The Ultimate Guide to Schedule a Message on Whatsapp in 2024

17 Min Read

Written by

Raneya Selina

Published on

April 18, 2023

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is more important than ever, especially for businesses. WhatsApp, with its 2 billion users, is a powerful tool for communication. However, managing messages manually can be challenging, especially when dealing with different time zones and busy schedules. That’s why scheduling messages on WhatsApp is so valuable. It lets you automate your messages, making sure they reach your audience at just the right time, even when you’re not available. In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily schedule messages on WhatsApp across various devices and platforms, plus share tips to help you make the most of this feature.

Can you Schedule WhatsApp Messages?

Yes, you can schedule WhatsApp messages, but it requires using specific tools or apps since WhatsApp doesn’t offer a built-in scheduling feature. By scheduling messages, you can plan your communications in advance and ensure they are sent at the perfect time, even when you’re busy or unavailable. This feature is handy for businesses that need to send customers timely reminders, promotional offers, or regular updates.

In the next section, we’ll dive into how to schedule a message on WhatsApp. Whether you’re using Android, iPhone, WhatsApp Web, or the WhatsApp Business App, we’ll guide you through the process step by step.

How to Schedule a Message on WhatsApp: A Quick Guide

Scheduling a message on WhatsApp using the WhatsApp Business App is a simple and efficient way to manage your communications. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Open the WhatsApp Business Application
2. Choose the Business Tools
3. Turn on the “Select Away Message
4. Write a Message in the Text Field
5. Toggle on “Send Away Message on WhatsApp Business.
6. Press “Only Send to the Recipients”
7. Hit the on the “Schedule”

And that’s it! Your message is now scheduled to be sent at the time you specified.

Keep reading if you’re looking for more detailed instructions on scheduling a message on WhatsApp for specific devices, such as Android, iPhone, or WhatsApp Web. We’ll also cover using the WhatsApp Business API for more advanced scheduling options.

How to Schedule a Message on WhatsApp on Android

Scheduling messages on WhatsApp using an Android device is straightforward, can save you time, and helps you stay organized. Whether planning to send reminders, essential updates, or even birthday wishes, scheduling ensures your messages are sent precisely when needed.

Step 1: Download the SKEDit App and Grant Accessibility Access

The first step in scheduling a WhatsApp message on your Android device is downloading the SKEDIT app from the Google Play Store. SKEDIT is a reliable tool for automating WhatsApp messages. After downloading, you must grant the app the necessary permissions to function correctly.

Step 2: Launch the SKEDit Application

With the app installed and the necessary permissions granted, the next step is to launch SKEDIT to start scheduling your message. If you’re a new user, you must sign up or log in with your credentials to use the app.

Step 3: Choose a WhatsApp Contact or Group

Now that you’re in the app, you can select the WhatsApp contact or group to whom you want to send the scheduled message.

Step 4: Tap the Time & Date Option

Setting your message’s correct time and date is crucial to ensure it is sent precisely when desired. Tap on the “Time & Date” option within the SKEDit app. A calendar and time selector will appear, allowing you to pick the exact date and time you want the message sent.

Step 5:Write the Message You Want to Schedule

With your recipient and timing set, it’s time to compose the message. In the text field provided, write the message you want to send. It could be anything from a simple greeting to a vital business reminder.

Step 6: Click on the Clip Icon to Add an Attachment

If your message includes an attachment, such as a photo, document, or video, you can easily add it at this stage. Tap the clip icon, usually located near the text input field, to open your file manager. Select the file you want to attach to your message.

Step 7: Press on the “Schedule”

Finally, it’s time to schedule your message for your chosen time. Tap the “Schedule” button. Your message will be sent automatically at the specified date and time.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully scheduled a WhatsApp message on your Android device using SKEDIT. This method ensures that your messages are sent precisely when you need them, without any manual effort at the time of sending.

How to Schedule a Message on WhatsApp on iPhone

Scheduling messages on WhatsApp using an iPhone can be a convenient way to ensure your messages are sent at the right time, whether reaching out to clients, sending reminders, or staying in touch with friends and family. While WhatsApp doesn’t natively support message scheduling, you can use the Shortcuts app on your iPhone to achieve this. This process involves creating a shortcut that automates sending a message at a specific time.

Step 1: Install the Shortcuts App from the App Store

Download the Shortcuts app from the App Store if you haven’t already done so. This app is essential for creating the automation to schedule your WhatsApp message. Open the App Store on your iPhone, search for “Shortcuts,” and tap “Get” to install the app. Once installed, open the Shortcuts app to start setting up your automation.

Step 2: Select Automation

To create your message scheduling automation, select the “Automation” tab within the Shortcuts app. At the bottom of the screen, tap the “Automation” tab.

Step 3: Click on the + Icon in the Top RIcon Corner

To add a new automation, click the plus icon at the top right corner of the screen. Tap on the “+” Icon to create an Iconpersonal automation.

Step 4: Select a Time & Date

Now, it’s time to set when you want your message to be sent by choosing the exact date and time. Choose “Time of Day” from the available triggers. Here, you can select the precise date and time you want your message sent.

Step 5: Hit on the “Next” Option

After setting the time and date, click the “Next” option. Tap the “Next” button in the top right corner to continue setting up your automation.

Step 6: Press “Add Action”

Now that you’ve triggered your automation, it’s time to add the action: sending a WhatsApp message.

Step 7: In the Search Bar, Search for “Text”

You’ll need to add the text you want to send as a message, so start by searching for the “Text” action.

Step 8: Choose the Text Option

Add the ” Text ” action to your automation once you’ve found the “Text” action.

Step 9: Type the Message You Want to Broadcast

In the text field provided, type the message you wish to send through WhatsApp. Enter the text of the message you want to schedule. This could be a greeting, reminder, or any other communication you must send.

Step 10: Hit the + After Typing Your Message

After you’ve entered your message, you need to add another action to send it via WhatsApp.

Step 11: Again, Type WhatsApp in the Search Bar

Now, you need to set up the action to send your composed message via WhatsApp. In the search bar, type “WhatsApp” and look for actions related to WhatsApp.

Step 12: Choose “Send Message Through WhatsApp” from the Drop-Down Menu

Select the action that will send your message through WhatsApp. Tap the “Send Message via WhatsApp” option from the search results.

Step 13: Click on the Contact to Schedule Your WhatsApp Message

Next, you’ll choose the recipient of your scheduled message. Click on the contact field to select the person or group to whom you want to send the message.

Step 14: Turn on the Next Option

Once everything is set, you need to finalize the automation. After reviewing all the steps, tap the “Next” button to ensure the automation runs at the specified time.

Step 15: A Pop-Up Notification from Shortcuts App at the Scheduled Time

You’ll receive a pop-up notification from the Shortcuts app at the scheduled time. When the time comes, a notification will appear, reminding you that your message is about to be sent.

Step 16: Open the Notification to Send the Message

To complete the process, open the notification and confirm the action to send the message via WhatsApp.

Step 17: Send the Message

Tap on the notification to open WhatsApp, where your message will be ready to send. Confirm that you will send the message to your selected contact or group.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully scheduled a WhatsApp message using the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. This method allows you to automate your messaging, ensuring timely and efficient communications.

How to Schedule a Message on WhatsApp on WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web is a convenient tool that allows you to use WhatsApp directly from your browser, making it easier to manage messages while working on your computer. However, like the mobile app, WhatsApp Web has no built-in feature for scheduling messages. You can use browser extensions like Blueticks or WA Web Plus to overcome this limitation. These tools enable you to schedule WhatsApp messages directly from your web browser, allowing you to plan your communications in advance.

Step 1: Install Blueticks from the Chrome Web Store

The first step is to install the Blueticks extension, which is available for Chrome users. This extension enables you to schedule messages directly from WhatsApp Web. After installation, ensure that the extension is activated by checking the extensions icon in the top-right corner of your browser.

Step 2: Select a Chat, Contact, or Group You Want to Schedule

Now that Blueticks is installed, it’s time to head over to WhatsApp Web and choose the conversation where you want to schedule your message. Go to web.whatsapp.com in your browser. You’ll need to scan a QR code using the WhatsApp app on your phone to log in. Before moving on, make sure the message content is precisely what you want to send.

Step 3: Type the Message You Want to Share

With the chat open, you can compose the message you want to schedule for later. In the chat window, type the message you want to send. It could be a text, image, or document, depending on what you wish to share.

Step 4: Choose Date & Time

The next step is to set a specific date and time for your message to be sent. Click the Blueticks icon in your browser toolbar to open the scheduling options.

Step 5: Review the Scheduled Message

Before finalizing, it is essential to review the details to ensure everything is set up correctly. Review the scheduled message details, including the contact or group, the message content, and the scheduled time.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully scheduled a WhatsApp message on WhatsApp Web using the Blueticks extension. This method allows you to streamline your communication efforts, ensuring that your messages are sent at the perfect time, even when you’re away from your computer. Whether you’re scheduling a reminder, sending a timely update, or planning a message for a later date, this process makes it easy to manage your WhatsApp communications efficiently from your desktop.

How to Schedule Messages Using WhatsApp Business API: The Advanced Option

The WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool designed for medium to large businesses that need to communicate with their customers at scale. Unlike the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App, the WhatsApp API allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp messaging into their existing communication systems, offering greater flexibility and control. This advanced option is ideal for companies that need to send large volumes of messages, automate customer interactions, or integrate WhatsApp with CRM systems.

Why Use WhatsApp Business API for Scheduling Messages?

The WhatsApp Business API is considered an advanced option for several reasons:

Scalability: It allows businesses to simultaneously send messages to thousands of customers, making it ideal for large-scale campaigns.

Automation: The API can be integrated with chatbots, CRMs, and other automation tools to streamline customer interactions.

Rich Media Support: Businesses can send multimedia messages, including images, videos, and documents, enhancing customer engagement.

Analytics and Reporting: The API provides detailed analytics on message delivery, read rates, and customer responses, helping businesses optimize communication strategies.

Compliance: The API ensures that all messaging complies with WhatsApp’s strict guidelines, which helps protect businesses from being banned or restricted.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for scheduling messages using the WhatsApp Business API with the help of a platform like chatbot.team.

How to Schedule Messages Using WhatsApp Business API: The Advanced Option

The WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool designed for medium to large businesses that need to communicate with their customers at scale. Unlike the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App, the API allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp messaging into their existing communication systems, offering greater flexibility and control. This advanced option is ideal for companies that need to send large volumes of messages, automate customer interactions, or integrate WhatsApp with CRM systems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Schedule Messages Using WhatsApp Business API

If you want to Schedule WhatsApp Messages using WhatsApp Business API, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Set Up Your WhatsApp Business API Account

Before scheduling messages, you must set up your WhatsApp Business API account. This typically involves working with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider like chatbot.team. Sign up with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, such as chatbot.team, to help you get your API credentials.
Once your account is set up and verified, you will receive API credentials that you can use to integrate with your existing systems.

Step 2: Integrate the API with Chatbot.team

Next, you must integrate the WhatsApp Business API with your service provider.

Step 3: Create a Message Template

Before scheduling a message, you need to create a message template that will be sent to your customers. WhatsApp requires that all message templates be pre-approved to ensure they comply with their guidelines. In your chatbot.team dashboard, navigate to the “Template Management” section. Click on the “Create Template” and enter your message.

Step 4: Schedule the Message

Once your template is approved, you can schedule the message to be sent at a specific time. In the chatbot.team dashboard, navigate to the scheduling section. Next, choose the approved message template from the list. Select the audience for the message. You can send it to a specific contacts list or segment your audience based on predefined criteria. Review all the details, then click “Schedule” to set the message for delivery.

Step 5: Monitor and Analyze

Monitoring the message’s performance after it is sent is essential to understanding how your audience engages with it. In the chatbot.team dashboard, go to the analytics section to view detailed reports on message delivery, read rates, and customer responses. Use the insights gained from the analytics to optimize your future messaging campaigns.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully scheduled a WhatsApp message using the WhatsApp Business API with the chatbot.team. This advanced method provides a powerful way to manage your customer communications at scale, ensuring that your messages are timely, relevant, and effective.

Tips & Best Practices for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages

Scheduling WhatsApp messages can significantly enhance your communication strategy, whether managing customer interactions for a business or just trying to stay organized in your personal life. However, following some essential best practices is necessary to ensure your scheduled messages are effective and compliant with WhatsApp’s guidelines. Below are some tips to help you get the most out of WhatsApp message scheduling.

1. Select a Reliable Tool if You Need Advanced Scheduling Options

When scheduling WhatsApp messages, choosing the right tool is crucial. Reliable tools like SKEDIT for Android, Shortcuts for iPhone, or browser extensions like Blueticks for WhatsApp Web offer basic scheduling features. However, if you require more advanced capabilities like mass messaging or automation, consider using the WhatsApp Business API integrated with platforms like Chatbot.team. Selecting a dependable tool ensures that your messages are sent promptly without technical glitches.

2. Compliance with WhatsApp Policies

WhatsApp has strict guidelines regarding the content and frequency of messages sent through its platform, especially for businesses using the WhatsApp Business API. Ensure your scheduled messages comply with these policies to avoid account suspension or penalties. This includes using pre-approved message templates, obtaining customer consent before messaging, and avoiding overly promotional or spammy content. Staying compliant protects your account and enhances your brand’s reputation.

3. Know Your Audience’s Time Zone

Timing is everything when it comes to communication. Knowing your audience’s time zone is essential for scheduling timely and relevant messages. Sending messages at the wrong time, such as during the middle of the night, can lead to low engagement or irritation. Use scheduling tools that allow you to set messages according to the recipient’s local time, ensuring your communication reaches them when they are most likely to respond.

4. Segment Your Audience

Not all messages are suitable for all recipients. Segmenting your audience based on criteria such as location, purchase history, or engagement level allows you to send more targeted and relevant messages. This can improve open rates and customer satisfaction. When scheduling messages, segment your audience and tailor your content to meet each group’s specific needs and interests.

5. Plan Your Content

Effective communication requires thoughtful planning. Before scheduling messages, take the time to plan your content carefully. Consider what you want to achieve with each message: inform, engage, or convert your audience. Draft your messages in advance, ensuring they are clear, concise, and aligned with your communication strategy. Planning your content helps prevent last-minute errors and ensures your messages are consistent and professional.

6. Test Before Launch

Before rolling out a scheduled messaging campaign, testing everything to ensure it works as expected is essential. Send test messages to yourself or a small group of colleagues to verify that the scheduling tool functions correctly, the content displays properly, and the messages are sent at the correct time. Testing helps you catch any issues before they affect a larger audience, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall effectiveness of your messaging strategy.

7. Avoid Spamming

Spamming is annoying to recipients and violates WhatsApp’s policies, which can lead to penalties or account suspension. To avoid spamming, be mindful of the frequency of your messages and ensure each one provides value to the recipient. Segment your audience to send relevant messages and respect the preferences of those who opt-out. Always prioritize quality over quantity to maintain a positive relationship with your audience.

8. Use Chatbots

Chatbots can significantly enhance your WhatsApp messaging strategy, especially when combined with scheduling. Integrating chatbots with the WhatsApp Business API allows you to automate responses, handle customer inquiries in real-time, and schedule follow-up messages based on user interactions. Whatsapp Chatbots help ensure timely and relevant communication without requiring constant manual input. This makes them an invaluable tool for businesses looking to scale their customer service operations.

9. Monitor and Adjust

After scheduling and sending your messages, monitoring their performance is crucial. Use analytics tools provided by your scheduling platform or WhatsApp Business API to track metrics like delivery rates, open rates, and customer responses. Based on these insights, make necessary adjustments to your messaging strategy. Continuous monitoring and tweaking ensure that your communication remains effective and aligned with your goals, helping you achieve better results over time.

Following these tips and best practices can optimize your WhatsApp message scheduling strategy. This will ensure your messages are sent on time, resonate with your audience, and comply with WhatsApp’s guidelines.

Conclusion

Scheduling WhatsApp messages is a powerful tool that can enhance both personal and business communications by ensuring your messages are sent at the right time, every time. Whether you’re using essential apps for simple scheduling or the advanced capabilities of the WhatsApp Business API, the strategies outlined in this guide will help you stay organized and connected with your audience. By selecting the right tools, adhering to best practices, and continually monitoring your messaging performance, you can maximize the effectiveness of your WhatsApp communications and ensure they align with your overall goals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can set the time to send a message on WhatsApp, but it requires the use of third-party tools or apps since WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in scheduling feature. On Android, apps like SKEDit or WhatsApp Scheduler can be used, while iPhone users can use the Shortcuts app to automate sending messages at a specific time. For businesses, the WhatsApp Business API offers advanced scheduling and automation options.

Yes, you can set the time to send a message on WhatsApp, but it requires the use of third-party tools or apps since WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in scheduling feature. On Android, apps like SKEDit or WhatsApp Scheduler can be used, while iPhone users can use the Shortcuts app to automate sending messages at a specific time. For businesses, the WhatsApp Business API offers advanced scheduling and automation options.

Yes, there are several apps available that allow you to schedule WhatsApp messages. For Android users, SKEDit and WhatsApp Scheduler are popular options. iPhone users can use the Shortcuts app to create automations that send messages at a scheduled time. Additionally, browser extensions like Blueticks can be used to schedule messages on WhatsApp Web, while the WhatsApp Business API is available for more advanced scheduling needs.

Scheduling messages on WhatsApp without any third-party app is not possible in the standard WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App, as they don’t have a built-in scheduling feature. However, iPhone users can use the built-in Shortcuts app to create an automation that sends messages at a specific time. This method doesn't require downloading any additional apps.

Unfortunately, there is no native way to schedule WhatsApp messages on Android without using an external app. To schedule messages on WhatsApp using an Android device, you need to rely on third-party apps like SKEDit or WhatsApp Scheduler. These apps allow you to set the time and date for your messages to be sent automatically.

Yes, WhatsApp schedulers are generally safe to use, provided you choose reputable apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. However, always ensure that the app you’re using adheres to WhatsApp’s policies and doesn’t violate any terms of service. For businesses, using the WhatsApp Business API is the safest and most compliant way to schedule messages, as it’s officially supported by WhatsApp.

 

To schedule WhatsApp messages on a PC, you can use WhatsApp Web in combination with a browser extension like Blueticks. First, install the Blueticks extension from the Chrome Web Store, then log in to WhatsApp Web. You can then compose a message, select the recipient, and set the date and time for the message to be sent automatically.

Yes, you can automate your WhatsApp messages, especially if you’re using the WhatsApp Business API. This API allows businesses to set up automated responses, schedule messages, and integrate with chatbots for advanced customer interaction. For personal use, automation is possible through apps like SKEDit on Android or the Shortcuts app on iPhone, which allows you to schedule messages or create custom automations based on specific triggers.

 

About Author

Raneya Selina

Raneya Selina

Content Marketing Strategist at Chatbot.team

Raneya is a skilled Content Writer with over two years of experience in customer experience. At Chatbot.team, she crafts insightful case studies and analyzes customer data to develop impactful strategies.

Know more about Raneya Selina

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