Filters in Rules allow you to automate responses in Wati based on specific conditions such as keywords, contact details, or message timing. By applying filters, you can ensure the right automation runs only when the defined conditions are met.

This guide explains the supported filters available in Rules, how to configure them, and how to combine multiple conditions to create more precise automations.

You can use the following filters when creating Rules in Wati.

This filter checks whether an incoming message contains specific keywords.

This filter detects whether a message starts a new conversation, rather than being a reply in an existing chat.

This filter checks when a message is received.

This filter ensures that the rule runs only when no other keyword-based rules apply.

This filter checks whether the sender already exists in your contact list.

This filter matches rules based on specific contact attributes such as location, tags, or custom fields.

Continues the rule only when the incoming message has an attachment — an image, video, audio file, voice note, document or sticker.

After you select this filter, choose one of two options:

A location pin, a contact card and an order are not counted as media. If you want your rule to act on those, use the Message type filter instead.

Continues the rule only when the incoming message is one of the types you tick. Tick as many as you need:

Tick at least one type — the rule cannot be saved with none selected. When you tick several types, the rule continues if the message matches any one of them.

A single condition triggers an action when one specific rule is met.

Steps

Example

Use AND conditions when you want the rule to run only if all conditions are true.

Example

This rule will trigger only when both conditions are satisfied.

Use OR conditions when you want the rule to run if any one of the conditions is true.

Example

This rule will trigger if either condition is met.

You can combine these filters with any other filter using AND and OR. For example, to send invoices straight to your finance team:

The rule now runs only when a customer sends an attachment with the word invoice in the caption.

You can combine multiple conditions to build more advanced automation rules.

Example

This rule triggers when any of the defined condition groups are satisfied.

Filters can also be used to send different responses based on whether a contact is new or existing.

Example

In this scenario, the welcome message is sent only when a new customer sends “hello”, while existing customers receive a different response.

After setting up your filters:

Using filters effectively helps you create more accurate, personalized, and scalable automations in Wati.

Filters are conditions that determine whether a Wati Rule should continue and perform its configured action. Filters can use conditions such as keywords, contact details, message timing, media, and message type.

The Incoming message matches keyword(s) filter checks whether an incoming message contains specific keywords. It can be used to send automatic replies or route conversations based on customer requests.

The Contact initiates a new chat filter detects whether a message starts a new conversation rather than being a reply in an existing chat. It can be used to send welcome messages or trigger onboarding messages when a customer starts a new conversation.

The Timestamp filter checks when a message is received. It can be used to send out-of-office replies outside working hours or apply different responses during and after business hours.

The No keyword rule(s) matches filter ensures that a rule runs only when no other keyword-based rules apply. It can be used to send a fallback response when a message does not match any predefined keyword rules.

The Contact filter checks whether the sender already exists in the contact list. It can be used to apply different responses to new leads and existing customers.

The Contact attributes filter matches rules based on specific contact attributes, such as location, tags, or custom fields. It can be used to personalize responses or segment customers based on information such as region, purchase history, or account status.

The Incoming message contains media filter continues the rule only when an incoming message has an attachment, such as an image, video, audio file, voice note, document, or sticker.

The filter has two options:

Location pins, contact cards, and orders are not counted as media. To filter for these message types, use the Message type filter.

The Message type filter continues the rule only when the incoming message matches one of the selected types. Available message types are Text, Image, Video, Audio file, Voice note, Document, Sticker, Location, Contact Card, and Order.

At least one message type must be selected. When multiple types are selected, the rule continues if the message matches any one of the selected types.

Yes. You can combine multiple filter conditions using AND and OR logic.

For example, source contains "sample.com" AND country contains India requires both conditions to be satisfied, while source_url contains "sample.com" OR name contains "john" runs when either condition is satisfied.

Yes. You can combine multiple conditions using both AND and OR to create more advanced automation rules. For example, a rule can run when (source_url contains "sample.com" AND vip_customer is true) OR shop_name is "Cafe" OR address contains "India".

Yes. Filters can be used to send different responses depending on whether a contact exists. For example, a rule can send a welcome message when a new contact sends "hello" and send a personalized reply when an existing contact sends "hello".