delivery at optimal times for engagement.

The results of Chatfuel WhatsApp automationcan be genuinely transformative. For example, Ultima.school—a Brazilian educational platform that offers digital programming, marketing and analytics courses—managed to halve customer acquisition expenses while maintaining the end-to-end conversion rate at the same level.

From Ultimal.schoolsuccess story on Chatfuel’s website.

In a similar vein, the Indonesian service marketplace Interaksi achieved 100% reachability and an over 65% open rate using WhatsApp automated messages.

From Interaksi's success story on Chatfuel’s website.

Scheduling WhatsApp messages using Chatfuel:

Connect your WhatsApp phone number to Chatfuel. You can find specific instructions on how to do this in the video guide below.

Create a chatbot with a simple flow. You can use a ChatGPT template, but if you prefer to customize it fully, check out the following guide.

Launch your bot by turning on the entry point.

Turn your WhatsApp profit to the max today

Choosing the correct WhatsApp message scheduling method depends on your individual or business needs. For occasional use, iOS Shortcuts or third-party Android apps can suffice. However, for businesses aiming for high volume, reliability and advanced automation, the WhatsApp Business API is the clear winner.

This solution lets you integrate the platform with your existing customer communication tools. It has advanced features and the ability to send interactive messages in bulk, making it suitable for larger businesses. With Chatfuel, you can use the power of WhatsApp’s top tools without coding or developing experience. That way, you can improve customer engagement, automate communication workflows and always provide a seamless customer experience. Explore our other publications to learn more about how to sellon WhatsApp and implement marketing strategies on the platform.

And if you’re ready to optimize your profits with WhatsApp automation via Chatfuel, sign up today for our 7-day free trial.

FAQs

Is there a built-in way to schedule WhatsApp messages?

No, WhatsApp does not have a built-in message scheduling feature. You need to use third-party tools or automation platforms.

Are third-party WhatsApp scheduling apps safe?

The safety of third-party apps depends on the method and the app. To minimize risk, invest in a reputable and well-reviewed application from an official Meta partner, such as Chatfuel.

Can I schedule bulk messages on WhatsApp?

Yes, you can schedule bulk messages on WhatsApp, which is helpful for business users with high-volume needs. The WhatsApp Business API, when used in conjunction with a Business Solution Provider like Chatfuel, lets businesses send mass messages to their customers.

What’s the difference between WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business API?

The WhatsApp Business app offers limited scheduling capabilities, primarily for auto-replies like Away Messages and Greeting Messages. It doesn’t allow scheduling of individual messages to specific contacts and is best suited for small businesses with basic needs. The WhatsApp Business API is a more powerful and reliable solution, suitable for bigger organizations, but you need a third-party app for that.