Whatsapp replies not being sent from phone

Watch: Venu SQ 2

Phone: Moto g84 / Android 15

Problem: When using the watch to reply to a WhatsApp message, the reply is only being sent when unlocking the phone and opening WhatsApp. I can read messages on my watch, controling a music app on my phone via watch works too.

Both WhatsApp and Garmin Connect have no restrictions for notifications and battery usage and are allowed to run in the background.

Software and firmware is up to date.