Watomatic
Auto reply app to enable auto reply for messengers like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger
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What is Watomatic?
Watomatic is a free, open-source auto-reply application for Android that automatically sends customizable responses to incoming messages on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The app is designed primarily to help users migrate away from messaging platforms like WhatsApp to more privacy-friendly alternatives such as Signal, by automatically notifying contacts about the switch. It can also serve as a vacation responder when users are away from their device.
Key features include the ability to set your own custom auto-reply message, auto-reply to group chats, configure reply frequency (such as one response per user per day), and choose which apps to enable auto-reply for (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or both). The app respects user privacy by not collecting any personal data, performing no analytics or tracking, and not connecting to the internet. It is completely free with no ads.
Watomatic is suitable for anyone who wants to automatically respond to messages on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger without using WhatsApp Business. It is especially useful for people planning to switch to alternative messaging apps but who cannot delete WhatsApp because their contacts still use it. The app is developed by a community of contributors rather than a company, and is available on Google Play Store, F-Droid, and IzzyOnDroid.
Watomatic pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Watomatic is completely free and open-source software with no paid plans. There is no premium tier, subscription, or in-app purchases. The app is funded by community contributions and donations from users via PayPal, Liberapay, and Bitcoin. All features are available for free including custom auto-reply messages, group chat support, reply frequency settings, and support for both WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Watomatic pros
- Free and open-source software
- No ads whatsoever
- No tracking or analytics
- No data collected or shared with third parties
- Does not connect to the internet
- Customizable auto-reply message
- Supports WhatsApp auto-reply
- Supports Facebook Messenger auto-reply
- Auto-reply to group chats enabled
- Configurable reply frequency per user
- Can limit to one reply per contact per day
- Simple setup with only notification access required
- Works as vacation responder
- Helps migrate away from WhatsApp easily
- Available on Play Store, F-Droid, and IzzyOnDroid
- Lightweight APK with small file size
- No in-app purchases
- Compatible with Android 5.0 and higher
- Multiple language translations available
- Active community support on Telegram and Reddit
Watomatic cons
- Android-only, not available for iOS
- Requires notification access permission
- Does not work if WhatsApp fingerprint lock is enabled
- Not guaranteed to work on all Android devices
- Relies on notifications so notifications must be enabled
- No scheduled auto-reply times feature
- No keyword-based emergency notification feature
- No contact search bar in settings
- Facebook Messenger support may be inconsistent
- No persistent notification option to prevent app sleeping
Frequently asked questions about Watomatic
What is Watomatic used for?
Watomatic is an auto-reply app that sends automated responses to everyone contacting you on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. It is especially useful if you are planning to migrate away from these messaging services to alternatives like Signal, as it lets your contacts automatically know you've switched. It can also be used as a simple vacation responder when you are away from your device.
Is Watomatic free to use?
Yes, Watomatic is completely free and open-source software. There are no ads, no in-app purchases, no premium tiers, and no subscription fees. All features are available for free. The project is funded by community contributors and user donations.
Does Watomatic work on iOS?
No, Watomatic is not available for iOS. The app relies on Android-specific notification quick replies features to function, which are not available on iOS. It is currently only available for Android devices running Android 5.0 and higher.
Why not use WhatsApp Business for auto replies?
You cannot use a WhatsApp business account for auto replies without accepting WhatsApp's new privacy policy, which is exactly what many users are trying to avoid by switching to more privacy-friendly alternatives like Signal.
How do I set up Watomatic?
After installing Watomatic from the Play Store, F-Droid, or IzzyOnDroid, open the app and enable notification access by tapping Accept when prompted. Then toggle on the 'Auto reply ON' option and select which apps to enable (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or both). You can customize your auto-reply message by tapping the pencil icon. The app will then automatically reply to incoming messages.
Does Watomatic collect my personal data?
No, Watomatic respects your privacy. It does not collect any personal data, perform any analytics, or track your activities. The app does not connect to the internet and no data is shared with third parties. All auto-reply processing happens locally on your device using notification access.
Can I auto-reply to group chats?
Yes, Watomatic supports auto-reply to group chats on both WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. You can enable or disable this feature in the app settings if you prefer not to auto-reply to group conversations.
Why isn't auto-reply working even after enabling Watomatic?
Watomatic relies on notifications for auto-reply to work. Make sure notifications are enabled for WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, and that app-specific fingerprint lock is disabled for those apps. If WhatsApp fingerprint unlock is enabled, the app may not work properly.
Can I customize my auto-reply message?
Yes, you can set your own custom auto-reply message. Simply tap the pencil icon in the app to edit the text. Many users set messages like 'I am not using WhatsApp anymore. Please use Signal at [your number]' to notify contacts about their migration to a different messaging platform.
Where can I download Watomatic?
Watomatic is available on Google Play Store, F-Droid store, and IzzyOnDroid repository. The source code is also available on GitHub at github.com/adeekshith/watomatic. The app is developed by community contributors and is not affiliated with any company including WhatsApp, Facebook, Signal, or Telegram.