WhatsApp Starts Testing Scheduled Messages: Here's How the New Feature Works

WhatsApp is testing a long-requested feature that could make messaging easier for millions of users. The new Scheduled Messages feature allows users to write a message in advance and choose the exact date and time when it should be delivered.

The feature is currently available to a limited number of Android beta testers, according to recent reports. It supports individual conversations and group chats, allowing users to plan their communications without having to remember to press the send button later.

For people in Pakistan who manage business accounts, mobile phone shops, customer support conversations, or WhatsApp Channels, scheduled messaging could eventually make communication more convenient.

What Is WhatsApp Scheduled Messages?

Scheduled Messages is a feature that allows users to prepare a message and arrange for it to be sent automatically at a later time.

For example, a mobile phone retailer could prepare a promotional message in advance for a weekend sale. Instead of remembering to send it at the appropriate time, the retailer could schedule the message for delivery.

Other possible uses include birthday greetings, meeting reminders, event announcements, and messages for friends or family in different time zones.

Unlike a conventional reminder, the feature is designed to deliver the message automatically at the selected time.

How Will Scheduled Messages Work on WhatsApp?

According to the current reports, the feature will be integrated directly into WhatsApp conversations.

The expected process is straightforward:

1. Open the individual chat or group where you want to send a message.
2. Write your message and prepare any supported attachment.
3. Tap and hold the Send button.
4. Choose the desired delivery date and time from the scheduling interface.
5. Confirm the schedule.

The message will then be queued for delivery at the selected time.

The reported scheduling window starts at least 10 minutes into the future and extends up to two weeks ahead.

These instructions describe the feature as reported in testing. If you cannot find the scheduling option in your WhatsApp account, your version may not have received access yet.

WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Will Support Photos and Videos

The feature is not limited to plain text. Current reports indicate support for text messages, links, photos, and videos.

However, there is a limitation: users can schedule only one image or video per message at this stage.

This could be useful for businesses that want to prepare product announcements, promotional images, or video updates in advance.

For example, a mobile phone shop could prepare a message announcing a new smartphone's arrival, attach a product photo, and schedule the message for a suitable time.

The exact availability of attachment options may change as WhatsApp continues testing the feature.

Will Scheduled Messages Send When Your Phone Is Offline?

One of the most useful details in the current reports is that scheduled messages are expected to be delivered at the chosen time even if the sender's device is offline.

This would make the feature more convenient for people who cannot keep their phones connected throughout the day.

However, users should distinguish this from ordinary messages that are waiting to be sent because a device has lost its internet connection. Scheduled delivery is a separate function that relies on WhatsApp's scheduling system.

Can You Edit or Delete Scheduled Messages?

WhatsApp is also testing a dedicated area for managing scheduled messages.

Users are expected to be able to view their pending messages and delete them before delivery. This could help prevent outdated announcements, incorrect information, or messages that are no longer needed from being sent.

For example, if a shop changes the price of a phone before a scheduled promotion, the owner could remove the pending message and prepare an updated announcement.

The reported feature also allows users to cancel a scheduled message without notifying the intended recipient.

The exact editing options may depend on how the final version of the feature is implemented.

How Will Scheduled Messages Work in WhatsApp Groups?

Scheduled messaging is also designed to work in group conversations.

One detail is particularly important: according to the current report, the scheduled message will be delivered to people who were members of the group when the message was scheduled.

If someone joins the group afterward, that person will not receive the scheduled message under the reported behavior.

This could help preserve the original audience for announcements and reminders.

For businesses and community groups, the feature may provide a convenient way to prepare information in advance. However, users should confirm the final behavior once the feature becomes more widely available.

Are WhatsApp Scheduled Messages End-to-End Encrypted?

According to the current report, scheduled messages retain WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption, just like ordinary messages.

End-to-end encryption is designed to protect message contents so that only the intended participants can read them.

Users should still follow normal privacy precautions. Avoid sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient, and double-check the chat before scheduling a message.

When Will WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Be Available to Everyone?

As of October 13, 2026, the feature is being tested with a limited number of users enrolled in the WhatsApp beta program for Android through the Google Play Store.

WhatsApp has not announced a confirmed date for a general release.

The company may adjust the interface, supported content, or other details before making the feature available to more users.

If you do not have access yet, keep WhatsApp updated through its official app store and check again later. Installing an unofficial modified version of WhatsApp is not necessary to obtain the feature and can introduce privacy and security risks.

Why This Feature Matters for WhatsApp Users in Pakistan

Scheduled messaging could be particularly useful for small businesses and people who communicate with customers regularly.

A mobile phone retailer could prepare a product announcement in advance. A repair shop could schedule a reminder about business hours. A family member could arrange a birthday greeting without needing to stay awake until midnight.

These are examples of how the feature could be used in individual or group chats; they do not confirm support for automated WhatsApp Channel publishing or bulk marketing.

Users should also respect recipients' preferences and avoid sending repeated promotional messages without permission.

Final Verdict

WhatsApp's Scheduled Messages feature could make the messaging platform more convenient by allowing users to prepare communications ahead of time and send them automatically.

Support for individual chats, groups, links, photos, and videos could make it useful for personal communication as well as everyday business activities.

For now, the feature remains in limited Android beta testing, and a public release date has not been confirmed. Users will need to wait for broader availability before they can rely on it for regular messaging.

Stay tuned to Gadgets.com.pk for WhatsApp updates, Android features, and practical smartphone guides.