Why WhatsApp still doesn't have scheduled messages
Gmail added this feature in 2019. WhatsApp has it confirmed as "in development" but has prioritized other features: video statuses, broadcast channels, polls, AI updates in the chat. Apple's technical restrictions on background apps have complicated the iOS implementation, and Meta hasn't set a public launch date.
For businesses that rely on WhatsApp Business as their main communication channel — as most do in the Dominican Republic and much of Latin America — the missing feature limits automated follow-ups, appointment confirmations and birthday messages. Today's solutions are workarounds, not the definitive feature.
iPhone method: Apple Shortcuts (the official, safe option)
The Shortcuts app is built into iOS and requires nothing extra. The process: open Shortcuts → tap "+" to create a new automation → select "Personal Automation" → choose "Time of Day" → set the time you want to send the message → in the actions, select WhatsApp → choose "Send Message" → write the message and pick the recipient → turn off "Ask Before Running" if you want it to send without confirmation.
The main limitation: the iPhone must be on and connected to the internet at the scheduled time. If the phone is off or without signal at that moment, the message isn't sent. For critical business messages, plug in the charger the night before if the send is in the morning.
Android: what to know before installing a third-party app
The most popular app for this on Android is Wasave, available on Google Play. It lets you set the date, time, recurrence, attachments and notifications before sending. It works. The problem is the permissions it requests: device accessibility, which grants deep access to everything that happens on the screen. Those are the same permissions banking malware would use to read your passwords.
The clear recommendation: if you handle sensitive information on your Android phone (banking, clients, credentials), don't install Wasave or similar apps that ask for accessibility permissions for non-critical features. The risk isn't worth the convenience of scheduling a message.
The safer alternative on Android: WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business is free, can be used with a number different from your personal one, and offers configurable automatic messages: a greeting for new contacts, an away message outside business hours and quick replies to frequent questions. It isn't exactly "schedule a message for Tuesday at 9 a.m.", but for businesses that need basic reply automation it's enough without compromising the device's security.
For more advanced automation — follow-up sequences, scheduled messages with variables, CRM integration — the professional option is the WhatsApp Business API through platforms like Twilio or directly through Meta. That requires a technical investment, but it's the scalable and secure solution for companies that depend on the channel.
Frequently asked questions
Will WhatsApp officially launch scheduled messages?
Meta has confirmed the feature is in development, but there's no official launch date. Based on WhatsApp's update history, it will probably arrive in 2026 or 2027, first on Android and then on iOS.
Is Wasave for Android safe to use?
Wasave is a legitimate app and isn't malware, but the accessibility permissions it requests are a real risk if the device is ever compromised. If your phone holds sensitive business or client information, it's better to wait for the official feature or use WhatsApp Business.
Does the iPhone Shortcuts method work with WhatsApp groups?
Yes, you can set up sending to groups as well as individual contacts. The process is the same, but you select the group as the recipient when configuring the automation.
Can I schedule messages with images or documents on iPhone?
With Shortcuts you can include files, although the setup is more complex than for plain text. For marketing or follow-up messages with attachments, the WhatsApp Business API is the most robust solution.