An autoresponder automatically sends a pre-written reply to anyone who emails a specific address. This is commonly used for out-of-office messages, holiday notices, or to acknowledge receipt of enquiries.
Please note: Screens and options may vary slightly depending on your cPanel version and hosting plan.
Creating an Autoresponder
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- In the Email section, click Autoresponders.
- Click Add Autoresponder.
- Configure the following settings:
- Character Set — Leave as utf-8 unless you have a specific reason to change it. - Interval — The number of hours before the same sender receives the autoresponder again (e.g. 8 hours prevents the same person getting the message repeatedly in one day). - Email — Enter the username, and select the domain. - From — The name that will appear in the From field of the reply. - Subject — The subject line of the automatic reply. - Body — The message content. You can use HTML if you select the HTML option. - Start/Stop — Optionally set dates for the autoresponder to activate and deactivate automatically. This is ideal for planned holidays.
- Click Create.
Example Autoresponder Message
Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will return on Monday 3rd March. I will have limited access to email during this period. If your matter is urgent, please contact [email protected]. I will respond to your email on my return.
Managing Autoresponders
- To edit an autoresponder, click Edit next to it on the Autoresponders page.
- To remove an autoresponder, click Delete.
- Remember to disable the autoresponder when you return, unless you've set a stop date.
Tips
- Set a sensible interval (8–24 hours) to avoid flooding the sender's inbox.
- Avoid including sensitive information in autoresponder messages.
- Be cautious with autoresponders on addresses that receive mailing list traffic — they can generate excessive replies.
What Next?
- Creating Email Filters — Automatically sort or act on incoming messages.
- Accessing Webmail (Roundcube) — Check your email while away.
