How to Set Up Away Messages on WhatsApp Business
Learn how to configure automated away messages on WhatsApp Business for outside business hours. Set schedules, customize messages, and never miss a customer.
Open WhatsApp Business App and go to Away Message
In the WhatsApp Business App, tap the three dots > Business Tools > Away Message. Here you can write your away message and set the schedule for when it should be sent.
Write your away message
Craft a helpful away message that acknowledges the customer, sets response time expectations, and ideally offers a self-service option (like a product catalog link or FAQ). Keep it professional and brand-appropriate.
Set your away message schedule
Choose when the away message activates: 'Always send' for indefinite away mode, 'Custom schedule' to define specific hours (e.g., 6pm-9am weekdays), or 'Outside business hours' if you've set your business hours.
Choose who receives the away message
Select from 'Everyone', 'Everyone not in address book', or 'Everyone except specific contacts'. This lets you ensure VIP customers don't receive generic away messages.
Upgrade to AI for true 24/7 coverage
Away messages only acknowledge — they don't resolve. For genuine 24/7 sales and support, connect an AI chatbot like Replyot which responds intelligently at all hours, eliminating the need for a static away message entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I have different away messages for different times of day?
- The WhatsApp Business App supports one active away message schedule at a time. For more sophisticated routing (different messages for different scenarios), use an AI chatbot platform.
- Does an away message work in group chats?
- Away messages in the WhatsApp Business App only apply to 1-to-1 conversations, not group chats.
- Should I use an away message or an AI chatbot?
- An AI chatbot is strictly better — it provides an intelligent, helpful response at all hours rather than a static acknowledgment. Away messages are a fallback for businesses that haven't yet adopted chatbot automation.
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