Set an out-of-office reply

Set your out-of-office reply in webmail

1. Sign into webmail.
2. Open Settings.
3. Look for Vacation or Automatic Reply.
4. Add a short subject and message.
5. Include when you expect to return and, if appropriate, an alternative contact.
6. Set the start and end dates.
7. Save the reply and make sure it’s enabled for the correct email address.

It can take a little while for the automatic reply to start working.

Test it

Send a message to the mailbox from a different email address.

You should receive the automatic reply shortly afterwards.

Don’t worry if repeated tests from the same address don’t always trigger another reply. Some systems deliberately avoid sending the same automatic response repeatedly.

You can also use your Client Area

If you prefer, you may also be able to set an automatic reply through your Client Area.

Open the hosting service for the relevant website or domain and look for Autoresponders or the email settings for the mailbox.

If you can’t see the option, use webmail instead.

When you’re back

If you set an end date, the reply should stop automatically.

If you didn’t, remember to switch it off when you return.

It’s worth sending yourself another test message afterwards to make sure the automatic reply has actually stopped.

Still stuck?

Tell me:

• the email address you’re setting the reply on;
• whether you’re using webmail or the Client Area;
• what stage you got to;
• and any error message you’re seeing.

A screenshot usually helps.

Don’t send me your password or screenshots containing private email content.