How does “send Hi to order” work on WhatsApp?

The customer sends “Hi” to your WhatsApp number, and an automatic reply gives them your menu or an order button. Their message opens a 24-hour window, so you can reply without a template.

• Customers start the chat by scanning your WhatsApp QR code or tapping your WhatsApp link, so they always message you first.
• Their message opens a 24-hour window. Inside it you can send any reply, such as buttons or a link to your menu.
• The free Business app's automatic greeting only goes out when a customer first writes or after 14 days of inactivity.
• A bot on the WhatsApp Business API can reply with a menu, buttons or a link, and send order updates in the same chat.
• Meta requires bots to offer a clear route to a person. From 1 October 2026, replies are free up to 1,000 a month, then charged.