How to Set Up WhatsApp Auto Reply for Your Business in Pakistan
Step-by-step guide to WhatsApp auto reply — from free Business App greetings to AI automation that answers customers in English and Urdu, 24/7.
Customers message at 11 PM. You're asleep. They buy from whoever replies first. WhatsApp auto reply fixes this — and setting it up takes anywhere from two minutes (free) to an afternoon (fully AI). Here's every option, step by step.
Option 1: Free auto reply in the WhatsApp Business App
Perfect if you're a small shop and just need *something* answering after hours.
- Open WhatsApp Business App → tap ⋮ → Settings → Business tools.
- Tap Greeting message → turn it on → write your message, e.g. *"Assalam-o-Alaikum! Thanks for messaging [Shop Name]. We reply within a few hours — our timings are 10 AM to 10 PM."*
- Choose recipients: everyone, or only non-contacts / specific contacts.
- Back in Business tools, tap Away message → turn it on → 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 FAQs: e.g. type `/timings` to instantly paste your hours into any chat.
Limits: every customer gets the same fixed text. It can't answer *"do you have this in blue?"* or take an order. When you're 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 message and answers from your business info — prices, stock, delivery areas, policies — in English or Urdu, 24/7.
- Get API access via a provider (e.g. WaBot) — much simpler than applying to Meta directly.
- Verify your business with Meta (1–3 days, one-time).
- Connect your number and upload your business knowledge — menu, price list, FAQs, policies.
- Write your reply rules — tone, language, and when to hand tricky chats to a human.
- Test 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're looking for — or tap below: View Catalogue | Track Order | Talk to Team”
Away / after hours
“Thanks for messaging! We're currently closed (10 PM – 10 AM). Send your question now — our team (or assistant) will reply first thing in the morning.”
COD order confirmation (API)
“Shukriya! Your order #1234 (2x Lawn Suit — PKR 3,500, COD) is confirmed. Rider will call before delivery. Reply CANCEL to cancel.”
Mistakes that get numbers banned
- Broadcasting to non-opted-in numbers — the fastest way to get restricted by Meta.
- Sending the same promo daily — customers report spam; reports hurt your quality rating.
- No opt-out — always let people stop messages easily.
- Letting the bot hallucinate — cap its answers to your real info and hand off when unsure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set auto reply on WhatsApp Business?+
Open the WhatsApp Business App → Settings → Business tools → Greeting message (for first-time customers) and Away message (for off-hours). Write your message, set the schedule, and choose who receives it. It takes 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 ('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.
