WhatsApp is finally delivering one of its most requested features. Users can now schedule messages, photos and videos for a future date and time. The feature has initially rolled out to a limited number of testers on the Android beta version.

Scheduled sends work even if the device is offline or the app is closed at that moment. Messages are covered by end-to-end encryption and are automatically delivered to the chat at the set time. The recipient doesn't need to be a beta user.

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How to use it

It's simple. After typing your text or link, press and hold the send button instead of tapping it. Pick the desired date and time from the menu that appears, and the scheduling is done. The message isn't sent immediately; the system drops it into the chat when the time comes.

The feature isn't limited to text. Photos and videos selected from the gallery can also be scheduled the same way. You can add drawings and captions in the photo editing screen before scheduling. However, the current version only allows scheduling one media file at a time; multi-media support isn't available yet.

What's the scheduling range?

WhatsApp offers a flexible and balanced window. The earliest option is at least 10 minutes from now, and the latest is 14 days. That makes it possible to prepare both a same-day reminder and a birthday greeting two weeks in advance.

The feature is currently rolling out gradually via the latest Android beta version on the Google Play Store. Users without access will need to wait for upcoming updates over the next few weeks.