How to set timer message in WhatsApp?

WhatsApp does not offer a native built-in feature to schedule messages for a future time. However, you can effectively send "timer messages" or scheduled messages using third-party applications on Android, automation tools on iPhone, or by utilizing a simpler manual reminder system. This functionality is distinct from WhatsApp's disappearing messages feature, which focuses on message ephemerality rather than future delivery.

Scheduling WhatsApp Messages on Android

On Android, several third-party applications can help you schedule WhatsApp messages. These apps typically leverage accessibility services to automate the sending process.

Using Third-Party Apps

To schedule WhatsApp messages on an Android device:

Download a Reputable Scheduling App: Search the Google Play Store for apps like SKEDit, Do It Later, or AutoSender. Choose an app with good reviews and a clear privacy policy.
Grant Necessary Permissions: Upon opening the app, it will request various permissions, including Accessibility, overlay, and notification access. These are crucial for the app to function correctly and automate message sending.
Select WhatsApp: Inside the scheduling app, choose WhatsApp as the platform for your message.
Compose Your Message: Write your message, select the recipient(s) (individual contact or group), and set the desired date and time for sending.
Configure Sending Options: Many scheduling tools offer advanced options. For instance, you might find a "toggle to ask me before sending" option. If enabled, this feature will prompt you with a notification at the scheduled time, allowing you to review and confirm the message before it is finally dispatched. If this toggle is off, the message will be sent automatically without further interaction.
Ensure Connectivity: For the message to be sent successfully, your device must have an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) at the scheduled time.

Pros: Offers fully automated sending (if the confirmation option is disabled), supports multiple recipients, and some apps allow recurring messages.
Cons: Requires installation of third-party applications, necessitates granting sensitive permissions (consider security implications), and your phone may need to be awake or unlocked for some apps to send automatically.

Scheduling WhatsApp Messages on iPhone

Apple's iOS platform has stricter security and privacy policies, making fully automated message sending through third-party apps more challenging. However, you can use the native Shortcuts app to create automations that remind you to send a WhatsApp message, or in some cases, prepare a message for sending at a specific time.

Utilizing the Shortcuts App

While not truly automatic, the Shortcuts app can create a timed reminder that initiates the message sending process:

Open the Shortcuts App: Navigate to the Automation tab.
Create a Personal Automation: Tap the + icon in the top right corner and select Create Personal Automation.
Choose Your Trigger:
- Select Time of Day to set a specific hour and minute.
- Alternatively, you can choose When an Alarm Stops if you prefer to link it to an alarm.
Set Time/Trigger: Configure the desired time or trigger condition, then tap Next.
Add Actions:
- Tap Add Action.
- Search for "Text" and select the Text action. Type your message content in the text box.
- Tap the + again, search for "WhatsApp," and select Send Message via WhatsApp.
- Tap on the "Recipient" field and choose the contact or group you wish to send the message to.
Review and Save: Tap Next.
Disable "Ask Before Running": This step is crucial for making the automation as seamless as possible. Turn off the Ask Before Running toggle. However, due to iOS restrictions, you will still receive a notification at the scheduled time, which you must tap to open WhatsApp and initiate sending the message. True background sending is not directly supported without significant workarounds.
Tap Done to save your automation.

Pros: No third-party app installation required, uses Apple's native tools.
Cons: Not fully automated (requires user interaction at the time of sending), primarily functions as a timed reminder to send rather than an automatic sender.

Manual Reminders and Workarounds

For users who prefer not to use third-party apps or complex automations, a simple reminder system can serve the purpose of "timer messages."

Set a Calendar Reminder: Use your phone's default calendar app (e.g., Google Calendar, Apple Calendar) to create an event at the exact time you want to send the message. Include the message content in the event description or notes.
Alarm with Note: Set a standard alarm on your phone and include the message text in the alarm's label or a linked note-taking app that pops up with the alarm.
Draft and Save: Compose your message in WhatsApp to the desired contact or group, but simply close the app without sending it. When the time comes, open the chat, and the drafted message will be ready for you to quickly hit send.
Pros: Requires no extra applications, simple to set up, and inherently secure.
Cons: Requires manual action at the scheduled time; there is no automatic sending.

Understanding WhatsApp's Disappearing Messages

It is important to distinguish between "timer messages" (scheduled messages) and WhatsApp's Disappearing Messages feature. While both involve a "timer," their purposes are entirely different.

Purpose: Disappearing messages are designed for privacy and ephemerality. They allow messages to automatically delete from a chat for both sender and receiver after a set duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days) once they have been sent.
How it works:
1. Open a chat with a contact or group.
2. Tap the contact's or group's name at the top of the chat screen.
3. Scroll down and tap Disappearing messages.
4. Select a timer duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days).
Key Difference: Disappearing messages delete after a timer has passed (post-sending); scheduled messages send at a pre-set future time. They serve entirely different functions. You can learn more about this feature on WhatsApp's official help center.

Comparison of Message Timer Options

Feature	Scheduled Messages (Android Apps)	Scheduled Messages (iOS Shortcuts)	Disappearing Messages (Native WhatsApp)
Purpose	Send message at a specified future time	Remind user to send message at future time	Automatically delete messages after a set time
Automation Level	High (can be fully automatic)	Medium (requires user tap to send)	Fully automatic deletion
Requires Third-Party?	Yes (for full automation)	No (uses native app)	No (built-in feature)
Confirmation Option	Yes (e.g., "ask me before sending" toggle)	Yes (user taps notification to proceed)	N/A (deletion is automatic)
Platform	Android	iOS	Android, iOS, Web, Desktop
Primary Use Case	Timed delivery for reminders, greetings	Personal timed reminders, quick drafts	Enhancing privacy, decluttering chats