WhatsApp Scheduling: Can You Schedule Messages?
As of October 2026, WhatsApp is testing an option to schedule messages, but it isn't on every account. For appointment reminders you don't need to schedule anything: Citalu sends each reminder on its own, based on your business's notification settings, by email on all plans and by WhatsApp with CITU on Estudio and Salón.
By the Citalu team
What WhatsApp offers today
The option to schedule a message for a day and time appeared in test versions during 2026 and hasn't reached everyone yet. WhatsApp Business has the away message, the greeting message and quick replies: they help you answer, but they don't remind each client of their appointment on time.
For your appointments, you schedule nothing
In Citalu every confirmed appointment already comes with its notices. You don't pick a time or write the message: Citalu works out when each reminder goes out from the appointment time and sends it. If the appointment moves, the reminder moves with it; if it's canceled, it doesn't go out.
Which notices go out on their own
To the client: email 24 hours and 2 hours before on all plans and, on Estudio and Salón, the WhatsApp 24 hours before with the Confirm button. To you, with CITU: the day's appointments at 8:00 am, only on days you have appointments, and a WhatsApp when a client cancels. Everything is managed in your dashboard, under Settings › Notifications.
Scheduling a message by hand
Write the message in a note. Set an alarm for that time. When it rings, paste the message into the chat and send it. It's simple, works for a one-off notice and doesn't put your account at risk.
What options exist for scheduling messages
You have four paths. If your WhatsApp already has the option, use it inside the chat. If not, you can set an alarm and send by hand. There are also apps that connect to your account, with a risk of being blocked. And there's the official platform, which booking systems and business tools use.
Scheduled messages in WhatsApp Business
In the app, the closest thing to scheduling is the away message with dates: it goes out on its own between the days you set. It works for replying to people who message you, not for messaging a client at an exact time.
When scheduling makes sense
Scheduling works for a one-off notice, like wishing a client happy birthday or reminding someone about a payment. It's a poor fit for appointments: each appointment has its own time, and every change forces you to reschedule the message.
Why a message scheduler isn't worth it
Scheduling by hand means one message per client and per appointment, and you have to redo it every time an appointment changes. Apps that connect to your personal account to send for you read your chats, and WhatsApp can block the number. CITU uses the official WhatsApp Business platform, with templates approved by Meta, and doesn't touch your account.
How to put it into practice
- Book your appointments in Citalu, or let your clients book from your link.
- Check under Settings › Notifications which reminders your clients get.
- On Estudio or Salón, connect your WhatsApp there to add the CITU notices.
Frequently asked questions
Does WhatsApp Business let you schedule messages?
It has away messages, greeting messages and quick replies. Scheduling for a specific date and time was in testing in 2026: check whether your app already shows it.
Do I have to schedule the reminders for each appointment in Citalu?
No. Every confirmed appointment comes with its reminders and Citalu sends them on its own. You only decide in Notifications which ones you want.
Does Citalu send reminders by WhatsApp?
Yes, with CITU on the Estudio and Salón plans. During the free trial, when you turn on CITU, the first 10 reminders also go out by WhatsApp. On the Solo plan they go by email.
Can I schedule messages on regular WhatsApp?
It depends on your version. The feature is being tested and doesn't reach every account.
How can I schedule messages to send on WhatsApp?
If your app already has the option, it shows up inside the chat. If you don't see it, update the app. In the meantime, use an alarm and send by hand.
Can you schedule messages on WhatsApp Web?
Extensions that promise it connect to your account, and that can put it at risk.
Are there safe apps for scheduling WhatsApp messages?
Ones that use the official platform don't put your account at risk. Ones that connect to your personal account can get it blocked by WhatsApp. Always ask how they connect.
Can I schedule a message for a client's birthday?
If your WhatsApp has the option, yes. If not, jot it down in your Citalu notebook with that date and it will remind you that day.
Bring that order to your schedule
Try Citalu with your services and hours. You get 14 days free to see if it fits your business.