Outlook is a popular email client used by millions of people worldwide for business and personal communication. One useful feature of Outlook is the ability to set an out of office message, also known as an automatic reply. This feature allows users to inform others that they are away from the office and provide alternative contact information or let them know when they will return. Setting an out of office message in Outlook app is simple and can be done in just a few steps. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting out of office in Outlook app on both desktop and mobile devices.
Setting Out of Office in Outlook App on Desktop
Step 1: Open Outlook app on your desktop. Make sure you are connected to the internet.
Step 2: Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the Outlook window.
Step 3: Click on “Automatic Replies (Out of Office).” This will open the automatic replies dialog box.
Step 4: Check the box next to “Send automatic replies.” You can choose to set a start and end time for your out of office message by selecting the appropriate dates and times.
Step 5: Enter your out of office message in the text box provided. You can customize the message to suit your needs, such as providing details on when you will return, who to contact in your absence, or any other relevant information.
Step 6: Click on “OK” to save your out of office message. Your automatic reply will now be set in Outlook app on your desktop.
Setting Out of Office in Outlook App on Mobile Devices
Step 1: Open the Outlook app on your mobile device. Ensure that you are connected to the internet.
Step 2: Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the Outlook app screen.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
Step 4: Tap on the account for which you want to set the out of office message.
Step 5: Scroll down and tap on “Automatic Replies.”
Step 6: Toggle the switch to enable automatic replies. You can set a start and end time for your out of office message by selecting the appropriate dates and times.
Step 7: Enter your out of office message in the text box provided. Customize the message to include relevant information for your absence.
Step 8: Tap on the checkmark or “Save” button to save your out of office message. Your automatic reply will now be set in Outlook app on your mobile device.
Tips for Setting Out of Office Message
- Be concise: Keep your out of office message brief and to the point. Include essential details such as the dates of your absence and when you will return.
- Provide alternate contact information: If necessary, provide details on who to contact in your absence or how to reach you in case of urgent matters.
- Set clear expectations: Let others know when they can expect a response from you once you return to the office.
- Proofread your message: Check for any typos or errors in your out of office message before setting it. A professional and error-free message reflects well on you.
Conclusion
Setting out of office in Outlook app is a useful feature that can help you manage your email communications effectively while you are away from the office. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can set an automatic reply in Outlook app on both desktop and mobile devices. Remember to customize your out of office message to provide relevant information to those trying to reach you during your absence. With a clear and concise message, you can ensure that your contacts are informed and expectations are set until your return.
