Set an Out of Office Reply in Outlook
If you're going to be away from work (on leave, sick, or in a meeting for an extended time), you can set an automatic reply in Outlook to let people know.
Outlook Desktop App (Windows)
- Open the Outlook app on your computer.
- Click File in the top-left corner.
- Click Automatic Replies.
- Select Send automatic replies.
- (Optional) Tick Only send during this time range to set start and end dates.
- Type your message in the Inside My Organisation tab (for colleagues).
- (Optional) Click the Outside My Organisation tab to set a message for external contacts.
- Click OK to save and turn it on.
Outlook on the Web (Outlook Online)
- Go to https://outlook.office.com and sign in.
- Click the Settings icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner.
- Click View all Outlook settings at the bottom of the panel.
- Select Mail > Automatic replies.
- Turn on the Automatic replies toggle.
- (Optional) Tick Send replies only during a time period and set your dates.
- Type your message in the box provided.
- Click Save to activate your Out of Office reply.
Outlook Mobile App (iPhone & Android)
- Open the Outlook app on your phone.
- Tap your profile icon (top-left corner).
- Tap the gear icon (⚙️ Settings) at the bottom.
- Tap your email account under "Mail Accounts".
- Tap Automatic Replies.
- Turn on Automatic Replies.
- (Optional) Set a start and end time.
- Type your auto-reply message.
- Tap the checkmark (✔️) or Save to apply.