WhatsApp Business Auto Reply Message Samples (2026): 30 Copy-Paste Templates

The WhatsApp Business app comes with two built-in auto reply types: greeting messages (for first contact) and away messages (for outside business hours). Most businesses use one generic message for both situations. That's a missed opportunity — each scenario calls for a different response.

Here are 30 samples across 8 scenarios. Copy the ones that fit, swap in your details, and set them up in minutes.

After-hours / away messages (6 examples)

Send these when a customer messages outside your business hours. Set a real response time — not "as soon as possible."

1. Hi! You've reached [Business Name] after hours. We're back at 9am [day]. Your message is saved and we'll reply first thing. 🌙

2. Thanks for reaching out to [Business Name]. Our team works [hours]. We'll reply to your message on [next business day] morning. For urgent matters, [alternative contact or action].

3. Hey! We're off for the night. [Business Name] is back at [time] tomorrow. We'll reply within [X hours] of opening. Sweet dreams! 😄

4. Hi [First Name]. This is [Business Name]. It's outside our working hours right now ([hours], [timezone]). We've got your message and will reply by [specific time].

5. Closed for the day! [Business] opens again [day] at [time]. Reply with "URGENT" if this can't wait — someone checks for urgent messages every few hours.

6. Thanks for your message! We're currently closed. Office hours: [Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm]. Your question will be answered first thing when we open. — [Business Name]

First contact / greeting messages (5 examples)

Send when a customer messages you for the first time (or after 14+ days of silence).

7. Hi! 👋 Welcome to [Business Name]. How can we help you today?

8. Hello! Thanks for reaching out to [Business Name]. We typically reply within [X minutes/hours]. What can we help you with?

9. Hi [First Name]! Great to hear from you. I'm [Name] from [Business]. What brought you our way today?

10. Welcome to [Business Name]! Are you looking for [Service A], [Service B], or something else? Reply with a number and we'll jump right in.

11. Hey! You're chatting with [Business Name]. Quick question before we dive in — is this your first time with us, or are you an existing customer?

Out of office / holiday (4 examples)

12. Hi! [Business Name] is on holiday from [date] to [date]. We'll be back on [return date] and will reply to all messages then. Happy [holiday]! 🎉

13. We're out of office this week. [Business Name] returns on [date]. Your message is in the queue — we'll reply as soon as we're back.

14. Happy [holiday] from [Business Name]! We're taking a short break and will be back on [date]. Can't wait to hear what you need — talk soon!

15. Hi! [Business Name] is closed for [event/holiday]. Normal service resumes [date]. For urgent orders placed before [date], email [address] with your order number.

High volume / busy period (3 examples)

16. Hi! We're experiencing a high volume of messages right now. [Business Name] will reply within [X hours] instead of our usual [Y]. We appreciate your patience!

17. Hey! Our team is at capacity right now. We haven't forgotten you — reply times may be up to [X hours] today. Thanks for bearing with us. — [Business Name]

18. Thanks for messaging [Business Name]. We're busier than usual and reply times may be [X hours]. We'll be with you soon — your message is in our queue.

Pricing inquiry (3 examples)

19. Hi! Thanks for asking about pricing. Our plans start at [price]. I'll send you the full breakdown in a moment — or you can see it at [link].

20. Hey! Great question. [Product/Service] pricing depends on [variable]. Can you tell me more about what you need? (Size, duration, number of people, etc.) I'll quote you accurately.

21. Hi [First Name]! Pricing for [Service] starts at [price] for [scope]. I'll send you a detailed quote. Quick question: [qualifying question]?

Booking / appointment (3 examples)

22. Hi! To book with [Business Name], I'll need a few details. What service are you looking for, and what dates/times work for you?

23. Thanks for reaching out! We have slots available [this week/next week]. What day and time works for you? (Our availability: [hours].)

24. Hey! Great timing — we have [X] slots open this week. Reply with your preferred day and time and I'll confirm within [X minutes].

Complaint / escalation (3 examples)

25. Hi [First Name]. I'm sorry to hear you had a problem. This is being escalated to [team/manager] and you'll hear back within [X hours]. Case ref: [number].

26. Thank you for letting us know. We take this seriously and someone from our team will contact you within [X hours] to sort this out. — [Business Name]

27. Hi! We're sorry for the experience. This message has been flagged as priority. Expect a reply from [team] within [X hours]. Reference: [ID].

Order status / delivery (3 examples)

28. Hi! To check your order status, please share your order number. We'll pull it up and update you within [X minutes].

29. Thanks for your message. Your order [number] is [status]. Estimated delivery: [date]. Questions? Reply here anytime.

30. Hi [First Name]. Your [product] has been [shipped/prepared/confirmed]. Tracking link: [link]. Let us know if you need anything else!

How to set up WhatsApp Business auto replies

Native WhatsApp Business app

1. Open WhatsApp Business → Settings → Business Tools
2. Choose Away Message (outside hours) or Greeting Message (first contact)
3. Toggle on → tap Message to paste your text
4. Set the schedule (for away messages) and which contacts receive it
5. Save

The app supports {{customer_name}} for first name personalization. Max 1,024 characters.

Going beyond static auto replies: AI-powered responses

Native auto replies send the same message to everyone. They can't read what the customer said, adjust the tone, answer the question, or route to the right person. For businesses getting 10+ WhatsApp DMs per day, static auto replies are the beginning — not the end — of the automation stack.

Instant Reply connects to the WhatsApp Business API and replaces static templates with AI replies that actually answer the question. The AI reads each incoming message, pulls context from your business data (FAQs, pricing, availability), and drafts a reply. You can keep it in draft mode for review or let it auto-send.

Setup takes about 5 minutes via Meta's embedded signup. Try it free for 10 days.

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