WhatsApp tests message scheduling feature for Android

WhatsApp is currently testing a new message scheduling feature within its Android beta program (version 2.26.40.7). This tool allows users to prepare texts, links, photos, and videos to be delivered automatically at a predetermined date and time.

Users can schedule messages from 10 minutes up to two weeks in advance by long-pressing the send button. Once configured, the messages are managed in a dedicated section within the chat information screen, where they can be reviewed, edited, or deleted before delivery. A key technical aspect is that scheduled messages are processed on backend servers, meaning the sender's device does not need to be connected to the internet at the exact moment of transmission.

The feature is being rolled out for both individual and group chats. In group settings, scheduled messages will only be received by members who were part of the group at the time the message was scheduled; new members joining after the fact will not see the message. All scheduled content remains protected by end-to-end encryption. Currently, the beta implementation limits media scheduling to one photo or video per scheduled message.