How to set up WhatsApp auto-reply for your business (2026)

Option 1: the free WhatsApp Business App

Good for a single owner who answers most messages by hand.

• Greeting message: sent automatically to a new customer, or to one who hasn’t messaged in a while
• Away message: sent outside the business hours you set
• Quick replies: saved answers you insert with a shortcut while typing (you still send each one by hand)

The Business App cannot choose a reply based on what the customer wrote, cannot run on a shared team inbox in the browser, and cannot send automated follow-ups.

Option 2: keyword auto-replies with SyncBot (5 steps)

• Step 1. Start the 7-day free trial at syncbot.in. No card is required.
• Step 2. Connect your WhatsApp Business number from the dashboard using Meta’s official sign-up.
• Step 3. Open Automation and add keyword replies. For example, "price" sends your price list, "timing" sends your hours and "location" sends a map pin.
• Step 4. Add a welcome menu with buttons or a list, so customers can tap instead of typing.
• Step 5. Message your number from another phone and check each reply. Then turn on follow-ups for leads who go quiet.

Tips for auto-replies customers actually like

• Answer the question fully in one message. It reads better, and since October 2026 every extra message counts towards Meta’s service-message fee.
• Always offer a way to reach a person, such as a "Talk to us" button.
• Keep keyword lists short and obvious. Customers type "fees", "fee" and "price" for the same thing, so add all three.
• Review unanswered chats every week and turn repeated questions into new keyword replies.

Frequently asked questions