---
title: How to Set Up WhatsApp Default Response Configuration
description: "This guide will walk you through the complete process of setting up your WhatsApp Default Response Configuration. This is a mandatory setup that ensures your business can automatically respond to customer-initiated conversations. **Prerequisites:** - Active WhatsApp Business Account - WABA…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/how-to-setup-whatsapp-default-response-configuration/"
updated: "2025-11-15"
category: WhatsApp Business API / Default Response
---

# How to Set Up WhatsApp Default Response Configuration

This guide will walk you through the complete process of setting up your WhatsApp Default Response Configuration. This is a mandatory setup that ensures your business can automatically respond to customer-initiated conversations.

**Prerequisites:**

- Active WhatsApp Business Account
- WABA connection already configured in your account
- Access to WhatsApp plugin in your user panel

**Step 1: Access Default Response Configuration**

1. Log in to your SMS Gateway Center user panel
2. Navigate to **WhatsApp** plugin from the main menu
3. Click on **Default Response Configuration**
4. You'll see two options:
   - **Add** - To create a new configuration
   - **Manage** - To view and manage existing configurations

**Step 2: Select WABA Number**

1. Click on **Add** button or navigate to the create page
2. In the **WABA Number** dropdown, select the WhatsApp Business Account number for which you want to configure the default response
3. **Important:** You can only select WABA numbers that belong to your account
4. If you don't see any WABA numbers, ensure your WhatsApp connections are properly configured

**Step 3: Choose Default Message Type**

1. In the **Default Message Type** dropdown, select the type of message you want to send as default response
2. Available message types include:
   - **Normal Text** - Simple text message
   - **Media (Image/Video/Document/Audio)** - Rich media messages
   - **Buttons** - Interactive button messages
   - **List** - Interactive list messages
   - **Location** - Location sharing
   - And more message types based on your plan
3. **Note:** Interactive List and Talk to Agent options are not available for default responses

**Step 4: Configure Message Content**

1. After selecting the message type, relevant fields will appear based on your selection
2. Fill in all required fields:
   - For **Text Messages:** Enter your message content
   - For **Media Messages:** Upload image/video/document and add caption
   - For **Buttons:** Add button text and payloads
   - For **Lists:** Configure list items and sections
   - Use the **Placeholder Name Card** feature to personalize messages
3. Use the **Preview Panel** on the right side to see how your message will appear to customers
4. The preview updates in real-time as you make changes

**Step 5: Configure Optional Webhook (Optional)**

1. In the **Default Message Webhook** field, enter your webhook URL (optional)
2. Format: `https://example.com/myscript/`
3. This webhook will be triggered when the default response is sent
4. Use webhooks to:
   - Log default response events
   - Trigger additional business logic
   - Integrate with CRM systems
   - Track customer interactions

**Step 6: View Sample Messages (Optional)**

1. Click the **View Sample** button to see example default response messages
2. Review the sample content to get ideas for your own messages
3. You can copy sample content using the copy icon

**Step 7: Save Configuration**

1. Review all your settings in the preview panel
2. Click **Save Changes** button
3. Wait for the success confirmation message
4. You'll be redirected to the Manage page where you can see your configuration

**Step 8: Verify Configuration**

1. Navigate to **Manage** page
2. Your new default response configuration should appear in the list
3. The table shows:
   - **ID:** Configuration ID
   - **WABA Number:** Selected WABA number
   - **Default Message Type:** Type of message configured
   - **Default Message:** Preview of the message content
   - **Action:** Edit or Delete options

**Best Practices:**

1. **Keep Messages Clear and Concise:** Default responses should be brief and informative
2. **Use Professional Tone:** Maintain a professional yet friendly tone
3. **Include Next Steps:** Guide customers on what to do next
4. **Test Before Going Live:** Use the preview feature extensively
5. **Update Regularly:** Keep default responses relevant and updated
6. **Monitor Performance:** Track how customers interact with default responses

**Common Issues and Solutions:**

**Issue:** "No Waba connections found" error

- **Solution:** Ensure your WhatsApp connections are properly configured in the Connections section

**Issue:** "Selected Waba Number does not belong to you"

- **Solution:** Verify you're selecting a WABA number from your own account

**Issue:** Message type fields not appearing

- **Solution:** Ensure JavaScript is enabled and page is fully loaded

**Issue:** Preview not updating

- **Solution:** Clear browser cache and refresh the page

**Next Steps:**

After setting up your default response, learn about managing and updating configurations in our "Managing Default Response Configurations" guide.

### More Related Articles

- [What is WhatsApp Default Response Configuration and Why is it Mandatory?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-default-response-configuration-introduction/)
- [WhatsApp Default Response Message Types: Complete Guide](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-default-response-message-types-guide/)
- [Configuring Default Response Webhooks in WhatsApp Business API](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/configure-whatsapp-default-response-webhooks/)

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