Scheduling messages on WhatsApp can be helpful for both personal and business purposes, allowing you to set reminders, maintain communication, or send messages at specific times without needing to be online. Although WhatsApp does not natively support message scheduling, several methods can help you achieve this, including third-party apps, built-in features on Android and iOS, and other creative workarounds. Here’s a comprehensive guide to scheduling messages on WhatsApp effectively.
- Why Schedule Messages on WhatsApp?
Scheduling messages can be useful for various reasons, including:
Timely Reminders: Sending reminders to friends, family, or colleagues at the right time.
Business Communication: Scheduling follow-ups or promotional messages during optimal hours.
Maintaining Relationships: Sending birthday wishes, anniversary greetings, or holiday messages without forgetting.
Time Zone Management: For people communicating across different time zones, scheduled messages allow for timely conversations.
- Methods for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages
Here are some practical methods to schedule WhatsApp messages on Android and iOS:
A. Using Third-Party Apps for Android
Since WhatsApp does not natively support message scheduling, Android users can turn to third-party apps. The most popular and reliable options include SKEDit and WhatsAuto.
i. Scheduling with SKEDit
SKEDit is one of the most popular apps for scheduling WhatsApp messages on Android. This app allows users to schedule messages on multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, SMS, email, and even Facebook Messenger.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Download SKEDit: Go to the Google Play Store, download SKEDit, and install it.
- Create an Account: Open the app and create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Grant Accessibility Permissions: SKEDit requires accessibility permissions to automate messages. Go to Settings > Accessibility and enable SKEDit.
- Select WhatsApp from SKEDit: Inside the app, select WhatsApp from the list of available platforms.
- Compose Your Message:
Choose the contact or group you want to message.
Enter the message content.
- Set the Schedule: Specify the date and time when you want the message to be sent.
- Choose Between Manual and Automatic Mode:
Manual Mode: You’ll get a notification at the scheduled time, asking if you want to send the message.
Automatic Mode: The message will be sent automatically at the specified time.
ii. Scheduling with WhatsAuto
WhatsAuto is another reliable Android app for scheduling messages on WhatsApp. This app is primarily designed for auto-reply but also allows scheduling.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Download and Install WhatsAuto: Find it on the Google Play Store and install it.
- Open the App: Grant all necessary permissions for the app to function correctly.
- Set Up Scheduled Messages:
Go to the scheduling section in the app.
Choose the contact or group you want to message.
Write the message content and select the date and time.
- Save and Activate: After scheduling, save the settings, and the app will send the message at the specified time.
Note: For both SKEDit and WhatsAuto, remember that some Android versions may require you to disable battery optimization for these apps to work seamlessly in the background.
B. Using Shortcuts App for iOS (iPhone)
While iOS does not support third-party apps like SKEDit, the Shortcuts app can help schedule reminders that prompt you to send a WhatsApp message manually at a specified time. This is a workaround since iOS restricts direct message scheduling on WhatsApp.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Shortcuts App: The Shortcuts app is pre-installed on most iPhones. If not, download it from the App Store.
- Create a New Shortcut:
Open Shortcuts and tap on the “+” icon to create a new shortcut.
Select “Automation” and then “Create Personal Automation.”
- Select Time of Day:
Set the time you want the reminder for sending the WhatsApp message.
Tap “Next” to proceed.
- Add Action:
Tap “Add Action” and select “Text.”
Type the message you want to send.
Next, select “Send Message via WhatsApp.”
- Choose the Recipient:
Select the contact or group you want to message on WhatsApp.
Tap “Done” to save the automation.
- Set Reminder: At the scheduled time, you’ll receive a reminder notification to send the message manually, which you can then confirm and send through WhatsApp.
- Using WhatsApp Business API for Bulk and Scheduled Messages (for Businesses)
For businesses, the WhatsApp Business API offers a powerful solution to schedule messages in bulk. While this option is more complex and may require some technical setup or a third-party provider, it’s effective for companies looking to automate customer messages, reminders, and notifications.
Steps to Implement WhatsApp API for Scheduling:
- Apply for WhatsApp Business API: Register for the API through Meta (formerly Facebook) or use an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) like Twilio or MessageBird.
- Set Up API Integration: Most BSPs provide guides and templates to integrate the API with your existing CRM.
- Create Automated Messages: Use the API to set up templates for notifications, reminders, and announcements.
- Schedule with a CRM or Marketing Tool: Many BSPs offer the ability to set message schedules and sequences within their dashboards, allowing businesses to automate at scale.
- Follow WhatsApp Guidelines: Make sure to comply with WhatsApp’s policies, as the platform requires approval for specific message types and enforces strict rules regarding spam and privacy.
Note: This method is more suitable for medium-to-large businesses, as it often involves monthly fees and technical integration.
- Using Google Assistant and Reminders on Android
If you prefer not to use third-party apps, another workaround is to use Google Assistant and reminders to manually prompt you to send a message.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Google Assistant: Use the “Hey Google” command or open the Google Assistant app.
- Create a Reminder:
Ask Google Assistant to set a reminder, such as “Remind me to send a WhatsApp message to [contact name] at [specific time].”
Include the message content in the reminder for easy copy-pasting.
- Receive the Reminder: At the scheduled time, Google Assistant will notify you, prompting you to open WhatsApp and send the message manually.
This method doesn’t automate the sending process but helps remind you to send messages at the right time without needing a third-party app.
- Tips for Scheduling WhatsApp Messages Effectively
Here are some tips to ensure scheduled messages on WhatsApp are both effective and respectful of your recipients’ time:
Plan for Time Zones: Consider different time zones when scheduling messages, especially for business communications.
Avoid Over-Scheduling: Avoid overwhelming recipients with excessive messages. For business messages, ensure relevance and add value to avoid being marked as spam.
Review Scheduled Messages Regularly: Regularly review and update scheduled messages to ensure they’re timely, accurate, and relevant to the recipient.
Use Scheduled Messages Sparingly for Personal Use: For personal communications, scheduled messages are best used for reminders, holiday wishes, and one-off notifications rather than frequent conversations.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does not currently offer native scheduling options, various workarounds are available to help you schedule messages effectively. Android users can use third-party apps like SKEDit or WhatsAuto, while iPhone users can rely on the Shortcuts app to set up manual reminders. For businesses, the WhatsApp Business API is the most efficient solution, though it requires a more complex setup. Finally, Google Assistant and reminders can serve as a simple scheduling method on Android, especially for one-off notifications. By selecting the right tool or method for your needs, you can stay connected, share timely updates, and enhance your communication on WhatsApp with ease.
