WhatsApp has launched a new group call scheduling feature, giving users the ability to plan audio or video calls ahead of time within group chats.

The update, now rolling out globally on both iOS and Android, introduces a scheduling button directly in the call interface, positioning the platform to compete more strongly with services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.

The feature is aimed at easing the challenge of coordinating calls, especially for large groups, community forums, friends in different time zones, or work-related meetings.

Once a call is scheduled, all participants receive a notification and a calendar-style reminder in the chat with a “Join Call” option when the set time arrives.

To schedule, users open a group chat with at least one other person, tap the call icon in the top corner, choose “Schedule a Call,” set the date and time, and select either audio or video.

This allows groups to prepare in advance rather than scrambling to get everyone online at once.

WhatsApp said the move is part of its ongoing effort to make the platform more practical for daily communication.

“We’re always working to make WhatsApp more useful for everyday communication. With call scheduling, group coordination becomes easier, more predictable, and more respectful of everyone’s time,” it stated.

The company also revealed that in-app reminders and support for scheduling multiple calls are being added, enabling both recurring and one-off planning without the need for third-party calendars.

This update follows a string of productivity-focused improvements introduced in recent months, such as screen sharing during video calls, the ability to edit and pin messages, and voice chats for large groups that allow people to join casually without ringing everyone.

For users who do not yet see the option, WhatsApp advised checking for app updates or waiting as the rollout continues worldwide in the coming days.