> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://dailyhassle.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Set an Away Message in Microsoft Outlook to Inform People When You're Out - URL: https://dailyhassle.com/microsoft-outlook-away-message/ - Published: 2026-11-04T18:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-04T18:00:00.000Z - Author: Arifuzzaman Fahim - Tags: Microsoft 365, Microsoft Outlook [Microsoft Outlook lets you](https://dailyhassle.com/microsoft-authentication-authenticator-app/) set an automatic away message, also called Automatic Replies or Out of Office replies, to inform colleagues and clients when you’re unavailable. This message sends automatically to anyone who emails you during your absence, so they know not to expect an immediate reply. This guide explains how to find and set up away messages in different Outlook versions, write clear messages, schedule them for specific dates and times, customize messages for internal and external contacts, and turn off or update your away message when you return. ## Where do I find the away message settings in Microsoft Outlook? In the Outlook desktop app for Windows or Mac, the away message feature is called Automatic Replies. You can find it here: 1. Open Outlook and click the File tab in the top left corner. 2. Click on Automatic Replies (Out of Office). For Outlook on the web (Outlook Web App): 1. Sign in to your Outlook account in a web browser. 2. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right. 3. Search for or select "Automatic replies" from the menu. In the Outlook mobile app, automatic replies might be set through your account settings: 1. Open the Outlook app on your phone. 2. Tap your profile icon or menu, then go to Settings. 3. Select your email account. 4. Look for an option named "Automatic Replies" or "Out of Office." If you don’t find the option in the mobile app, set your away message first on the desktop or web version, since some features are limited on mobile. ## How do I set up and customize my away message step-by-step? After opening the Automatic Replies feature, follow these steps: 1. Select "Send automatic replies" to turn the feature on. 2. (Optional) Check "Only send during this time range" to schedule the away message automatically (see the next section). 3. In the message box for internal senders (people inside your organization), write a clear, professional message stating that you’re away and when you’ll return. Example: ```text Thank you for your email. I am out of the office until March 10 and will not be checking email during this time. For urgent matters, please contact Jane Smith at jane@example.com. ``` 1. To send a different message to external contacts (people outside your organization), switch to the External Senders tab or section and write that message there. You can choose to send automatic replies to all external senders or only to your contacts. 2. Save or apply your settings to activate the away message. Keep your message polite and concise, mentioning when you expect to respond or providing an alternate contact for urgent issues. ## Can I schedule my away message to turn on and off automatically? Yes. Scheduling your away message ensures it starts and stops on the right dates without needing manual activation or deactivation. To schedule in the desktop or web app: 1. Check "Only send during this time range" or a similar option. 2. Enter the start date and time for when automatic replies should begin. 3. Enter the end date and time for when they should stop. Outlook will then automatically enable and disable your away message at those times. Mobile apps often don’t support scheduling, so it’s best to set this up on desktop or web first. If you don’t schedule your away message, remember to turn it off manually when you return. ## What should I include in my away message for internal and external contacts? Customizing your away message for different audiences helps communicate clearly and professionally. For internal contacts (colleagues and team members): - State the dates you’ll be away. - Say whether you’ll check email or be offline. - Provide a contact person or team for urgent matters. - Keep the tone straightforward and work-focused. Example: ```text I am out of the office from April 1 through April 7 and will have limited access to email. Please contact Alex Brown at alex.brown@example.com for immediate assistance. ``` For external contacts (clients, partners, vendors): - Use a polite and professional tone. - State your absence and expected return date. - Offer an alternative contact if appropriate. - Avoid sharing internal details. Example: ```text Thank you for your message. I am currently out of the office until April 7 and will respond as soon as possible after my return. For urgent inquiries, please contact our support team at support@example.com. ``` This way, you provide the right information to each group without oversharing. ## How do I turn off or change my away message when I’m back? When you return, disable or update your away message to avoid confusion: 1. Open Outlook and go to the Automatic Replies settings (File > Automatic Replies in desktop, or Settings > Automatic Replies in web). 2. Select "Do not send automatic replies" or turn off the feature. If you want to update the message instead of turning it off: 1. Change the text in the internal and external message boxes to say you’re back and available. Example: ```text Thank you for your patience. I am back in the office and will respond to your email promptly. ``` 1. Save your changes. Once turned off, Outlook will stop sending automatic replies and your inbox will receive emails normally. It’s a good idea to check your inbox for messages received while you were away. ## Conclusion Setting an away message in Microsoft Outlook is simple once you know where to find it and how to write a clear note. Scheduling your replies helps ensure they start and stop on time without extra effort. Writing separate messages for internal and external contacts keeps your communication professional and appropriate. When you return, just turn off or update your away message to resume normal email flow. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I set different away messages for people inside and outside my organization? Yes, Outlook allows you to create separate automatic replies for internal and external senders so you can tailor messages for each group. ### Will my away message send to every email I receive? Typically, Outlook sends one automatic reply per sender during your away period to avoid sending multiple responses to the same person. ### Can I set an away message on the Outlook mobile app? You can often enable automatic replies on the mobile app, but features like scheduling and separate messages may be limited. It’s usually easier to set or schedule your away message using the desktop or web version.