What to know

  • You can now schedule messages to be sent at a later date and time in Google Chat.
  • Type a message and schedule it by clicking on the down arrow just before the 'Send' button. You can schedule messages up to 120 days in advance.
  • All your scheduled messages will be found under 'Drafts'. You can edit them, reschedule them, send them straight away, or delete them.
  • The feature is being rolled out gradually currently, and may take some time to appear. Available to all Google accounts on web and desktop apps.

Google Chat is a workhorse. Whether you're using it as your workspace communication app or just to send messages to your friends, Google Chat lets you do a ton. Now, a new update brings a handy "schedule message" option for when you want to send a message at a later time.

Here's everything you need to know to schedule messages in Google Chat, reschedule them, send them straight away, or simply find all your scheduled messages in one place.

Availability and permissions

The option to 'Schedule messages' in Google Chat is available to everyone, including Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google Accounts.

There is no admin control for this feature. However, Google says the gradual rollout could extend until January 2, 2026. So if you don't see the feature yet, fret not. It'll make your way to you eventually.

How to schedule messages in Google Chat

Follow the steps below to schedule a message in Google Chat:

Step 1

Type a message in Google Chat. Then click on the down arrow icon before the send button.

Step 2

You'll get three preset options to select from. If the recipient is in a different time zone, their time will be shown underneath.

You can also select 'Pick a custom time' and choose exactly when you want the message to be sent.

You can schedule a message to be sent up to 120 days in advance.

Step 3

Once you've scheduled a message, you'll see a message confirming the same.

Where to find scheduled messages in Google Chat

You will find all your scheduled messages on the left side under 'Drafts'. Alternatively, you can also click on the See all scheduled messages option once you've scheduled a message.

This will take you to your 'Drafts' where you can manage your scheduled messages.

How to edit, reschedule, send, or delete scheduled messages in Google Chat

Google Chat lets you manage your scheduled messages with ease. You can edit your scheduled messages, reschedule them, send them straight away, or delete them. Here's how:

Go to your 'Drafts' and find the message that you want to manage. Hover over the scheduled message that you want to change.

Here, you'll be able to 'Edit' your scheduled message (pencil icon).

Or, reschedule the message (Send icon with a timer on it).

Or, send the message now (Send icon).

Or, you can delete the scheduled message entirely.

Google hasn't mentioned when this feature will be available on the Google Chat app on mobile. But if history is anything to go by, we can expect it to take a while.