Templates · Automation

WhatsApp Auto-Reply Messages

18 examples for greeting, after-hours, busy, and holiday — plus how to set them up.

An auto-reply is the difference between a lead that feels acknowledged and one that gives up and messages a competitor. Set up a greeting for first-time contacts and an away message for after hours, and you’ll never leave someone wondering if anyone saw their message. Below are 18 ready-to-use examples, then a quick guide to setting them up. Swap the {{placeholders}} for your details.

Greeting / first-message auto-reply

1. Hi! 👋 Thanks for messaging {{business}}. We’ve got your message and will reply within {{minutes}} minutes during business hours. How can we help?

2. Welcome to {{business}}! Tell us what you need — pricing, availability, or support — and we’ll point you in the right direction.

3. Hello! Thanks for reaching out. For the fastest help, reply with: 1) Pricing 2) Book a slot 3) Talk to a human.

After-hours / away message

4. Thanks for your message! We’re currently closed ({{hours}}). We’ll reply first thing when we reopen. Leave your details and we’ll get back to you.

5. Hi! You’ve reached us outside business hours. We’re open {{hours}}, {{days}}. Drop your question here and we’ll respond as soon as we’re back.

6. We’re away right now 🌙 but we read every message. Tell us what you need and we’ll reply at {{reopen_time}}.

Busy / high-volume

7. Thanks for your patience, {{name}}! We’re handling a high volume of messages right now and will reply shortly. Your spot in the queue is saved.

8. We’ve received your message and are a little busier than usual today. We’ll get to you as soon as we can — usually within {{minutes}} minutes.

Holiday / out-of-office

9. Hi! {{business}} is closed for {{holiday}} from {{date1}} to {{date2}}. We’ll reply to all messages when we reopen on {{reopen_date}}. Happy {{holiday}}! 🎉

10. Season’s greetings! 🎄 Our team is away until {{reopen_date}}. We’ll respond to your message as soon as we’re back. Thank you for your patience.

11. We’re currently on a short break and will return on {{reopen_date}}. For urgent matters, email {{email}} and we’ll do our best to help.

AI-powered auto-reply (answers instantly)

12. Hi {{name}}! I can help right now 🙂 What are you looking for — pricing, a demo, or help choosing a plan? I’ll get you sorted.

13. Great question! Here’s the short answer: {{answer}}. Want me to book you a slot or connect you with our team?

14. Happy to help, {{name}}! I’ve checked and {{availability}}. Shall I confirm that for you?

How to set up auto-replies

Free WhatsApp Business app: Settings → Business tools → Greeting message (first contact) and Away message (outside business hours). Write your text, set the schedule, and turn it on.

WhatsApp Business API: auto-replies are configured in your provider. With an AI agent, the reply doesn’t just acknowledge the message — it understands and answers it, then continues the conversation.

Go beyond a fixed message

A canned auto-reply buys you a few minutes; an AI agent closes the gap entirely. ChatFlow by Novynix replies in under 3 seconds, answers the actual question from your knowledge base, qualifies the lead, and books appointments — 24/7, on your existing number. Plans start at ₹999/month with a 14-day free trial.

Explore ChatFlow Set up automation in 20 min

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up an auto-reply on WhatsApp Business?

In the free WhatsApp Business app, open Settings → Business tools. Use "Greeting message" for first-time contacts and "Away message" for outside business hours. On the WhatsApp Business API you configure auto-replies in your provider (for example ChatFlow), where an AI agent can also answer the question instead of just acknowledging it.

What is the difference between a greeting message and an away message?

A greeting message is sent the first time someone messages you (or after 14 days of inactivity). An away message is sent automatically when you are outside your set business hours. Many businesses use both.

Can an auto-reply actually answer the customer, not just acknowledge them?

The free app can only send a fixed message. With an AI agent on the WhatsApp Business API, the auto-reply can understand the question and answer it — sharing pricing, checking availability, or booking an appointment — so leads are helped instantly instead of just told to wait.

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