Free guide for Indian small businesses
How to auto-reply to customers on WhatsApp
Set up free automatic replies in WhatsApp Business in a few minutes — then see how AI can answer real customer questions on its own, so no enquiry goes cold.
Install WhatsApp Business (free)
Download the free WhatsApp Business app from the Play Store or App Store. You can use your existing business number — it moves your chats over. This is a separate, free app from regular WhatsApp, built for shops.
Set a greeting message for new customers
Open Settings, then Business tools, then Greeting message. Turn it on and write a warm first reply, for example 'Namaste! Thanks for messaging [Shop Name]. We usually reply within a few minutes.' WhatsApp sends this automatically the first time someone messages you.
Set an away message for after hours
In Business tools, open Away message. Turn it on, choose your off hours, and write what to say when you are closed, for example 'We are closed right now and will reply tomorrow after 10 AM. For urgent orders, call [number].' It sends automatically outside your set hours.
Save quick replies for common questions
In Business tools, open Quick replies. Add short answers you send often — price lists, address and timings, delivery details — each with a shortcut like /price or /address. When chatting, type the shortcut and the full message fills in with one tap.
Let AI answer real questions on its own
Greeting, away and quick-reply messages are fixed text — they cannot understand what a customer actually asked. To answer real questions like 'do you have this in red, size M?' or 'what's the price for 5 pieces?' automatically, you need an AI assistant connected to WhatsApp. Jhalmuri.ai sets this up and manages it for your shop.
Frequently asked questions
Can you auto-reply on WhatsApp for free?
Yes. The free WhatsApp Business app has three built-in automatic replies: a greeting message for new customers, an away message for after hours, and quick replies you send with a shortcut. They cost nothing and take a few minutes to set up.
What is the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business is a separate free app made for shops. It adds a business profile, catalogue, labels, and automatic messages like greeting and away replies that regular WhatsApp does not have. You can use your existing number and it moves your chats over.
Can WhatsApp automatically answer customer questions?
The free tools only send fixed messages — they cannot understand a question. To automatically answer real questions such as price, availability or delivery, you need an AI assistant connected to your WhatsApp. That reads each message and replies with the right answer on its own.
How do I set up AI auto-replies on WhatsApp?
You connect your WhatsApp Business number to an AI system that is trained on your products, prices and answers. Setting this up correctly takes some work. Jhalmuri.ai builds and manages this AI for Indian shops, so it answers customers, follows up and books orders without you replying manually.
Want AI that actually answers, not just a greeting?
The free tools send fixed messages. Jhalmuri.ai connects AI to your WhatsApp that reads each question and replies with the right answer — price, availability, delivery, follow-ups — on its own.