One line for the first message
A WhatsApp Message Auto Reply for a first message goes out only the first time that person writes. It does not message people who have not written.
WhatsApp messaging
WhatsApp Chat Automation for a reply you save in advance
A WhatsApp Message Auto Reply is the line saved for a first message or a keyword. That setup is not in the workspace yet.
Free to use · Meta login · No WhatsApp password
The job
What people mean by WhatsApp Chat Automation
WhatsApp Chat Automation is a rule that sends a saved line after someone messages the business number. A person still has to write first.
A WhatsApp Message Automatic send is that saved line going out without an agent typing it each time. You reply today in Live Inbox.
Planned rules
The rules this setup is meant to cover
WhatsApp Chat Automation here is a first message or a keyword. None of these rules can be switched on from the menu today.
A word can choose the line
WhatsApp keyword replies match a word the person already sent. A WhatsApp Message Auto Reply on that word does not run for every other message.
The person who wrote, not a list
An Automatic WhatsApp Message Sender in this setup is one saved reply to that person. It is not a send to a contact list, and it does not skip an opt-out.
Freeform replies have a time limit
After a person messages you, a customer care window, commonly 24 hours, is when freeform text usually works. Outside it, Meta expects approved WhatsApp Message Templates. An Automatic WhatsApp Message Sender cannot skip that rule.
Sequence
From a saved line to a reply that can send itself
WhatsApp Business Automated Messages start only after a rule is saved and switched on. That screen is not in the workspace yet.
- 1
Connect the number
Use Channels and Meta’s signup. Confirm the number shows as connected.
- 2
Save the words
WhatsApp keyword replies use the words you save, such as HELP or PRICE.
- 3
Leave it off until you switch it on
A WhatsApp Message Automatic reply waits until you turn the rule on. Until then, you answer by hand during the customer care window.
- 4
Use a template only when Meta requires one
When that window has closed, approved WhatsApp Message Templates are what Meta allows. WhatsApp Business Automated Messages stay off while the rule is off.
Limits
What a rule will not do
An Automatic WhatsApp Message Sender does not write to a bought list. WhatsApp Business Automated Messages are not a promise of delivery or sales.
A WhatsApp Message Automatic reply still depends on the person messaging you first. Nothing goes out because a file of phone numbers was uploaded.
Not included
- A send to a bought or scraped list
- A way around Meta’s template rules
- Unrestricted delivery
- Guaranteed reads, replies, or sales
- A reply that sends itself before the rule is in the menu
What you can do
- Connect the number through Meta in Channels
- A reply you type in Live Inbox
- A first-message line, once that screen exists
- A keyword line, once that screen exists
- Meta bills conversation fees to your own WhatsApp account
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Connect the number and reply in the thread. The first-message and keyword screens are not in the menu yet.
No. They message the number first. A spreadsheet does not start a chat.
No. One reply goes to the person in that thread.
No. The saved line is for a chat they opened. After the limited time that follows their message, Meta requires an approved template.
You do, in the open thread. A WhatsApp Message Automatic line does not send until you can save the rule and turn it on.
Keep reading
Related guides
Start with the number customers already message
CommentLink is free to use, with no card and no DM credit pack. Meta may still bill your WhatsApp account. Saved reply rules are not in the menu yet.