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WhatsApp Business Auto Reply: 30 Ready-to-Use Message Samples (2026)

Explore 30 WhatsApp Business auto reply message samples, including welcome, away, after-hours, and customer service templates. Copy-paste ready for use.

Kartik Patel

Kartik Patel

Head of Delivery

Published Oct 6, 2026·Updated Oct 7, 2026·6 min read

Contents

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Overview: WhatsApp Business auto reply messages respond to customers automatically when your team is unavailable, when a new contact messages you for the first time, or when message volume is high. This guide explains the difference between greeting messages, away messages, and quick replies, covers how to set each one up, and provides 30 copy-paste-ready auto reply message samples across 7 categories, covering general business, appointments, orders, re-engagement, support, and Indian business verticals like coaching institutes, clinics, and restaurants.

These templates are for the WhatsApp Business App auto reply feature. For outbound bulk campaigns to your contact list, a WhatsApp bulk message sender free tool handles those sends separately.

Greeting Message vs Away Message vs Quick Reply

These are three different features in WhatsApp Business. Using the wrong one for the wrong situation is the most common setup mistake.

Type

When It Sends

Best Used For

Greeting Message

Sent automatically when a customer messages your business for the first time, or after 14+ days of inactivity

Welcome new contacts, introduce the business, direct them to the right resource

Away Message

Sent automatically when your business is outside set hours, or anytime you activate it manually

Let customers know when you will be back, set expectations, prevent silent drop-offs

Quick Reply

A saved response your team sends manually during a live conversation, not automated, but fast to deploy

Respond instantly to FAQs without typing the same answer repeatedly

The full step-by-step setup for all three, including trigger conditions, recipient targeting, and scheduling, is in the WhatsApp automatic reply guide. The section below covers the core setup steps.

How to Set Up Auto Reply in WhatsApp Business

To set up a greeting message:

  • Open WhatsApp Business and tap the three-dot menu (top right).
  • Go to Settings > Business Tools > Greeting Message.
  • Toggle on Send greeting message.
  • Tap the edit icon to write your greeting.
  • Under Recipients, choose who receives it: All contacts, specific contacts, or non-contacts only.
  • Tap Save.

To set up an away message:

  • Settings > Business Tools > Away Message.
  • Toggle on Send away message.
  • Write your message and tap edit icon.
  • Set the schedule: Always, Custom Schedule, or Outside Business Hours.
  • Choose recipients and tap Save.

Quick replies: Settings > Business Tools > Quick Replies. Tap + to add a new quick reply. Give it a shortcut keyword (e.g. /hours) and write the message. During a conversation, type /hours in the message field and tap the suggestion, the full message inserts instantly.

Also Read: How to Send Bulk Event Invitations on WhatsApp (2026)

What Makes an Auto Reply Message Work

An auto reply that does not help the customer is worse than no reply, it signals the business is not paying attention. The best auto reply messages share five qualities:

  • Clear and immediate: The customer knows within one line that their message arrived and when they will hear back.
  • Short: 3 to 5 lines is the ceiling. Long auto replies are skimmed or ignored.
  • Specific about wait time: "We will be back Monday at 9 AM" beats "We will get back to you soon."
  • Action-oriented: Give the customer something to do while they wait, browse a catalog, check an FAQ, reply with a number for routing.
  • Personalized where possible: Using {{customer_name}} in the greeting creates a warmer first impression than a generic "Hi there."

30 Auto Reply Message Samples for WhatsApp Business

All templates below use {{variable_name}} for placeholders. Replace them with your business name, hours, and relevant details before activating.

Category 1: Welcome and Greeting Messages (5 Samples)

Greeting messages fire when a customer messages your WhatsApp Business number for the first time, or after 14 days of inactivity. They set the tone for the entire relationship.

Sample 1 - Warm welcome with routing menu:
Hi {{customer_name}}, welcome to {{business_name}}! We are glad you reached out.
To help you faster, please reply with:1 - Product or service enquiry, 2 - Order or booking status, 3 - Talk to our team, We will respond shortly.
Sample 2 - Simple and direct:
Hello! Thank you for contacting {{business_name}}. We have received your message and will get back to you within {{response_time}}.Reply STOP to stop receiving messages.
Sample 3 - Friendly introduction with hours:
Hi {{customer_name}}! Welcome to {{business_name}} on WhatsApp.
We are available Monday to Saturday, {{start_time}} to {{end_time}}. Our team will reply to your message as soon as possible.
Sample 4 - Value-first greeting:
Hello! You have reached {{business_name}}. We specialize in {{service_or_product}}.Tell us what you are looking for and we will guide you from here. Our team responds during business hours.
Sample 5 - New contact onboarding:
Welcome to {{business_name}}. Here is what you can do on WhatsApp with us:- Get product information- Place an order or booking- Track your order or appointment- Reach our support team. 
Just type your question and we will take it from there.

Also Read: How to Mute Calls on WhatsApp: Android, iPhone and Web

Category 2: Away and After-Hours Messages (5 Samples)

Away messages fire outside your set business hours or whenever you toggle them on manually. They keep the customer informed and reduce frustration from silence.

Sample 6 - Standard after-hours:
Hi! Thank you for reaching out to {{business_name}}. Our team is currently offline and will be back on {{day}} at {{time}}. We have noted your message and will respond as soon as we are available. For urgent help, visit: {{link}}
Sample 7 - Weekend away message:
Hello {{customer_name}}! We are taking a weekend break, but we have not forgotten you.{{business_name}} will be back Monday at {{time}}. We will reply to your message first thing. Thank you for your patience.
Sample 8 - Holiday closure:
Season's greetings from {{business_name}}! We are closed for {{holiday}} until {{date}}.
Your message is important to us and we will respond as soon as we return. Wishing you and your family a wonderful {{holiday}}.
Sample 9 - Best away message with FAQ link:
Hi! {{business_name}} is currently offline. We will be back at {{time}} on {{day}}.While you wait, your question may already be answered in our FAQ: {{link}}We will pick up your message as soon as we return.
Sample 10 - After-hours with response commitment:
Hello! You have reached {{business_name}} after business hours. We are available {{days}}, {{start_time}} to {{end_time}}.Your message has been received. We will reply within {{X}} hours of reopening. Thank you for reaching out.

Category 3: High-Volume and Queue Messages (3 Samples)

When your team is online but handling many conversations at once, a queue message acknowledges the customer without promising an immediate reply.

Sample 11 - High volume acknowledgment:

Hi {{customer_name}}! We are experiencing high message volume right now. Your message has been received and our team will get back to you within {{X}} hours.Thank you for your patience.
Sample 12 - Queue with self-service option:

Hello! Thanks for contacting {{business_name}}. We are a little busy at the moment.For quick answers, check our catalogue here: {{link}}Or reply with your question and we will get back to you within {{X}} hours.
Sample 13 - Prioritization routing: 

Hi! Thank you for reaching out to {{business_name}}. To help us respond faster, please tell us: 1 - I want to place a new order, 2 - I have a question about an existing order, 3 - I need support. We will route your query to the right team.

Also Read: WhatsApp Message Not Delivered: Causes and Fixes (2026)

Category 4: Appointment and Service Business (5 Samples)

These templates are designed for Indian businesses in coaching, healthcare, salons, real estate, and other appointment-based services.

Sample 14 - Coaching institute greeting:

Hello! Welcome to {{institute_name}} on WhatsApp.We offer courses in {{subjects}}. Batches available: {{batch_details}}. To know more: 1 - Course fees and schedule, 2 - Enrolment process, 3 - Speak to a counsellor. We will respond within {{X}} hours during working hours.
Sample 15 - Clinic or healthcare appointment:

Hello! Thank you for reaching out to {{clinic_name}}. To book an appointment, please share:- Your name - Preferred date and time - Doctor or department (if specific) Our team will confirm your slot within {{X}} hours. For emergencies, please call {{phone_number}}.
Sample 16 - Salon or beauty service greeting:

Hi {{customer_name}}! Welcome to {{salon_name}} on WhatsApp. We offer: {{services_list}}To book a slot, reply with your preferred date and time. We are open {{days}}, {{start_time}} to {{end_time}}. Spots fill up fast - book early to avoid waiting!
Sample 17 - Real estate enquiry greeting:

Hello! Thank you for contacting {{agency_name}}. To help you find the right property, please share:- Type: residential / commercial- Location preference- Budget range. Our team will get back to you within {{X}} hours with suitable options.
Sample 18 - Restaurant or food business:

Hi! Welcome to {{restaurant_name}} on WhatsApp. We are open {{days}}, {{start_time}} to {{end_time}}. You can:1 - View our menu: {{link}}, 2 - Place an order, 3 - Reserve a table. Just let us know how we can help!

Also Read: How to Enable Voice Typing in WhatsApp: Android and iPhone

Category 5: Order and Purchase Confirmation (4 Samples)

Order-triggered messages build trust and reduce "where is my order" queries. These templates work best as triggered messages sent after specific customer actions.

For outbound order update sequences, shipping dispatched, delivery confirmation, payment reminders, WhatsApp message templates for business covers the full set of structured outbound message formats.

Sample 19 - Order received confirmation:

Hi {{customer_name}}! Your order #{{order_id}} has been confirmed at {{business_name}}. We are getting it ready for dispatch. You will receive a tracking update within {{X}} hours. Thank you for shopping with us!
Sample 20 - COD order confirmation:

Hello {{customer_name}}! We have received your Cash on Delivery order #{{order_id}}. Our team will confirm delivery details shortly. Please keep *Rs {{amount}}* ready at the time of delivery. Thank you for choosing {{business_name}}.
Sample 21 - Shipping dispatched:

Great news, {{customer_name}}! Your order #{{order_id}} has been dispatched. Track it here: {{tracking_link}}. Expected delivery: {{date}}. Reach out if you have any questions.
Sample 22 - Delay notification:

Hi {{customer_name}}, we wanted to keep you informed. Your order #{{order_id}} is experiencing a slight delay due to {{reason}}. New expected delivery: {{date}}. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Category 6: Re-engagement and Follow-up (4 Samples)

These templates are used for contacts who went quiet after an enquiry or a purchase. Send them as manual or scheduled outbound messages, not as auto replies.

Sample 23 - Win-back message:

Hi {{customer_name}}, it has been a while since your last {{visit/order/session}} with {{business_name}}. We are running a special offer this week just for returning customers: {{offer}}. Valid until {{date}}.{{Action}}: {{link}}. Reply STOP to opt out.
Sample 24 - Abandoned cart or incomplete enquiry:

Hi {{customer_name}}! You were looking at {{product/service}} at {{business_name}} recently.We are holding it for you. Complete your {{order/booking}} here: {{link}}Any questions? Just reply to this message.
Sample 25 - Post-purchase feedback request:

Hi {{customer_name}}! We hope you are enjoying your {{product/service}} from {{business_name}}.We would love to hear what you think. Share a quick review here: {{link}}Your feedback helps us improve.
Sample 26 - Referral request:

Hi {{customer_name}}! Thank you for being a valued {{business_name}} customer. If you have found us helpful, we would love if you shared us with a friend. For every referral, you get {{referral_benefit}}. Share your referral link: {{link}}

Also Read: How to See Archive Chat in WhatsApp: Android, iPhone and Web

Category 7: Support and Complaint Acknowledgment (4 Samples)

A fast acknowledgment that a complaint has been received is more important than a fast resolution. These templates reduce customer frustration while your team investigates.

Sample 27 - Complaint acknowledgment:

Hi {{customer_name}}. We are sorry to hear you had an issue with {{product/service}}. We take this seriously. Our team will review your concern and get back to you within {{X}} hours with an update. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Sample 28 - Refund or return acknowledgment:

Hi {{customer_name}}! Thank you for reaching out. To process your return or refund for order #{{order_id}}, please share:- Reason for return- Photos (if applicable)Our team will respond within {{X}} hours.
Sample 29 - Escalation confirmation:

Hi {{customer_name}}, we have escalated your concern to our senior team. You will hear from us within {{X}} hours with a resolution. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Sample 30 - Issue resolved follow-up:
Hi {{customer_name}}! We wanted to follow up on the issue you reported earlier. Our team has {{resolution_details}}. We hope this resolves your concern. If you need anything else, we are here to help.

Also Read: How to Send Photos as Documents in WhatsApp: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

What to Avoid in WhatsApp Business Auto Reply Messages

Reply TypeWhat to Avoid

Vague response time

Never write "We will get back to you soon." Say "We will reply within 2 hours" or "We will be back Monday at 9 AM." Vague timelines create anxiety.

All-caps urgency

Avoid "URGENT", "IMPORTANT", "ACT NOW" in auto replies. Automated messages that feel urgent erode trust.

Overly long messages

Auto replies over 6 to 8 lines are rarely read in full. Keep it to the essential information and one clear action.

No opt-out line

Every broadcast auto reply should include "Reply STOP to unsubscribe." This is not legally required in India but significantly reduces block rates.

Generic greetings only

"Hi! We will respond soon." adds no value. Always include at minimum what the business does, when they respond, and what the customer can do in the meantime.

Wrong trigger timing

A greeting message that fires in the middle of an ongoing conversation because of 14+ days of inactivity can feel strange. Consider setting greeting messages to new contacts only when possible.

Conclusion

The 30 templates above cover the seven most common business scenarios where auto reply messages reduce customer drop-off and improve first contact experience. Copy any template directly, replace the placeholders with your business details, and activate through WhatsApp Business Settings > Business Tools.

The difference between a high-performing auto reply and a mediocre one is usually in the specifics: a precise wait time instead of "soon," a routing menu instead of a passive acknowledgment, and a tone that sounds like your business rather than a generic chatbot. Review and update your messages every time your hours, offers, or team availability changes.

For outbound campaigns to your contact list, flash sale alerts, appointment reminders, re-engagement sequences, Roklo handles how to send bulk WhatsApp messages from a browser without API approval or per-message charges. Auto replies handle the inbound; Roklo handles the outbound.

Also Read: WhatsApp Business for Restaurants: Complete Guide (2026)

Sending outbound WhatsApp campaigns to your full contact list

Roklo handles bulk outbound WhatsApp campaign sends from a browser, no WhatsApp Business API required, no saved-contact requirement. Complements your auto replies by reaching contacts proactively.

Frequently asked questions

A WhatsApp Business auto reply message sample is a pre-written message template that the WhatsApp Business app sends automatically to customers -- either as a greeting (when they message for the first time) or as an away message (when your team is offline). They acknowledge the customer instantly, set expectations for response time, and guide them toward the next step without requiring a team member to respond immediately.
Kartik Patel

Kartik Patel

Head of Delivery

Kartik Patel is the Head of Delivery at Roklo, specializing in scaling AI solutions and leading high-performing engineering teams to deliver impactful digital transformations.