How to Set Up an Out of Office Reply
Create an automatic email reply that lets people know you are away and when you will respond.
Steps
- 1
Open Gmail Settings
by clicking the gear icon in the top right. Select "See all settings" from the dropdown.
- 2
Scroll to the "Vacation responder" section
near the bottom of the General tab. Turn it on by checking the box.
- 3
Set the dates
for your absence using the "First day" and "Last day" fields. The auto reply only runs between these dates.
- 4
Write your message
in the subject and body fields. Tell people you are away and when you will be back.
- 5
Scroll to the bottom
and click "Save Changes." Your auto reply now sends to everyone who emails you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send replies only to people I know?Show
Yes. Check the box that says "Only send a response to people in my contacts." Strangers get no auto reply.
Will the same person get multiple replies?Show
Gmail sends one auto reply per person per trip. After four days, it may send another reply to the same person.
Does out of office work on the Gmail mobile app?Show
Yes. The vacation responder setting is available in the Gmail app under Settings, then your account.
What if my dates change?Show
Go back to Settings and update the dates in the vacation responder section. Click "Save Changes" when done.
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Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated .