On an iPhone, how can you schedule WhatsApp messages?

WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging app for Android and iOS devices. Some key functions, such as the ability to schedule WhatsApp messages, are still missing from the app.

There is, however, a workaround for scheduling WhatsApp messages, as with most things on the internet. It's similar to having two WhatsApp accounts on your iPhone. To accomplish this, we'll use the Shortcuts app on iOS. Check out our advice on how to schedule WhatsApp message ages on Android for Android users.

WHY ARE WHATSAPP MESSAGES SCHEDULED?

For a variety of reasons, you might want to schedule a WhatsApp message. Let's pretend it's your friend's birthday the next day, and you want to send them a birthday greeting. But you don't want to stay up till the wee hours of the morning. You can send a pre-written message to a friend via WhatsApp that will be sent automatically at midnight.

If you don't want to answer to a message right away, scheduling messages is a smart approach to respond to it later. You can schedule a message to be sent at a later time or date, and your phone will do it even if you are not near it.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SCHEDULE WHATSAPP MESSAGE ON YOUR IPHONE?

You can send scheduled WhatsApp messages from your iPhone in a few different ways. The way we're using is based on the iOS Shortcuts app. This is due to the fact that Shortcuts is an Apple first-party app that is both safe and secure. In this scenario, there is no use of a third-party app.

Shortcuts on your iPhone are a great way to automate tasks. You may utilise a variety of useful shortcuts to make things easier on your iPhone on a regular basis. We'll make a custom Shortcut that will deliver scheduled WhatsApp messages to a specific recipient.

Here's how to make your own shortcut.

Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you don’t have it pre-installed or uninstalled it earlier, head over to the App Store and install it.

Get Shortcuts App

Step 2: Switch to the Automation section using the bar at the bottom.

Step 3: Select Create Personal Automation.

Step 4: Decide the date and time for which you want to schedule your message. After that, tap on Time of Day. You can always change it later.

Step 5: Tap on Time of Day. Tap on the clock displaying the time and change it to the time at which you want to schedule the message.

Step 6: Under the Repeat section, select the Monthly option. Now, select the date on which you want to schedule the message.

Step 7: Once you have selected the date and time on which you want to send your scheduled message, tap on Next on the top-right corner.

Step 8: Select Add Action.

Step 9: Switch to the Apps tab from Categories.

Step 10: Scroll down on your list of apps to find WhatsApp. Tap on it.

Step 11: Select Send Message. Do not select ‘Send Message via WhatsApp’ – They are two different options.

Step 12: Tap on Message and enter the message you want to send.

Step 13: Next, tap on Recipients and select the contact you want to send the message to.

Step 14: You can also add more than one recipient by selecting the ‘+’ icon.

Step 15: Tap on Next in the top-right corner.

Step 16: Turn off the toggle next to Ask Before Running. This will ensure that the shortcut runs automatically without your confirmation again. When prompted, select Don’t Ask.

Step 17: Select Done and your Shortcut will be created.

Your WhatsApp message has been set to be sent at a later time. At the specified date and time, the iPhone will be dispatched automatically. One more step is required to ensure that your scheduled message is not sent to your contact every month.

Step 1: Wait for the selected date and time for your scheduled message to be sent. Once it has been sent, open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Switch to the Automation section using the bar at the bottom.

Step 3: You will see your automation.

Step 4: Tap on it and turn off the toggle next to Enable This Automation.

HOW TO EDIT THE SHORTCUT TO SCHEDULE A DIFFERENT MESSAGE

You won't have to repeat the process every time you want to schedule a WhatsApp message on your iPhone now that you've created the automation. This is what you must do.

Step 1: Wait for the selected date and time for your scheduled message to be sent. Once it has been sent, open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Switch to the Automation section using the bar at the bottom.

Step 3: You will see the automation you had created.

Step 4: Tap on it. Select the row under When.

Step 5:  Input the date and time you want to schedule the new message. Once done, tap on Back.

Step 6: Now, select the section under Do.

Step 7: Tap on the message you had entered earlier to change it.

Step 8: Tap on the recipient’s name to change it.

Step 9: Select the arrow on the top-left corner to go back.

Step 10: Once all the edits have been made, turn on the toggle next to Enable This Automation.

Step 11: Tap on Done.

iOS will send your new message to the appropriate recipient at the time and date you specify (s). To avoid sending recurring messages after your message has been sent, repeat the steps above to halt the automated.

USE YOUR IPHONE TO SCHEDULE AND SEND WHATSAPP MESSAGES

The first setup may appear daunting, but once you've set up the automation, it's simple to change and deliver scheduled messages anytime you want.