Sending scheduled messages on WhatsApp would be a really useful function, especially in view of important anniversaries such as Christmas and New Years, when everyone flocks to the messaging app to wish happy holidays with phrases and videos to friends and relatives.
Not many people know how to schedule a message on WhatsApp, so that you don't necessarily have to have your smartphone at hand at the exact moment it needs to be sent.
This function is not available directly on WhatsApp (unless you use WhatsApp Business), but there are some external and third-party apps that can send scheduled messages (for a specific date and time). Here's what they are and how they work.
How to send scheduled messages on WhatsApp
On WhatsApp, the only way to preset the sending of automatic messages is WhatsApp Business, i.e. the version of WhatsApp for business accounts that want to keep in touch with own customers. Available for both Android and iOS, WhatsApp Business works exactly like "normal" WhatsApp, but gives you the option of scheduling welcome and away messages, setting the sending time.
Once WhatsApp Business is installed, to schedule a message, press the three dots icon at the top right of the main screen and then Settings > Activity Settings > Welcome message. At this point, set the toggle to ON and the pencil icon to customize the text of the message that will be sent to customers the first time they write to you or after 14 days of inactivity. Indicate the recipients of the message and press Save to confirm.
To schedule and send away messages on WhatsApp Business, follow the same procedure as above but for the item Send away message.
Sending scheduled messages on WhatsApp with SKEDit
SKEDit is an application to schedule the sending of precompiled messages., but it is only available for Android. The iOS App Store lacks of truly functional apps in this sense, and mostly they are aimed only at programming normal messages.
Going back to SKEDit, the app is able to schedule calls, SMS, messages on Facebook Messenger and Gmail (as well as using one of the previous social networks as a login for creating an account). Just downloaded and started, to program a message you will first need to select the recipient's name, choose from the numbers and email contacts in the address book, write your message and select the day and time (or even the frequency) in which Would you like me to send your greeting or your communication.
An overview of SKEDit, the app that allows you to send automatic messages on WhatsApp
SKEDit also has several other options such as "Remember me before sending", which allows you to receive an alert notification before the final sending of the scheduled message.
SKEDit represents a good solution for sending scheduled messages, both on WhatsApp and on other social networks, just to be officially present in the Google Play Store. On Android it is actually possible to install totally external apps, through root and apk, which however put your smartphone and the data contained in it seriously at risk (often leading to an inevitable general cleaning of the device).
WhatsApp Business aside, the only possible alternative for iPhones with iOS would be to resort to the jailbreak procedure, or the forced modification of your Apple device. This practice is strictly prohibited by Apple, leading to the direct cancellation of the guarantee: our advice is to avoid using this forcing of iOS systems and, alternatively, use an Android smartphone with SKEDit (also on loan).
Otherwise, it is possible to take advantage of iOS apps such as SMS Scheduler - Auto Reminder, which will remind you of the message to be sent at a specified time, and Scheduled which allows you to send scheduled SMS and emails.