How to Schedule Messages on WhatsApp

Introduction

Have you ever wished you could send a WhatsApp message later—like a birthday wish at midnight or a work message in the morning—without actually staying awake? Well, schedule messages on WhatsApp can save you from these headaches. Whether you’re a business owner, a forgetful friend, or just someone who loves being efficient, message scheduling is your new best friend.

1. Can You Schedule Messages Natively on WhatsApp?

Unfortunately, WhatsApp itself doesn’t offer built-in message scheduling. Not in the regular version, and not even in WhatsApp Business. Why? But don’t worry—there are workarounds. And we’re going to explore all of them.

2. Methods to Schedule WhatsApp Messages

Method 1: Using WhatsApp Business with Automated Messages

WhatsApp Business does not support true scheduling, but it does offer automation options that mimic scheduling.

• Setting Away Messages

You can set an “away” message that automatically replies when you’re not available. It’s not exactly scheduling, but it helps in managing communication during off-hours.

• Scheduling Business Hours

Set your business hours and let WhatsApp Business take care of replying to messages only during that time.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

There are a bunch of apps designed specifically to schedule WhatsApp messages. Let’s check out the most reliable ones.

SKEDit: Schedule WhatsApp Messages Easily

Steps:

• Install SKEDit from Google Play Store.
• Sign up and grant necessary permissions.
• Add WhatsApp as a channel.
• Type your message, select the contact, and choose the date/time.
• Enable Ask Before Sending or Send Automatically.

3. Using WhatsApp API for Scheduling (Advanced Method)

This one’s for businesses and developers. The WhatsApp Business API allows you to send automated messages at scheduled times via  platforms like Alfezo. These tools allow CRM-level control over when and what to send to your customers. Ideal for eCommerce brands, banks, or any business with regular updates to send. Using Task Scheduler Apps with WhatsApp If you’re more tech-savvy, you can explore:

Tasker (Android)

With Tasker, you can build custom automation that sends a WhatsApp message based on triggers like time, location, or events.

Shortcuts (iPhone)

While iOS doesn’t allow WhatsApp message scheduling directly, you can use Shortcuts to pre-fill messages and remind you to send them.

4. Scheduling Birthday Wishes or Reminders

Here’s a great use case: You want to wish someone a happy birthday at exactly 12:00 AM. Use Alfezo write the message, and boom—set it and forget it.

You can even schedule festive greetings or work follow-ups weeks in advance.

5. Tips to Effectively Schedule Messages

• Know Your Timing: Don’t message someone at 3 AM, even if it’s automated.
• Add Personal Touch: Use names or emojis to make it feel less robotic.
• Avoid Spam: Don’t overdo it. WhatsApp may flag suspicious activity.

6. Is It Safe to Schedule WhatsApp Messages?

Always be cautious. Third-party apps need permissions like accessibility or contact access to function properly.

Tip: Only download from trusted sources (like the Play Store) and read user reviews.

7. WhatsApp Automation vs. Scheduling

• They sound similar but are very different.
• Scheduling is for setting a fixed time to send a message.
• Automation is when the app decides to send based on user interaction or conditions (like auto replies).
• Use scheduling for pre-planned communication and automation for reactive messaging.

FAQs

1. Can I schedule messages on normal WhatsApp?

No, standard WhatsApp doesn’t support message scheduling. You’ll need a third-party app or WhatsApp Business for partial automation.

2. Can I send birthday wishes automatically?

Yes! Software like Alfezo allow you to schedule personal  messages like birthday wishes in advance.

3. Does WhatsApp Business have a scheduler?

It doesn’t allow exact message scheduling but offers automation through greeting and away messages.