WhatsApp quick replies allow you to send pre-written responses with just a tap, making it easy and fast to respond to frequently asked questions or common messages. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use quick replies on WhatsApp.
What are WhatsApp Quick Replies?
WhatsApp quick replies, also called quick responses, are pre-written messages that you can send with a single tap. You can create a list of quick replies within WhatsApp and access them when chatting with your contacts.
Quick replies are useful for responding to common questions or messages quickly. For example, you can set up quick replies to frequently asked questions about your business, or automatic responses when you’re unavailable.
When you get a common message, instead of typing a new response every time you can simply tap on a pre-written quick reply to send it. This saves you time and effort.
Benefits of Using WhatsApp Quick Replies
Here are some of the benefits of using WhatsApp quick replies:
- Saves time – Don’t have to type frequent responses
- Fast customer service – Provide quick answers to common questions
- Consistent messaging – Send same pre-approved replies every time
- Organized communication – Keep track of inquiries and responses
- Automated away messages – Lets people know when you’re unavailable
Quick replies are especially useful for businesses, online sellers, freelancers and anyone who needs to respond to common inquiries and messages frequently. You can provide faster, more efficient customer service using quick replies.
How to Set Up WhatsApp Quick Replies on Android
Setting up quick replies on WhatsApp for Android is easy and straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your Android phone
- Go to any chat window and tap on the 3 dot menu icon in the top right
- Select ‘Quick replies’ from the menu
- Tap on the ‘+’ icon to add a new quick reply
- Type out your quick reply message
- Give it a label so you can identify it easily
- Tap ‘Save’ to add it to your quick replies list
- Create as many quick replies as you need this way
All your saved quick replies will appear when you open the quick replies menu in any chat. Tap on a reply to send it instantly.
Customizing Your Quick Replies
You can customize your quick replies to insert variables in the message:
- *{name}* – Inserts contact’s name
- *{product}* – Inserts product name
- *{time}* – Inserts current time
This lets you create personalized quick replies. For example:
Quick reply: Hi *{name}*, your order for *{product}* has shipped and will be delivered by *{time}*
How to Set Up WhatsApp Quick Replies on iPhone
The process for setting up quick replies on WhatsApp for iPhone is very similar:
- Open WhatsApp and go to any chat
- Tap on the contact’s name at the top to open their contact info
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Quick Responses’
- Tap the ‘+’ icon to add a new quick reply
- Type your message and label it
- Tap ‘Save’ to add it to your quick replies list
- Repeat to create more quick replies
You can access and send these quick replies the same way as on Android. Tap on a reply to send it quickly in any chat.
Custom Variables in iOS
iOS also supports variables in quick replies:
- *{firstname}* – Inserts first name
- *{lastname}* – Inserts last name
- *{org}* – Inserts organization name
So you can do things like:
Quick reply: Hello *{firstname} {lastname}*, thanks for your interest in *{org}*!
How to Use WhatsApp Quick Replies
Once you’ve set up your quick replies, using them in any WhatsApp conversation is easy:
- When chatting, tap and hold on the send button next to the text field
- Your list of quick replies will pop up
- Tap on the quick reply you want to send
- The quick reply will be inserted into the text field
- Press send to send it to your contact
On iOS, you can also swipe right on a conversation to bring up your quick replies. Tap on one to send it.
Editing and Organizing Quick Replies
You can edit, reorder or delete your quick replies anytime:
- Android – Go to Quick replies from the 3 dot menu in chat
- iOS – Go to Quick responses from the contact’s info
From there you can long press on a quick reply to edit, reorder or delete it.
Quick Reply Ideas and Examples
Here are some ideas for quick replies you can set up for different situations:
For Businesses:
- Thank you for contacting us!
- Our support team will get back to you within 24 hours
- I’m currently unavailable, please contact John Doe at [email protected]
- Hello *{name}*, your order #{orderId} has shipped and should be delivered by {date}
For Freelancers:
- Hi *{name}*, thanks for your email. I’m currently unavailable but I’ll respond by {date/time}
- Hello *{name}*, here are my rates for {service} – {rates}
- Thanks for your interest! Please fill out the booking form at {link} and I’ll get back to you
For Personal Use:
- Can’t talk now, I’ll call you later!
- Sorry, I’m busy right now. Let’s catch up tomorrow?
- Hey, in a meeting right now. I’ll call you back in an hour!
WhatsApp Quick Reply Limitations
While quick replies are very useful, keep in mind some limitations:
- Maximum 100 pre-written quick replies
- No images, emojis or formatting in quick replies
- No scheduling or auto-sending quick replies
- Quick replies only available in one-on-one chats
You’ll have to manually select and send quick replies. They can’t be automated based on keywords or scheduled ahead of time.
Conclusion
Setting up and using WhatsApp quick replies is easy and can save you a lot of time responding to repeated inquiries and messages. Simply create some pre-written responses for common questions or situations.
Then access your quick replies when chatting by long pressing the send button and tapping to send. With some creative quick replies, you can provide faster, more efficient messaging whether for business, personal chats or any other purpose.