Meta is bringing one of the most-requested features, Message Scheduling, to WhatsApp. In the latest Android beta release, the new version lets users schedule messages in advance.
WhatsApp's Message Scheduler Supports Texts, Photos and Videos
Spotted first by WABetaInfo, a handful of users running WhatsApp version 2.26.40.7 can now draft texts, attach links or select individual photos and videos to be sent at a fixed time in the future.
The scheduling window is flexible, allowing users to queue a delivery from 10 minutes up to two full weeks in advance. WhatsApp handles the delivery on the backend, eliminating the need for users' phones to be connected to the internet at the scheduled time.
For group chats, the app handles message scheduling smartly, so a group text is delivered only to participants who were in the chat when you set the schedule. This should prevent newcomers from seeing out-of-context delayed messages.
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How to Schedule WhatsApp Messages
To reiterate, the feature is only rolling out to a select few users enrolled on the current Android beta testing. Here's how to use the new tool:
- Open any individual or group conversation on WhatsApp.
- Type out the message that you want to schedule. Attach all documents if needed.
- Press and hold the send button, and a new bottom sheet menu will appear.
- Select the desired delivery date and time and confirm the selection to lock the message into the automated queue.
Users can easily manage, edit and delete these pending drafts through a newly added section inside the chat info screen.
WhatsApp keeps adding features over time. For those unaware, the platform recently rolled out Bill Payments to help users pay electricity and water bills in India.
Additionally, the platform's developers have been hard at work introducing new WhatsApp Security Features, and WhatsApp is ceasing support for older operating systems due to vulnerability risks.
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