How to Schedule a Message on WhatsApp (iPhone, Android & Business)
Can you schedule a message on WhatsApp? Not natively. The standard WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business apps don’t have a schedule-send or delay-send option at the time of writing. You can use phone automations as a workaround, and businesses can schedule messages fully automatically with a WhatsApp Business API tool like Monarkz.
Option 1: Schedule WhatsApp messages on iPhone with Shortcuts
- Open the Shortcuts app and go to Automation.
- Create a new Time of Day automation and choose the date and time.
- Add the WhatsApp Send Message action (or a text action plus WhatsApp), and pick the contact and message.
- Save. At the scheduled time, your iPhone prepares the message. Depending on your iOS version and settings, you may still need to confirm sending.
Limitations: your phone must be on, it may need confirmation, and it doesn’t scale beyond a few messages.
Option 2: Schedule WhatsApp messages on Android
Android has no built-in scheduler for WhatsApp. Third-party “WhatsApp scheduler” apps use accessibility permissions to tap send for you. Be careful: these apps need broad access to your phone, can break after updates and are not supported by WhatsApp.
Option 3: Schedule WhatsApp messages for business (the reliable way)
If you’re a business, the reliable and compliant way is the WhatsApp Business API. With Monarkz:
- Create or choose an approved message template.
- Select one contact, a segment or a full broadcast audience.
- Set the date, time and time zone.
- Schedule it. The message is sent from the cloud, with no phone needed, and delivery and read rates are tracked.
What businesses schedule on WhatsApp
- Promotional broadcasts at peak times.
- Appointment, payment and renewal reminders.
- Lead follow-ups and drip sequences.
- Birthday and anniversary greetings.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you schedule send on WhatsApp?
Not with a built-in button. Use phone automations as a workaround, or a WhatsApp Business API tool for automatic scheduling.
Can I schedule a WhatsApp message on iPhone?
Yes, partly, with the Shortcuts app’s time-based automations. You may still need to confirm sending.
How can I schedule a message in WhatsApp Business?
The WhatsApp Business app has no scheduler. Connect your number to the WhatsApp Business API with Monarkz to schedule messages and broadcasts.
Is there an official WhatsApp message scheduler app?
WhatsApp doesn’t offer one. Business platforms built on the official API, like Monarkz, provide scheduling.
Can you schedule a text on WhatsApp for later?
Not natively. Businesses can schedule texts and media messages with Monarkz.