Greeting message
On first contact, then after 14 days without any exchange.
Automation · 2026 edition
WhatsApp Business automatic messages: how to set them up
Your customers message you on WhatsApp at all hours and expect a quick reply. The WhatsApp Business app offers three free automatic messages. Here is how to turn them on, what to write, and what you need when they are no longer enough.
- The 3 messages
- Examples
- Going further
Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon
Automatic messages in 30 seconds
In short
In the WhatsApp Business app, the Business tools menu offers a greeting message, sent on a contact's first message and then after 14 days without any exchange; an away message, sent outside your opening hours or during a chosen period; and quick replies, saved texts you insert by typing “/”. For personalised messages triggered by an order or an appointment, you need the WhatsApp Business API.
Away message
Outside opening hours or while you are on holiday.
Quick replies
Up to 50 texts, called up with “/”.
The API
For triggered, personalised messages.
Set up your messages step by step
Everything is set in the app, under Business tools. The phone must be connected to the internet for the messages to go out.
Messages ready to copy
Short, useful, with a clear next step. Adapt the tone to your customers.
Home
“Hello and thank you for your message! Tell us what you need; we usually reply within the hour during the day.”
Evening away message
“Thank you for your message. We are closed at the moment and will reply as soon as we open at [opening time].”
Holidays
“We are on holiday until [date]. Your message has arrived safely and we will reply as soon as we are back.”
Quick reply /prices
“Here are our prices: [link]. For an accurate quote, send us a photo and your measurements.”
Quick reply /address
“We are at [address], open [days] from [hours]. Directions: [link].”
Quick reply /booking
“Book your slot directly here: [link]. You will receive a confirmation.”
App or API: which to choose?
The app is enough to get started. The API becomes useful when messages need to go out automatically, at scale.
| Need | WhatsApp Business app | WhatsApp Business API |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting and away | Yes, fixed text | Yes, customisable |
| First name, order number | No | Yes |
| Message after an order or appointment | No, only in reply to an incoming message | Yes, with approved templates |
| Several people replying | A few linked devices | As many as needed |
| Connected to the website, calendar and invoices | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free app | Pay as you go, depending on the message type |
With the API, you can reply freely within 24 hours of the customer's last message. After that, only approved templates can be sent, to customers who have agreed to receive them.
WhatsApp that works for you
Our WhatsApp Business automation solution connects your conversations to your business: order and appointment confirmations, answers to frequent questions and requests organised in a spreadsheet.
Replies to frequent questions
Opening hours, prices, lead times: the answer goes out straight away.
Order tracking
The customer is kept informed at every step, with no manual entry.
Appointment
Confirmation and reminder sent on WhatsApp.
Centralised enquiries
Every contact is recorded and followed up, nothing gets lost.
Your questions, our answers
How do you set up an automatic message on WhatsApp Business?
In the app, open Business tools, then Greeting message or Away message. Turn it on, write the text, choose the recipients and the schedule.
Can you schedule an away message on WhatsApp Business?
Yes: always on, for a custom period, or outside the opening hours shown in your profile.
When is the WhatsApp Business greeting message sent?
On a contact's first message, then again after 14 days without any exchange. This delay cannot be changed.
How many quick replies can you save?
Up to 50 quick replies, each with a short shortcut you call up by typing “/”.
Can standard WhatsApp send automatic messages?
No. Greeting messages, away messages and quick replies are only available in WhatsApp Business.
Can you send automatic promotions on WhatsApp?
Only to customers who have agreed to receive them, and through the API for scheduled sends. Direct marketing rules apply to consumers.
Sources: WhatsApp Business Help Centre (greeting messages, away messages and quick replies) · EU ePrivacy rules on direct marketing and guidance from your national data protection authority · EU Artificial Intelligence Regulation, Article 50.
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace professional advice.
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