How to Set Up Auto Reply on WhatsApp

Do you receive a lot of WhatsApp messages and can’t respond to all of them? Or maybe you have a business and want customers to get an immediate response outside business hours. Setting up auto reply on WhatsApp isn’t as straightforward as other apps, but it’s possible, and today I’ll show you all the ways to do it. I’ve personally tested every method I explain.

Table of contents

Auto reply in WhatsApp Business (official method)

If you have a business, WhatsApp Business is your best option. It has built-in auto-reply features that are native and legitimate.

Away message

1. Open WhatsApp Business.
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) > Business tools.
3. Select “Away message.”
4. Enable the toggle.
5. Customize the message.
6. Configure when to send it:
   • Always send: When you’re outside business hours.
   • Custom schedule: Define your business hours.
7. Select who to send it to:
   • Everyone
   • Everyone except contacts
   • Only contacts with specific labels

Welcome message

1. In Business tools > Welcome message.
2. Enable and customize the message.
3. It’s automatically sent to new contacts or those who message you after 14 days of inactivity.

Quick replies

They’re not exactly automatic, but they save you a lot of time:

1. In Business tools > Quick replies.
2. Create predefined responses.
3. Use the ”/” shortcut in any chat to insert them.

Pro-tip: Combine welcome message + away message so customers always receive a response, whether you’re available or not.

Auto reply in personal WhatsApp

Personal WhatsApp doesn’t have native auto-reply features, but there are alternatives:

Method 1: Using Tasker (Android)

Tasker is an automation app that can send auto-replies for you:

1. Download Tasker from the Play Store (~$3.50).
2. Create a profile based on time or event.
3. Create a task that sends a message via WhatsApp.
4. Configure conditions (which contacts, what schedule, etc.).

It’s powerful but requires technical knowledge. The advantage is you can automate practically anything.

Method 2: AutoResponder for WA

A free app designed specifically for this:

1. Download AutoResponder for WA from the Play Store.
2. Grant the necessary permissions (accessibility).
3. Configure the rules:
   • For all contacts or specific contacts.
   • Custom response.
   • Activation schedule.
4. The app detects incoming messages and replies automatically.

I’ve used this app for months and it works quite well. Message detection is accurate and response is instant.

Method 3: WhatsAuto

Similar to AutoResponder but with more customization options:

1. Download WhatsAuto.
2. Set up the reply message.
3. Select contacts or groups.
4. Enable based on schedule or always.

WhatsAuto allows configuring different responses based on keywords in the received message.

Recommended settings for businesses

Outside business hours

Suggested message: “Thank you for your message. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We’ll respond as soon as we’re available. For emergencies, call [number].”

First contact

Suggested message: “Hello! Thanks for reaching out. We’ll get back to you shortly. In the meantime, would you like to learn about our products/services? Visit [link].”

Weekends

Suggested message: “We’re closed on weekends. We’ll respond on Monday. Have a great weekend!”

Comparison table of methods

Risks of using third-party apps

Using automation apps on personal WhatsApp has risks:

Possible ban

WhatsApp explicitly prohibits using third-party apps to automate actions. If they detect the use of these apps, they can suspend your account temporarily or permanently.

Privacy

These apps need accessibility permissions to work, which gives them access to everything on your screen. Make sure you use apps from known developers.

Reliability

Third-party apps may stop working when WhatsApp updates its app. They’re not always stable.

My recommendation

If you have a business, use WhatsApp Business with its native features. If it’s personal use and you decide to automate, do so in moderation and use known apps.

Best practices for writing auto-reply messages

A bad auto-reply can sound cold and robotic. A good auto-reply can make the customer feel taken care of. Here are my tips:

Keep it short: Nobody wants to read a full paragraph as an auto-reply. Maximum 2-3 lines.

Mention when you’ll respond: It’s not enough to say “we’ll get back to you soon.” Be specific: “we’ll respond within 2 business hours max.”

Include alternatives: If you can’t respond immediately, offer options: “For emergencies, call [number]” or “Check our FAQ at [link].”

Use a warm tone: Avoid phrases like “Your message has been received.” Better: “Hello! Thanks for reaching out. We’ll get back to you shortly.”

Customize by situation: A welcome message should be enthusiastic. An away message should be informative. A weekend message should be relaxed.

Pro-tip: Review your auto-reply messages monthly. A message saying “We’ll be on vacation until August 15th” in December doesn’t leave a good impression.

WhatsApp Business API: automation for large businesses

If you have a business with high message volume, regular WhatsApp Business may not be enough. That’s where the WhatsApp Business API comes in:

What is it? An API that allows integrating WhatsApp with customer management systems (CRM), chatbots, and customer support platforms.

Who is it for? Businesses with more than 100 daily messages that need advanced automation.

What does it allow?

• Chatbots with intelligent responses.
• CRM integration (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.).
• Multiple agents handling the same number.
• Automatic follow-up messages.

Official providers: Twilio, MessageBird, 360dialog, among others.

Price: Varies by message volume, but usually starts at around $0.02-0.05 per message.

Pro-tip: If your business grows and you need more than WhatsApp Business’s basic messages, look into the API. Real business automation is there, not in third-party apps.

Alternatives to WhatsApp for auto-reply

If after all this WhatsApp seems too limited for auto-reply, there are alternatives with better native features:

Telegram, for example, allows creating bots that respond automatically with huge complexity, and it’s completely legitimate. If your business can work without WhatsApp, these alternatives are worth considering.

FAQ

Can WhatsApp detect I’m using auto reply?

Yes, technically they can. Third-party apps use accessibility, something WhatsApp can monitor. The ban risk is real, though low if you don’t abuse it.

Does it work on iPhone?

WhatsApp Business native options yes. Third-party apps like AutoResponder are Android-only. On iPhone, automation is more limited.

Can I send auto-replies to specific contacts only?

Yes, both in WhatsApp Business and in third-party apps you can filter by specific contacts.

Do auto-replies work in groups?

In WhatsApp Business, the away message is NOT sent to groups. Third-party apps can send to groups if configured.

Conclusion

Setting up auto reply on WhatsApp is especially useful for businesses that want to offer immediate customer service. WhatsApp Business is the official and recommended way. For personal use, third-party apps work but come with associated risks. My advice: if you have a business, install WhatsApp Business today and set up at least the welcome and away messages. The difference in customer experience is huge and setup takes 5 minutes.