WhatsApp BusinessWhatsApp's business app page (read on 14 November 2026) says the app lets you greet people when they start a conversation and respond to messages even when you are away. The exact steps for the away message are in WhatsApp's help pages and the app's Tools tab, and the screens may differ on your phone.
Why it matters
Customers do not mind waiting if they know how long. Without a message, silence looks like neglect. A short away message tells them when you will reply and what to do if it is urgent.
Six sample away messages
- Thank you for writing. We are closed now and will reply from ____ tomorrow.
- We are away until ____. Please leave your message and we will reply then.
- Our shop is closed on Sundays. We will answer on Monday morning.
- Thanks for your message. For urgent matters please call ____.
- We are busy with a festival rush. Replies may take up to ____ hours.
- We are on holiday from ____ to ____. Orders will restart on ____.
Setting your hours
Choose two or three windows in the day when you answer, for example mid-morning and early evening, and say so in your profile and greeting. You do not have to answer at midnight. If you work alone, switch off notifications after hours. Greeting messages and quick replies make the windows easy to keep.