How to Set Up WhatsApp Auto Reply for Your Business in Pakistan
How to set up WhatsApp auto reply for your business. From free Business App greetings to AI automation that answers customers in English and Urdu, 24/7.
A customer messages you at 11 at night. You are asleep. They buy from whoever replies first. WhatsApp auto reply closes that gap. Setting it up takes anywhere from two minutes on the free plan to an afternoon for full AI automation. Here are all the options, step by step.
Option 1: Free auto reply in the WhatsApp Business App
This is a solid fit if you run a small shop and just need something answering after hours.
- Open the WhatsApp Business App and tap Settings, then Business tools.
- Tap Greeting message, turn it on, and write your message. Something like: *"Assalam-o-Alaikum! Thanks for messaging [Shop Name]. We usually reply within a few hours. Our timings are 10 AM to 10 PM."*
- Choose who receives it: everyone, only non-contacts, or specific contacts.
- Go back to Business tools, tap Away message, turn it on, and write your after-hours message.
- Set the schedule. Always send, custom hours, or outside business hours. Set your hours under Business hours first.
- Add Quick replies for common questions. Type `/timings` to paste your hours into any chat instantly.
The limits are real. Every customer gets the same fixed text, so it cannot answer *"do you have this in blue?"* or take an order. When you are ready for that, move to Option 2.
Option 2: AI auto reply on the WhatsApp Business API
This is real automation. The system reads each incoming message and answers from your business information: prices, stock, delivery areas, policies. In English or Urdu, around the clock.
- Get API access through a provider like WaBot. It is much simpler than applying to Meta directly.
- Verify your business with Meta. This is a one-time step that takes one to three days.
- Connect your number and upload your business knowledge: menu, price list, FAQs, policies.
- Write your reply rules: tone, language, and when tricky chats should go to a human.
- Test it like a customer. Message it in Roman Urdu with typos, the way real customers write.
| Need | Free app | AI (API) |
|---|---|---|
| After-hours greeting | Yes | Yes |
| Answer 'what are your prices?' | No | Yes |
| Take COD orders | No | Yes |
| Reply in Urdu automatically | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | From ~PKR 5,000/month |
Skip the manual replies
WaBot's AI auto reply answers your customers from your own business info. Setup takes minutes, and the free plan lets you try it today.
Writing good auto-reply messages (templates)
Greeting (first message)
“Assalam-o-Alaikum! Welcome to [Shop Name]. Tell us what you are looking for, or tap below: View Catalogue | Track Order | Talk to Team”
Away / after hours
“Thanks for messaging! We are currently closed (10 PM to 10 AM). Send your question now and our team will reply first thing in the morning.”
COD order confirmation (API)
“Shukriya! Your order #1234 (2x Lawn Suit, PKR 3,500, COD) is confirmed. The rider will call before delivery. Reply CANCEL to cancel.”
Mistakes that get numbers banned
- Broadcasting to numbers that never opted in. This is the fastest way to get restricted by Meta.
- Sending the same promo every day. Customers report spam, and those reports hurt your quality rating.
- No opt-out. Always make it easy for people to stop your messages.
- Letting the bot hallucinate. Limit its answers to your real information and hand off when it is unsure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set auto reply on WhatsApp Business?+
Open the WhatsApp Business App, go to Settings, then Business tools. Turn on the Greeting message for first-time customers and the Away message for off-hours. Write your message, set the schedule, and choose who receives it. The whole thing takes about two minutes.
Is WhatsApp auto reply free?+
Basic auto-replies in the WhatsApp Business App are completely free. AI-powered auto-replies that actually answer questions need the WhatsApp Business API and a provider. Paid plans in Pakistan start around PKR 5,000/month.
Can auto reply work in Urdu?+
In the free app, whatever you type is what gets sent, so yes, you can write your greeting in Urdu. AI auto-replies on the API go further. They understand the customer's Urdu message and reply in Urdu automatically.
What's the difference between auto reply and a chatbot?+
Auto reply sends the same fixed message every time, something like "Thanks for messaging us, we'll reply soon." A chatbot reads the actual question and answers it: timings, prices, order status, like a human agent would. Our chatbot guide explains the difference in detail.
Put this guide to work today
WaBot sets up WhatsApp automation for your business in minutes — answers from your own business info, in English or Urdu. Start free.
