WhatsApp auto reply
WhatsApp auto reply: from a simple away message to a smart reply that sells for you
An automatic reply makes sure no customer message is left unanswered. This guide covers the three ways to do it on WhatsApp, how to switch each one on, and when a business needs more than a fixed message.
- Step-by-step setup guide
- Free and paid options compared
- AI replies in Arabic and English
3 ways to auto reply on WhatsApp
Away message
A fixed message the WhatsApp Business app sends when you are closed or busy. Free, and takes two minutes to set up.
Greeting message and quick replies
A welcome message for new chats, plus saved answers you send with a shortcut. Still fixed text, and still needs you for anything else.
AI auto reply through the WhatsApp Business API
An AI agent that understands the customer’s question and answers it, takes the order or booking, and involves your team only when needed.
How to turn on auto reply in WhatsApp Business
Open the WhatsApp Business app
Auto replies are available in the free WhatsApp Business app, not in the personal WhatsApp app.
Go to Business tools
On Android tap the three dots, then Business tools. On iPhone open Settings, then Business tools.
Set up the away message
Tap Away message, switch on Send away message, write your text, then choose the schedule: always, a custom schedule, or outside business hours.
Add a greeting message
Go back to Business tools, tap Greeting message, switch it on and write the welcome your new customers will see.
Save your quick replies
In Business tools, open Quick replies and add your most common answers, such as your location or opening hours, each with a short keyword.
Tip: keep the away message short and useful. Say when you will reply, and include your opening hours and a link to your menu or booking page.
WhatsApp auto reply options compared
| Away and greeting messages | AI auto reply | |
|---|---|---|
| Understands the question | No, sends the same text to everyone | Yes, answers what was asked |
| Answers prices and availability | No | Yes, from your business information |
| Takes orders and bookings | No | Yes, confirmed and sent to your team |
| Works with a team | One phone and a few linked devices | Whole team on one number |
| Languages | The text you wrote | Arabic dialects and English |
| Cost | Free | Monthly plan plus Meta message fees |
When do you need more than an away message?
An away message tells the customer to wait. That is fine if you receive a handful of messages a day. It stops being enough when:
Messages arrive after hours. A customer who writes at 10 pm and gets “we’ll reply tomorrow” has usually ordered or booked somewhere else by morning.
The same questions repeat all day. Prices, hours and location take your team’s time away from the customers in front of them.
Requests get lost. A message here, a missed call there. One lost order or appointment costs more than a month of automation.
What MERAIN's auto reply gives you
An answer for every message
Customers get a real answer in seconds, at any hour, instead of a “please wait”.
Orders and bookings in the chat
The agent collects the details and confirms, then your team sees the request on one screen.
Buttons or free text
Customers can tap options or write normally. The agent handles both.
Handover to a person
When someone needs your staff, the chat moves to them with the full conversation.
Reviews and reminders
A Google review request after the visit or order, and appointment reminders for clinics.
Full setup by our team
We connect the official WhatsApp Business API and prepare everything with your information.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up an automatic reply on WhatsApp?
In the WhatsApp Business app, open Business tools, tap Away message, switch it on, write your message and choose when it is sent. You can also add a Greeting message for new chats.
Can I auto reply on normal WhatsApp?
The personal WhatsApp app has no built-in auto reply. You need the free WhatsApp Business app for away and greeting messages, or the WhatsApp Business API for AI replies.
Is WhatsApp auto reply free?
Away messages, greeting messages and quick replies in the WhatsApp Business app are free. AI auto reply runs on the WhatsApp Business API and comes with a platform plan and Meta message fees.
Can the auto reply answer different questions differently?
A fixed away message cannot. An AI agent can: it understands each question and answers it from your business information.
Will auto replies get my number banned?
Not when you use the official tools. The WhatsApp Business app and the official WhatsApp Business API are both safe. Unofficial auto-reply apps violate WhatsApp’s terms and can get a number banned.
Does the AI auto reply work in Arabic?
Yes. It replies in the dialect the customer writes in, and in English.
Give every message a reply, even after hours
Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll set up smart auto replies on your business number.