How Do I Turn on Vacation Alerts in Gmail App?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to go on a vacation but are worried about missing important emails while you’re away? Worry no more!

With the Gmail app, you can turn on vacation alerts to inform your contacts that you won’t be able to reply to their emails right away. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to turn on vacation alerts in the Gmail app.

Step 1: Open the Gmail App

First, open the Gmail app on your mobile device. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, head over to your app store and install it.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings

Once the Gmail app is open, tap on the three horizontal lines located in the top left corner of your screen. This will open a navigation drawer. Scroll down until you see “Settings” and tap on it.

Step 3: Select Your Account

In the settings menu, select the email account for which you want to turn on vacation alerts. If you have multiple accounts linked to your Gmail app, make sure to select the one that needs vacation alerts.

Step 4: Turn On Vacation Responder

Once you’ve selected your account, scroll down until you see “Vacation responder.” Toggle the switch next to it so that it turns blue.

Note:

If this is your first time turning on vacation responder in Gmail, tap “First time users start here” at the bottom of the screen and follow the instructions.

Step 5: Customize Your Vacation Alert

After turning on vacation responder, customize your message by filling out details such as subject line, message body and dates for which this alert needs to be active.

  • Subject Line: Enter a subject line for your alert email that will grab attention and inform that you are currently on vacation. For example, “Out of office alert: On vacation”.
  • Message Body: Write a message to inform your contacts that you won’t be able to reply right away, and give them an alternative point of contact if necessary. For example, “Thank you for your email. I am currently on vacation and will not be able to reply until [date].

    If it’s urgent, please contact [name] at [email/phone number]. “

  • Dates: Select the dates for which the vacation alert needs to be active. You can also set the exact time when your vacation starts and ends.

Step 6: Save Changes

Once you’ve customized your vacation alert message, click “Done” in the top right corner of your screen to save changes.

Congratulations!

You’ve successfully turned on vacation alerts in the Gmail app. Now, anyone who emails you during your vacation will receive an automatic response letting them know that you won’t be available for a certain period of time.

Note:

Don’t forget to turn off the vacation responder once you’re back from your trip!