diff --git a/extensions/whatsapp/src/monitor-inbox.allows-messages-from-senders-allowfrom-list.test.ts b/extensions/whatsapp/src/monitor-inbox.allows-messages-from-senders-allowfrom-list.test.ts
index 545a010ed50..101357a9de6 100644
--- a/extensions/whatsapp/src/monitor-inbox.allows-messages-from-senders-allowfrom-list.test.ts
+++ b/extensions/whatsapp/src/monitor-inbox.allows-messages-from-senders-allowfrom-list.test.ts
@@ -254,6 +254,7 @@ describe("web monitor inbox", () => {
 
   it("handles append messages by marking them read but skipping auto-reply", async () => {
     const { onMessage, listener, sock } = await openInboxMonitor();
+    const staleTs = Math.floor(Date.now() / 1000) - 300;
 
     const upsert = {
       type: "append",
@@ -265,7 +266,7 @@ describe("web monitor inbox", () => {
             remoteJid: "999@s.whatsapp.net",
           },
           message: { conversation: "old message" },
-          messageTimestamp: nowSeconds(),
+          messageTimestamp: staleTs,
           pushName: "History Sender",
         },
       ],