How to Set Up Gmail Out-of-Office Message (Templates)

Are you out of the office with some piece of work? Set up an automatic reply when you are not present in front of your computer. This Gmail automatic out-of-office quick reply will allow others to know that you are not in your office. It is important for effective communication to keep your related people informed when you are not available. Fill this communication gap with our guide:

This guide explains how to turn on the Gmail settings for the Out-of-Office feature. This feature will automatically send replies to messages when you are not there. This tool can help you manage your work and personal life better.

Are you planning a vacation, a business trip, or medical leave? During these times, you might not check your emails often. It can take some time before you reply to the messages you receive.

If you do not tell your friends and colleagues about your absence, they can feel worried or impatient. It is best to set up an automatic Out-of-Office reply before you go.

The setup for Gmail is easy. Gmail has a “vacation responder” feature. This feature will send Out-of-Office replies to anyone who emails you when you are away.

You can change your Gmail Out-of-Office message. You can add information such as your return date and who to contact in your absence.

This guide will give instructions for setting up your Gmail Out-of-Office reply. We will also share some good email templates for your vacation reply. First, here are some important things about the Gmail vacation responder:

  • Your Out-of-Office message will start at 12:00 AM on the start date you choose. It will end at 11:59 PM on the end date you select. You can turn it off sooner if you want.
  • Emails that go to your spam folder will not get your Out-of-Office reply. Emails sent to mailing lists you joined will also not get a reply.
  • If someone emails you many times while your Out-of-Office message is on, they will only get your reply the first time.
  • However, if you change your message or if they email you again after four days, they will get the reply again.
  • You can send your Gmail Out-of-Office reply to contacts saved in your address book or your domain. We will show you how to change this setting.

How to set an automatic Out-of-Office reply in Gmail

Do you plan to set up an Out-of-Office reply in Gmail? This guide will help you to enable the vacation responder on your computer, Android device, or iPhone.

Set Up Out-of-Office Gmail Message On Desktop

Gmail makes it easy to set up an automated vacation response in a few steps. Here is a simple guide to do this on your computer:

Step 1: Log in to your Gmail account.

Step 2: Click the gear icon at the top-right corner of your screen. Then, select “See all settings.”

Step 3: Go to the “General” tab and scroll down to the “Vacation responder” section.

Step 4: Turn on the Vacation responder.

Step 5: Set the start and end dates for your Out-of-Office reply.

If you know your return date, check the box named “Last day” and enter the date. This makes sure Gmail stops sending replies after this date.

If you do not know when you come back, you can leave the “Last day” field empty. Gmail will keep sending Out-of-Office responses until you turn off the feature.

Step 6: Enter a subject line and write your Out-of-Office message.

Step 7: Click “Save Changes” to save your settings.

Your Gmail Out-of-Office reply is now ready. Any emails received during the time you set will get an automatic response.

If you want Gmail to send replies only to people in your address book, choose “Only send a response to people in my Contacts.” If you use an email signature, Gmail includes it at the end of your Out-of-Office reply.

Set Up Out-of-Office Gmail Message on Android

It is easy to set up an automatic Out-of-Office reply using the Gmail app on your Android device. You can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Gmail app on your Android phone or tablet.

Step 2: Tap the menu icon at the top left corner to open the app menu.

Step 3: Scroll down and select “Settings” in the menu.

Step 4: Choose the Gmail account you want to change and tap “Vacation responder.”

Step 5: Turn on the vacation responder by toggling the switch at the top of the screen.

Step 6: Write your date range, your subject line, and your Out-of-Office reply message.

Step 7: Tap “Done” to save your settings.

Now, you set up your Out-of-Office response using the Gmail app. You can relax and enjoy your time away. Your email replies are handled.

Set Up Out-of-Office Gmail Messages on iPhone

If you want to activate your vacation responder in Gmail on an iPhone or iPad, here is how you do it:

Step 1: Open the Gmail app on your iOS device.

Step 2: Tap the “Menu” button and select “Settings.”

Step 3: Find and tap “Vacation responder” under “Compose and Reply.”

Step 4: Turn on the vacation responder feature.

Step 5: Write the start and end dates for when you will be absent.

Step 6: Enter a subject line and write your Out-of-Office reply message.

Step 7: Tap “Save” in the top right corner to apply your changes.

Now, you can configure your Out-of-Office reply on Gmail for your iPhone. Time to pack and take a break from work.

How to Update Your Automated Response in Gmail

Did you make a mistake with your vacation dates? Do you need to change your Out-of-Office reply? It is no problem. You can easily change your automated response settings in Gmail.

When you activate your vacation responder, a yellow alert banner appears at the top of your Gmail screen. It looks like this:

To edit your Out-of-Office reply, click on “Vacation Settings.” This enables you to modify your automated response as you need.

After you make your changes, be sure to click “Save changes.” This will make your updated message applied.

How to Turn Off Your Vacation Responder in Gmail

If you come back from your break earlier than you think and want to disable your Out-of-Office response, just click on “End now.” This will turn off the vacation responder.

Creating a Professional Gmail Out-of-Office Message

Find out some of the best business email example templates for effective communication here. For a good Gmail Out-of-Office message, tell your return date. Also, give contact details for any urgent issues. 

Keep the tone professional. Do not share personal information unless it is important.

Here are four professional Out-of-Office message templates. They help you set up your vacation auto-reply quickly.

1. Out-of-Office Reply Template 

Subject: Out-of-Office Notification 

Hello, 

Thank you for your email. I am currently away on vacation from [start date] until [end date]. 

During this period, my access to email will be limited. If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to [alternative contact] at [alternative email or phone number]. 

I will respond to your message as soon as I return. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Best Regards, 

[Your Name] 

2. Paternity Leave Auto-Response 

Subject: Paternity Leave Notice 

Hello, 

Thank you for reaching out. I am currently on paternity leave and will be unavailable from [start date] to [end date]. 

During this time, my email access will be limited. If your matter is urgent, please reach out to [alternative contact] at [alternative email or phone number]. 

I appreciate your patience and understanding while I am away with my family. 

Best regards, 

[Your Name] 

3. Medical Leave Response 

Subject: Out of Office: Medical Leave 

Dear Sir/Madam, 

Thank you for reaching out. I am presently away on medical leave and will not be available to respond to emails until [return date]. 

For urgent matters, please reach out to [alternative contact] at [alternative email or phone number]. 

I regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time. 

Kind regards, 

[Your Name] 

4. Notice of Extended Absence 

Subject: Out of Office for Extended Leave 

Hello, 

I hope this note finds you well. I am writing to let you know that I will be on an extended leave from [start date] to [end date]. 

During my absence, if you require assistance, please get in touch with [alternative contact] at [alternative email or phone number]. 

Thank you, 

[Your Name] 

For a more relaxed tone, feel free to explore our collection of amusing out-of-office message ideas.

How to Set Your Out-of-Office Status in Gmail

You manage a business email with Gmail. You can use Google Calendar to check your out-of-office status.

You add an Out-of-Office event to your calendar. This event automatically rejects new event invitations that come while you are away.

You can set up a custom response message. This message will go to anyone who tries to invite you to events while you are not there.

Once you set your Out-of-Office event, Gmail displays your status. People can see it if they try to reach you with Gmail or Hangouts Chat.This way, people know you are not available. This can help reduce unnecessary emails. If you are interested in knowing how to set up out-of-office email in Outlook, click here.