How to Set Up an Autoresponder (Vacation Message) in cPanel

An autoresponder sends an automatic reply to anyone who emails you — ideal for holidays, busy spells, or simply confirming you have received a message and will reply soon. In cPanel you can schedule it to switch on and off by itself.

Create an autoresponder in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel and open Email → Autoresponders.
2. Click Add Autoresponder.
3. Choose the email account it applies to.
4. Fill in the Subject and Body of the automatic reply.
5. Set a Start and Stop time so it ends on its own.
6. Click Create.

Write a helpful away message

Keep it short, warm and useful:

Thanks for your email. I’m away until 15 March and will reply as soon as I’m back. For anything urgent, please contact colleague@yourdomain.com. — Your Name

Always give a return date and an alternative contact, and avoid mentioning that your home or office is empty.

Frequently asked questions

Will it reply to the same person repeatedly?

No. cPanel includes an interval setting so repeat senders do not get flooded with the same message.

Can I schedule it in advance?

Yes — set the start and stop times when you create it, and cPanel handles the rest.

Should I use an autoresponder or a forwarder?

They do different jobs. An autoresponder replies to senders; a forwarder passes mail to another inbox. You can use both together.