How to Set Up WhatsApp Auto Reply (Step by Step)
A WhatsApp automatic reply answers every enquiry the second it lands — even at 2am. Here is how auto-reply works, when to use it, and how to set it up so no lead goes cold.
What a WhatsApp automatic reply does
A WhatsApp automatic reply is a message that sends itself the moment someone messages you. Instead of a lead waiting hours for a human, they get an instant answer — a price, your hours, a booking link, or simply “got your message, we’ll reply shortly.”
The business case is simple: most enquiries are lost to slow replies. An instant automatic reply keeps the conversation warm until a person can take over, and it works around the clock without anyone watching the phone.
The three auto-reply types worth setting
- Keyword replies — a message that contains “price”, “order” or “open?” gets the matching answer instantly.
- After-hours / out-of-office — every message outside working hours gets an acknowledgement so late enquiries are not ignored.
- Welcome / first-contact — a first-time messager gets a friendly greeting and a clear next step.
How to set up an automatic reply on App365
App365 sets automatic replies without the official WhatsApp Business API, per-message fees or coding. The flow takes a couple of minutes.
Step 1 — Connect your WhatsApp number
Sign in and scan the QR code to link your number. Your session runs on the server, so replies keep firing even when your phone is off.
Step 2 — Create an auto-reply rule
Add a rule to the device: pick a trigger keyword, choose exact or contains match, and write the reply. Add as many rules as you need — one for pricing, one for location, one for after-hours.
Step 3 — Personalise and test
Use a template with a variable like {name} so the reply reads like a real chat, then message the number yourself to confirm the right rule fires. Different numbers can carry different rules, so each brand or branch replies in its own voice.
Auto-reply message examples (contoh)
- Price: "Hi {name}! Prices start from RMxx. Full list here: <link>. Anything specific you’re after?"
- After-hours: "Thanks for your message! We’re closed now (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) and will reply first thing tomorrow."
- Welcome: "Hi {name}, thanks for reaching out to <brand>! How can we help — orders, pricing or support?"
FAQ
Can I set a WhatsApp automatic reply without WhatsApp Business API?
Yes. App365 connects your existing number directly, so you get keyword and after-hours automatic replies without the official Business API, per-message fees or template approvals.
Does the auto reply work when my phone is off?
Yes. Your session runs on App365’s server, so automatic replies keep sending even when your phone is switched off or has no signal.
Can I set different auto replies for different numbers?
Yes. Auto-reply rules are per device, so each connected number can have its own keywords and messages.
What is the difference between keyword and after-hours auto reply?
A keyword reply fires when a message matches a word you set (like “price”). An after-hours reply fires on any message outside your working hours. You can use both together.
Ready to put this into action?
App365 handles the blasting, warmup, auto-replies and opt-outs for you — built for Malaysian businesses.