Gmail’s auto-responder can set an out-of-office message for when you’re on vacation or at home for the day. It’s easy to create an auto-responder on mobile or desktop or one of thebest cheap Chromebooks. Here’s how.

How to set up a Gmail out-of-office message on mobile

Setting up a Gmail autoresponse is nearly identical on Android and iOS. Here’s how to do it:

Follow these steps to turn off the Gmail vacation responder on mobile:

The Gmail app homescreen with a red arrow pointing to the hamburger menu icon

How to set up a Gmail out-of-office email on a browser

You’ll find most of Gmail’s true power when you access its settings on the web. Setting up a Gmail automatic out-of-office email here isn’t complicated, although it’s not as straightforward as doing it from the mobile app. Here’s how you’re able to set it up on a computer:

It’s a straightforward process to turn off your Gmail out-of-office reply. Go to Gmail on a web browser from your computer, and you’ll see a large banner across the top of the screen displaying the subject of your auto-reply. ClickEnd Nowto turn it off.

The Gmail app sidebar with a red arrow pointing to the Settings option

How to customize Gmail auto-replies

Sometimes, you don’t want your email account to auto-reply to everybody on your contact list, or you require different messages for different people. You could use third-party tools such asZapierorIFTTto do this, but there is a way to set this up with Gmail, so long as you’re willing to jump through a few hoops.

You’ll need to do this from Gmail on the web, so begin by logging in on a computer. You’ll need to allow your Gmail to save and send templates. This is usually on by default for personal accounts, but your system admins may have turned it off if you’re part of a team for your work account. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to turn them on:

The Gmail app settings menu with a red arrow pointing to the Vacation Responder option.

Now, close the Compose window, and your message is saved as a template. Next, you’ll set up a Filter to trigger that message. Follow these steps:

When someone in your new filter emails you, they’ll receive the customized message you created. If you want to stop responding with customized messages, turn off each canned response you set up for customized messages. Do this by returning to theFilters & Blocked addressestab in the Settings menu and deleting each customized filter you set up.

The Gmail app Vacation Responder settings with the toggle switched to On.

Things to remember when using Gmail’s autoresponder

It’s always good to keep your out-of-office auto-reply professional, friendly, and short. A couple of lines of basic information is best, and don’t forget to sign it with your signature.

These are a few other things to remember:

Out-of-office replies are simple in Gmail

Google has loaded Gmail with powerful tools to help you manage your digital life. In a few simple steps, you’ve let Gmail handle all your incoming emails, send personalized replies to important people, and automatically sort everything. Now you’re ready to get away from the office and live your best life!

It’s easy to forget about your business while you’re away. If youforget your password or the email addressyou use to access your Gmail account, you can recover it.

The web-based Gmail homescreen with a red arrow pointing to the options gear icon