WhatsApp Business Automatic Replies: How to Set Them Up [2026]

The automatic replies in WhatsApp Business are one of the most useful features for any business that manages customer communication through this channel. They allow you to send predefined messages when you cannot respond in real time, keep your customers informed, and project a professional image 24 hours a day. If you want to know how to set up WhatsApp Business automatic replies effectively, this guide walks you through the entire process step by step.

In 2026, with over 95% of smartphone users in Spain using WhatsApp, not responding to a customer within minutes is equivalent to losing them. Automatic replies are the first line of defense against that loss.

What Are Automatic Replies in WhatsApp Business

The WhatsApp Business automatic replies are predefined messages that are sent automatically when a customer contacts you. Meta offers two native types within the WhatsApp Business app:

• Welcome message: automatically sent the first time a customer messages you or after 14 days of inactivity in the conversation. It serves to introduce your business and set expectations.
• Away message: activates outside your business hours or when you cannot respond. It informs the customer that you have received their message and indicates when they will get a response.

These messages are different from quick replies, which are text shortcuts that the agent sends manually by typing a keyword (for example, "/thanks"). Automatic replies require no human intervention: they trigger on their own based on the conditions you configure.

In the context of the WhatsApp Business API ecosystem, the app's native automatic replies are just the tip of the iceberg. The API enables much more advanced automations, including complete conversational flows with chatbots and AI agents. But if you use the standard WhatsApp Business app, welcome and away messages are your starting point.

How to Set Up Automatic Replies in WhatsApp Business Step by Step

Setting up automatic replies in WhatsApp Business is a simple process that requires no technical knowledge. The procedure works on both Android and iOS, although the interface may vary slightly between operating systems.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you meet these requirements:

• Have the WhatsApp Business app installed (not the personal version of WhatsApp). You can download it for free on Google Play or the App Store.
• Have the most recent version of the app updated.
• Have completed the business profile (name, address, description, hours).

Step 1: Access the Settings

1. Open WhatsApp Business on your device.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (Android) or Settings (iOS).
3. Select Business Tools (or Business Tools if your language is set to English).
4. Here you will see the options for Away message and Welcome message.

Step 2: Activate the Away Message

1. Tap Away message.
2. Toggle on Send away message.
3. Tap the pencil icon to edit the message text.
4. Configure the schedule: you can choose between "Always send," "Custom schedule" (you define exact hours), or "Outside business hours" (uses the hours you set in your profile).
5. Select the recipients: everyone, those not in your contacts, everyone except certain contacts, or only specific contacts.
6. Tap Save.

Step 3: Activate the Welcome Message

1. Go back to Business Tools.
2. Tap Welcome message.
3. Toggle it on.
4. Edit the message text.
5. Select the recipients.
6. Save the changes.

It is that simple. In less than five minutes, you will have both automatic replies up and running. If you need to automate WhatsApp Business at a higher level, with conditional flows and intelligent responses, the next section is for you.

Best Practices and Tips for Automatic Replies in WhatsApp Business

Setting up automatic replies is easy. Making them actually work and generate a good customer experience is another story. These are the tips that make the difference.

How to Set Up Automatic Replies That Convert

• Be specific about response time. Do not write "We will get back to you soon." Better: "Our team will respond within a maximum of 2 hours." The customer knows what to expect and will not bombard you with additional messages.
• Include an alternative link. If you have a FAQ section on your website or a help center, include it in the away message. Many customers resolve their questions on their own if you give them the resource.
• Customize by schedule. Do not use the same message at 3:00 PM (when you are back in an hour) as at 10:00 PM (when you are back the next day). Set different schedules with adapted texts.
• Keep the message brief. Maximum 3-4 lines. The customer wants to confirm their message was received, not read an essay.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

• Generic replies without context: "Thanks for your message" adds nothing. Mention your hours, estimated time, and alternatives.
• Not updating seasonal messages: if you have special hours in summer, Christmas, or holidays, update the automatic replies. A message that says "We respond Monday to Friday" when it is August and you are closed creates frustration.
• Forgetting to deactivate them: if you set up a temporary automatic reply and forget to deactivate it, customers will receive incorrect information for weeks.

Limitations of Native Automatic Replies

The WhatsApp Business app only allows one away message and one welcome message active at a time. You cannot create conditional flows ("if they ask about prices, send the price list"), nor customize by product or service. For that, you need the WhatsApp Business API with a chatbot or AI agent integrated.

Practical Examples of Automatic Replies in WhatsApp Business

Here are templates ready to copy and adapt to your business. They are organized by industry and message type.

Examples by Industry

Ecommerce / Online Store

Hello, thank you for reaching out. We are currently outside business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM). If your inquiry is about an order, you can track its status here: [link]. We will respond as soon as we open.

Clinic / Medical Center

Thank you for contacting [Clinic Name]. Our phone support hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For urgent appointments, call [phone number]. We will respond as soon as possible.

Marketing Agency / Professional Services

Hello, we have received your message. Our team is reviewing it and will contact you within a maximum of 4 business hours. In the meantime, you can check out our services at [website link].

Restaurant / Hospitality

Thank you for writing to us. For reservations, you can book directly at [booking link] or call us at [phone number] during our hours: Mon-Sun from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Technical Support / SaaS

Hello, your request has been received. Our support team is reviewing it. Estimated response time: less than 1 hour during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM). For critical issues, type URGENT.

Welcome Message Templates

Professional template

Welcome to [Company Name]. We are here to help. Tell us how we can assist you and we will respond as soon as possible.

Template with options

Hello, welcome to [Company Name]. Select an option:
1 - Product information
2 - Order status
3 - Technical support
4 - Talk to an agentType the number of your option.

This last template works especially well when combined with a chatbot that processes the user's numeric response. With the native app, you cannot automate that logic, but with the WhatsApp Business API, you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you set up automatic replies in WhatsApp Business?

Open WhatsApp Business, go to Settings > Business Tools > Away Message (or Welcome Message). Toggle the switch on, write your custom message, configure the send schedule, and select the recipients. In less than two minutes, you will have it active.

Can WhatsApp Business automate messages?

Yes, but with limitations. The free WhatsApp Business app lets you automate away and welcome messages. For advanced automation with conversational flows, chatbots, or AI agents, you need the WhatsApp Business API through a provider like GuruSup.

Does WhatsApp Business have automated messages?

Yes. WhatsApp Business includes two types of natively automated messages: the welcome message (sent on first contact or after 14 days without interaction) and the away message (activates outside business hours). Both are free and configurable from the app settings.

How to configure WhatsApp Business for automatic messages in 2026?

The process has not changed substantially. Go to Business Tools in WhatsApp Business settings, enable the away and/or welcome messages, customize the text, and schedule the hours. The novelty in 2026 is that integration with the WhatsApp API enables AI automations far more sophisticated than the app's static replies.

Can you set up automatic replies on personal WhatsApp?

Personal WhatsApp (not Business) does not include this functionality natively. There are third-party apps for Android that enable automatic replies on personal WhatsApp, but Meta does not officially support them and their use could violate the terms of service. The safe and recommended option is to use WhatsApp Business, which is free.

Are there free automatic replies for WhatsApp?

Yes. The WhatsApp Business app is completely free and includes away and welcome messages at no cost. For advanced automation with chatbots, you will need an API provider, which does have an associated cost.

Can I send automatic messages on WhatsApp without Business?

Not natively, nor is it recommended. Personal WhatsApp does not offer automatic replies. Third-party apps that do so only work on Android, have no official Meta support, and can result in your account being blocked. If you need automation, install WhatsApp Business (free) or migrate to the API.

How GuruSup Enhances Your Automatic Replies in WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business's native automatic replies are a good start, but they have a clear ceiling: a single static message, no conditional logic, and no ability to resolve real inquiries. When message volume grows or your customers expect precise (not generic) responses, you need to take the next step.

Key Features of GuruSup

GuruSup connects AI agents directly to your WhatsApp through the WhatsApp Business API. Instead of a static away message, your customers interact with an AI agent that:

• Understands the inquiry in natural language, without the need for numeric menus or exact keywords.
• Responds with precise information extracted from your knowledge base, FAQs, product documentation, and support history.
• Handles transactions in real time: order status, appointment changes, returns, pricing inquiries.
• Escalates to a human agent automatically when it detects that the inquiry requires personal intervention, transferring the entire conversation context.

This means your customers receive 24/7 support with personalized responses, not a generic "We'll get back to you soon."

How to Get Started with GuruSup

The process is straightforward:

1. Connect your WhatsApp Business number through the API.
2. Upload your documentation and knowledge base.
3. GuruSup trains the AI agent with your specific content.
4. Within days, you have autonomous support running on WhatsApp.

Try GuruSup for free: automate your customer support with AI agents on WhatsApp and move from static replies to intelligent conversations. Start free with GuruSup.