How do I auto-reply on WhatsApp after business hours?
An away message says you're closed. An AI front desk answers the question.
On the free WhatsApp Business app, set an away message under business tools to send a fixed reply outside your hours. If you want the question actually answered and the booking made after hours, you need software on the WhatsApp Business API, such as an AI front desk that replies from your own information.
- App: away message, a fixed text, free.
- API + AI front desk: answers the actual question and books.
- Replies inside the 24-hour window are free under Meta's pricing.
- Hand anything tricky to a person in the morning.
Sources: WhatsApp Business app; WhatsApp Business: platform pricing. Checked 9 October 2026.
Option 1: away message on the WhatsApp Business app
In the app's business tools, turn on an away message and choose when it sends: always, outside business hours, or on a custom schedule. It's free and quick. It tells the customer you'll reply later; it doesn't answer their question.
Option 2: an AI front desk on the API
On the WhatsApp Business API, software can reply properly at 11 PM: prices, availability, a booking. Because the reply goes out inside the 24-hour window, Meta doesn't charge for it under its published pricing.
Which to choose
If after-hours messages are a few hellos, an away message is enough. If they're questions about prices and slots that turn into bookings for whoever replies first, it's worth answering them. Our free missed enquiry calculator estimates what slow replies cost.
More answers
How do I get customers to opt in on WhatsApp?
Before a business messages someone first on WhatsApp, Meta requires that person's opt-in: a clear statement that they agree to receive messages from your business, by name. You can collect it on your website, by SMS, on a call or in person, as long as it's clear, and you must honour opt-outs.
Read the answer How toHow do I reduce no-shows with WhatsApp reminders?
Send a WhatsApp reminder before each appointment that the customer can answer in one reply, to confirm or to reschedule, and act on the reply straight away so the freed slot can be rebooked. Use an approved utility template and send it only to customers who agreed to booking updates.
Read the answerKeep every customer smiling.
WAnee answers, books and reminds on WhatsApp and Instagram, from your own information.