Scheduling WhatsApp Messages on iPhone

After watching a WWDC video on Shortcuts and while exploring the Shortcuts app, a long-awaited solution to my problem of scheduling WhatsApp messages came to mind. I decided to gave it a try using newly learnt knowledge.

The shortcut I came up with might not be the efficient, but it does the job. I am continually looking for better solutions and if you find a smoother better way, feel free to share it.

So, there are two approaches for scheduling WhatsApp messages on your iPhone: the traditional method and the shortcut approach.

Creating a Shortcut to Schedule Messages

1. Open Shortcuts App:
   - Start by launching the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Create a New Shortcut:
   - Tap the “+” icon to start a new shortcut.
3. Choose Date and Time:
   - Click on “Add Action” button .
   - Search and add the “Ask for Input” action.
   - Set the Input type to “Date and Time”.
   - Name the input, for instance, “Schedule Time.”
   - Store the chosen contact in a variable. Click “Set Variable” action and name the variable as “time”.
4. Choose Recipient Contact:
   - Search and add the “Select Contact” action to select the recipient contact.
   - Store the chosen contact in a variable. Click “Set Variable” action and name the variable as “contact”.
   Notice value of to field in Set Variable — it always points to the above action but if not make sure it is set to “Contacts” for this option.
5. Add Message Content:
   - Again add the “Ask for Input” action with Input type to “Text”.
   - Name the input, for instance, “Message”
   - Store the message content in a variable. Click “Set Variable” action and name the variable as “text”.
6. Check Contact:
   - Search and add the “If” action. Click on condition placeholder and select “does not have any value”.
   - Next Search and add the “Stop this shortcut” action. Click cross to delete “Otherwise” action and drag this new “Stop this shortcut” between “If and End If”.
7. Check Message:
   - Similar to “Check Contact” add conditional “If” actions and “Stop this shortcut” action to check if message contains a value or not.
8. Calculate Time Difference:
   - Search and add the “Get time between dates”.
   - Let the first option be as “Current Date” and choose “time” in set variable option box. Change the difference output to “Seconds”.
   - Store the time difference in a variable (e.g., “timeDiff”).
9. Check Scheduled Time:
   - Search and add the “If” action.
   - Click on condition placeholder and select “is less than or equal to”.
   - Click on “number” placeholder and enter 0.
   - Next Search and add the “Stop this shortcut” action. Click cross to delete “Otherwise” action and drag this new “Stop this shortcut” between “If and End If”.
10. Wait Action Based on Time Difference:
    - Add the “Wait” action.
    - Long press “1 second” until a popup comes and choose variable.
    - Set the wait duration using to “timeDiff” variable.
11. Compose WhatsApp Action:
    - Add the “Send Message” action.
    - Select the “contact” variable for the recipient.
    - Choose the “text” variable for the message content.
    - Turn OFF the “Show When Run” switch within the WhatsApp action to send the message without user prompt.
12. Save Shortcut:
    - Name your shortcut (e.g., “Schedule WhatsApp Message”).
    - Save the shortcut to access it later in the library.
13. Run Shortcut Manually (Optional):
    The shortcut can be manually executed to schedule a message.
    - Enter the scheduled date and time when prompted.
    - The message will be sent automatically without user prompt when the scheduled time is reached, provided the checks are passed and the “Show When Run” switch is OFF within the WhatsApp action.

Visual Reference: Screenshots of the Full Shortcut.
For your convenience, here are three screenshots providing a step-by-step visual guide to the complete shortcut. Refer to these as you follow the steps to create your own WhatsApp scheduler.

Screenshots of the Full Shortcut

Automating with Default iPhone Features

While the shortcut approach provides flexibility, it might not be the only solution. For those who prefer using built-in iPhone features, you can explore the default method:

1. Open Shortcuts on iPhone.
2. Navigate to Automation using the tab.
3. Tap + to create a new Shortcut.
4. Select Time of Day.
5. Tap Time of Day and specify the exact time.
   Tip: For recurring tasks, Select frequency (Daily, Weekly, or Monthly).
6. Choose Run Immediately to send the message without user prompt.
7. Tap Next → New Blank Automation.
8. Select Send Message from WhatsApp.
9. Tap Message and Select Recipient/Recipients
   Enter the WhatsApp message that you want to send and select contacts
10. Hit Done.

Make sure to go and delete the automation if you are not looking for recurring scheduling of messages. This will prevent automated messages from being sent repeatedly at the specified intervals.

Choosing the Right Approach

When deciding between the two approaches, consider the following:

For the 1st Approach (Creating a Shortcut):
- Offers flexibility but may have a learning curve.
- Useful for scheduling messages in the near future.
- Displays a persistent notification, which may irritate some users.

For the 2nd Approach (Default Method):
- Straightforward and user-friendly.
- Automation should be deleted manually to avoid triggering messages on subsequent days/weeks/months.

As you explore both approaches, think about your preferences and the level of automation you desire. Whether you opt for the flexibility of creating a shortcut or the simplicity of the default method, the ultimate goal is to streamline your messaging routine according to your unique needs.

Download the Pre-built Shortcut

To make things even simpler, I’ve created a pre-built shortcut for you. Click here to download the “Schedule WhatsApp Message” .
Save time, automate your messages, and stay on top of your communication game!

Schedule WhatApp Message