Live chats
The 24-hour reply window
WhatsApp lets you reply by hand only for 24 hours after someone's last message.
WhatsApp has a rule. You can only send a message by hand within 24 hours of the person's last message to you.
Check the window
At the top of a chat you see Reply window closes with a time. When the time has passed, it says Reply window closed.
When the window is closed
The message box is replaced by this note: "You can reply when they message again. WhatsApp allows replies only within 24 hours of their last message."
Nothing is wrong. As soon as the person writes again, the window opens for another 24 hours and you can reply.
What to do if you need to reach them first
Ask them to message you, or reach them another way, such as a call. To message many people, see Send a broadcast.
Tip: If a chat is Urgent, check the window early. Reply while it is still open.
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