Gmail: Set up out-of-office notification - here's how it works

If you cannot access your Gmail account for an extended period of time, for example because you are on vacation, you have the option to set up an automatic out-of-office notification. People who send you a mail will then receive an out of office notification you created as a reply.

How to set up an out of office notification

Google gives you the option to set up an out of office notification through your Gmail account settings. Follow these steps to enable the feature:

1. Go to the Gmail website in your browser and log in to your account using your user credentials.
2. Open the account settings by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right corner and selecting the menu item "Access all settings".
3. Scroll down in the overview to the category "Out of office notification".
4. Turn on the option "Enable out of office notification" there.
5. Determine a period of your absence and enter a subject and a message text for the note.
6. Also select whether only saved contacts should receive the note or all incoming emails.
7. Finally click "Save change".

Note: If you have set up a signature, this will also be sent and displayed below the out-of-office note.If the out-of-office function is active, you will be shown a banner with the previously specified subject in the inbox. Additionally, you can use the banner to access the out of office settings and exit out of office mode.