Google is continually rolling out updates to its various apps and services, and Google Messages is no exception. The ability to schedule messages was first spotted by Twitter user @besaireddy and was later verified in the Google Messages code by XDA Developers.
The company is currently rolling out a new feature that’ll make it so you can schedule messages to send whenever you want. For anyone who needs to send messages later without doing it manually, this is a handy feature to have.
How to Schedule in Google Messages
If you want to use the new feature (assuming it has rolled out to you), it’s relatively easy. All you need to do is press and hold on the Send button within Google Messages. If the ability to schedule messages has made its way to your phone, you’ll see a new menu that lets you choose to schedule a message.
On the screen, you’ll see three options, which are a selection of times you can choose to send your message. In the example posted on Twitter, Google Messages offered the option to send the message Later today, 6:00 pm, Later tonight, 9:00 pm, or Tomorrow, 8:00 am. Presumably, you can choose preset times somewhere in Settings, though we’re not sure about that.
Finally Google Messages added "Schedule message" ?? feature.
Put some text in draft, tap and hold send button "schedule message" option will popup. Previously used to get and option to add subject for mms now it moved to 3 dot menu @9to5Google @SkylledDev @AndroidPolice pic.twitter.com/iMNoSt3hLu
— Sai Reddy (@besaireddy) November 4, 2020
Of course, you don’t have to choose one of those options. There’s also a button labeled Select Date & Time, which lets you select a time and date for the message that works for you. Pick your date and time, then click Save to lock in the time. From there, the Send button will shift to a clock icon. Tapping that will schedule the message at the chosen time.
Scheduled messages will appear in the chat window along with sent and received messages. However, there will be a clock icon next to the message and the words “Scheduled message” underneath. You can tap on a message to edit its content and schedule. You can also choose to delete the message or send it right away.
When Will You Get Access to Scheduled Messages?
The feature is rolling out on Google’s servers, so it’s challenging to determine exactly when you’ll be able to take advantage of scheduled messages. It could roll out to your device later today, or it could take a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, you’ll just have to be patient and wait for the feature to show up on your phone.
This change comes hot on the heels of plenty of other Google Messages updates, and there will always be more. If there’s something you’ve been waiting for the app to do, just be patient, and Google might just add it.
