> Canonical source: [https://citaflow.com/en/tools/whatsapp-business-messages/](https://citaflow.com/en/tools/whatsapp-business-messages/) 100% Free · No signup # WhatsApp Business Away Message & Greeting Generator Create your away message, greeting message and quick replies with AI, or copy one of the ready-made examples. ## How to turn on automatic messages in WhatsApp Business These messages are set up in the WhatsApp Business app, not in regular WhatsApp. Menu names may vary slightly depending on your app version and phone language. ### Away message Open the app and go to **Business tools → Away message**. Turn it on, paste the text you picked and choose when it is sent (for example, outside business hours or during specific dates) and who receives it. ### Greeting message In **Business tools → Greeting message**, switch it on and paste your text. It goes to customers who message you for the first time or after a while without talking to you, so it is a good place to explain how to book. ### Quick replies In **Business tools → Quick replies**, create a new one, paste the text and give it a short shortcut (for example, "book"). In any chat, type "/" and pick the reply to send it without typing it all out. ## Best practices - **Keep it short.** Customers read it on their phone: two or three sentences are enough. The counter on each version helps you compare. - **Say when you will reply.** Specific hours are more reassuring than "we'll get back to you soon". - **Offer a next step.** If you take online bookings, include the link: many customers only wanted an appointment. - **Update it when your hours change.** An away message with old hours creates more questions than it answers. - **Go easy on emojis.** One at most, and only if it fits your brand's tone. ### Make your WhatsApp do more than say “we’re away” CitaFlow's AI assistant on WhatsApp doesn't just tell customers you're away: it answers their questions and books appointments in your calendar at any hour. [Try CitaFlow free](https://citaflow.com/en/tools/whatsapp-business-messages/#signup-info) 7 days free · No credit card required ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is a WhatsApp Business away message? ▼ It is an automatic reply the WhatsApp Business app sends when a customer messages you and you cannot answer, for example outside your opening hours. It lets the customer know you got the message and when you will reply. ### How is it different from a greeting message? ▼ The greeting message welcomes people who message you for the first time (or after a while without talking to you) and is sent even when you are available. The away message is only sent while you have it switched on for the times you cannot reply. ### What should a good away message include? ▼ A short hello, when you will reply (your hours or your return date) and what the customer can do in the meantime, such as booking online. Do not promise an instant reply you cannot deliver. ### How do quick replies work in WhatsApp Business? ▼ You save a message with a short shortcut and, inside any chat, type "/" to see your quick replies and pick the one you need. They are ideal for repeated questions such as "how do I book?" or "what are your hours?". ### Can I use these messages on regular WhatsApp? ▼ No. Away messages, greeting messages and quick replies are features of the WhatsApp Business app, which is free. You can move your regular WhatsApp number to WhatsApp Business from the app itself. ### Is the generator free? ▼ Yes, it is free with no signup. We only run an automatic check to prevent abuse. Always review the text before pasting it into WhatsApp. ### Can WhatsApp actually answer my customers while I'm away? ▼ An away message only lets people know you are not available. If you want customers' questions answered and appointments booked at any hour, CitaFlow's [AI assistant](https://citaflow.com/en/) handles your WhatsApp and adds bookings straight to your calendar. ## More Free Tools Explore our other free tools designed to help you manage your business better. ### Google Review QR Code Generator Create a QR code that opens your Google review form, with print-ready templates ### Business Name Generator AI business name ideas by industry and style ### Appointment Reminder Templates Reminder templates for text, WhatsApp and email, ready to copy ### Cancellation Policy Template Create a professional cancellation and no-show policy for your business ### Credit Card Authorization Form Printable card-on-file form for deposits and no-show fees ### Gift Certificate Maker Design printable gift certificates, with AI-written messages