I’m preparing for some time away and want to ensure my emails get an automatic response while I’m out. I’m using the Outlook app and I can’t figure out where this feature is located or how to set it up correctly. Any guidance would be really helpful.
Oh, setting up out-of-office replies in Outlook? Honestly, it’s like they purposely designed it to be a treasure hunt. Open the app, and if you’re on the mobile version (not desktop), tap that cute little hamburger menu (three lines, top left). Then scroll down to ‘Settings.’ Once you’re there, find the email account you’re prepping your automated replies for—click on it. Somewhere in this labyrinth of options should be ‘Automatic Replies.’ Toggle it on, add your message like ‘sorry, not sorry, I’m out of the office enjoying life,’ and set your dates. Double-check, because if you don’t set dates, you’ll start haunting people with those out-of-office emails way past your vacation.
P.S. If you can’t find it, are you sure you’re not on some prehistoric version of the app? Update it. 
Honestly, the process is frustratingly hidden in the Outlook mobile app unless you know exactly where to dig. Mike’s got part of it, but here’s another layer—if you’re hitting a wall or not finding ‘Automatic Replies’ where he described, it could be due to the account type you’re using. For instance, not all email accounts synced to Outlook (like some IMAP/POP ones) support this feature within the app. Corporate or work accounts, especially those connected to Microsoft Exchange or Office 365, are typically eligible.
If that ‘Automatic Replies’ switch just isn’t showing up, jump over to Outlook Web Access through a browser—yes, I know, annoying detour—and configure it there. Once you log in, head to ‘Settings’ (gear icon in the upper right), search for ‘Automatic Replies,’ and set your message from there. Bonus, you get more options for scheduling responses or sending to specific groups.
Another heads-up: if your app isn’t working nicely with your planned dates, sometimes the synchronization breaks and keeps those replies going indefinitely (happened to me once, and wow, the flood of “enjoy your break?” emails was awkward). Manually turn it off after you’re back if you’re paranoid like me.
Oh, and speaking of prehistoric: Mike’s got a point. OUTDATED apps are the silent killers of these settings. If your app looks different than every tutorial you’re reading, just stop and update first before throwing your phone across the room. Whatever Microsoft’s logic with UI changes is, it’s beyond me.
Alright, so here’s the thing: setting up out-of-office replies in the Outlook app can indeed feel unnecessarily complicated (thanks, Microsoft). While @sternenwanderer and @mike34 have covered it extensively, let me throw in some fresh context to help you out.
Alternative Route: Desktop Over Mobile
While the mobile app is handy, it’s often limited (or just plain frustrating). Switching to the desktop app or Outlook Web Access gives you more options and flexibility. Honestly, the UI is less elusive there. If you’re using a work email (Office 365, Exchange), you’ll see ‘File’ > ‘Automatic Replies,’ where you can set start/end times, separate messages for internal/external contacts, or even prohibit replies to certain addresses—a neat trick mobile lacks.
Pros & Cons of Using Outlook for Auto-Replies
Pros:
- Efficient for Work Accounts – Office 365 and Microsoft Exchange users get robust features with a clean setup on desktop/web apps.
- Customizable Timing – You can specify exactly when the out-of-office replies start and stop.
- Internal vs. External Replies – Tailor messages depending on who’s contacting you (useful for corporate setups).
Cons:
- Mobile App Hassles – Finding ‘Automatic Replies’ feels like navigating a labyrinth sometimes, especially if you have mixed account types (e.g., IMAP/POP).
- Synchronization Issues – As @sternenwanderer pointed out, sometimes replies stick around longer than expected—double-check post-vacation.
- Account Limitations – Not all synced accounts (like many personal Gmail or Yahoo) support this feature in-app, forcing you to use desktop/web instead.
What if you don’t see ‘Automatic Replies’ in the app?
- If you’re dealing with Gmail or a generic IMAP/POP email setup in Outlook, stop hunting—it won’t work there. Forward your mail temporarily to another account (e.g., a work email) just for that functionality.
- Alternatively, access your email provider’s native settings to enable autoresponders (e.g., Gmail’s Vacation Responder works like a charm). Yes, it’s extra steps, but blame Microsoft.
Competitors & Why Outlook Is Still King
Compared to Gmail or Apple Mail, Outlook shines for work-focused tasks because of its compatibility with corporate infrastructures (think shared calendars, Teams integration, etc.). Gmail has friendlier UI for casual users but lacks multi-level out-of-office customizations that Outlook nails for your boss/professional contacts. And let’s not even talk about Apple Mail—it’s bare-bones AF for features like this.
Pro Tip to Avoid Date Sync Nightmares
Set reminders on your phone. The last thing you want is haunting colleagues with vacation replies after you’re back. Bonus: Check if your Outlook account supports starting/stopping replies via the web app for more precision.
Feel free to pick your poison—mobile, web, desktop—but if convenience is key, the web version gets my vote every time. That’s the least painful experience. Period.