How to schedule a message on WhatsApp Web
Updated:
WhatsApp Web has long had no button for scheduling a message, so most people use one of the four options below. The right one depends mostly on whether your computer is on at the time of sending.
Check your own app first
Reports from 2026 say WhatsApp has been testing message scheduling, but sources disagree about which versions have it. Look in the menus of your own app before installing anything. If it's there and does what you need, it's the simplest choice.
The four options
- WhatsApp's own scheduling, if your version has it. There's nothing to install, but you can't count on having it yet.
- A Chrome extension. It works with your current number and needs no approval, but Chrome has to be open at the time of sending.
- The official WhatsApp API. It sends with your computer off, but it needs setup through a provider, and Meta charges per message.
- A calendar reminder, and sending by hand. It's free, but you have to be there to send it.
Scheduling with BetterZap
BetterZap is a Chrome extension that sends through WhatsApp Web, one message to one person.
- Add the extension to Chrome and connect WhatsApp Web.
- Choose a contact, write the message or pick a template, and set the time. Add {name} to use the contact's first name.
- At that time, BetterZap opens the WhatsApp tab if needed, sends the message once and marks it as Sent.
- If it can't confirm that a send worked, it shows Check WhatsApp and asks you, rather than sending again.
Choosing an extension
Your WhatsApp session runs in the same browser as the extension, so choose carefully. Check which permissions it asks for, read its recent low-star reviews, and find out what it does when a send fails. Avoid tools built around mass messaging.
Before you rely on this
- BetterZap sends only while Chrome is open and WhatsApp Web is connected. If the computer is off at the scheduled time, nothing goes out, and the message shows as Late until you decide what to do.
- It's made for one message to one person. Only message people who agreed to hear from you.
Try it on your own number
BetterZap is free for up to 20 messages a day, and your contacts stay in your browser.