Setting up an email auto-responder in cPanel allows you to automatically reply to incoming messages. This is especially useful for:
-
Vacation or out-of-office notices
-
Customer support acknowledgments
-
General automated responses
This guide walks you through creating, managing, and editing email auto-responders using cPanel.
1. Access the Autoresponder Tool in cPanel
To get started:
-
Log in to your cPanel account.
-
Scroll down to the Email section.
-
Click on Autoresponders.
2. Create a New Auto Responder
-
On the Autoresponders page, click the Add Autoresponder button.
-
Configure the following settings:
-
Character Set: Leave as UTF-8 (default).
-
Interval: Enter the number of hours to wait between responses to the same email address.
Example: If set to 8, the same sender will receive only one auto-reply every 8 hours. -
Email: Enter the local part of the email address (e.g., support for support@yourdomain.com).
-
Domain: Select the appropriate domain from the dropdown menu.
-
From: Enter the name you want to appear as the sender (e.g., "Support Team").
-
Subject: Enter the subject line of the auto-reply (e.g., "Out of Office", "Thank You for Your Message").
-
Body: Write the content of the auto-reply. Example:
"Thank you for contacting us. We have received your message and will respond as soon as possible." -
HTML Message (optional): Check this box if your message includes HTML formatting, such as links or styled text.
-
Start and Stop Time:
-
Set the start date and time for when the auto-responder should become active.
-
Optionally, set an end date and time if the auto-responder is temporary (e.g., for a vacation period).
-
-
-
After entering all required information, click Create to activate the auto-responder.
3. Manage and Edit Auto Responders
-
To view existing auto-responders, return to the Autoresponders page.
-
To edit an auto-responder:
-
Locate the desired entry and click Edit.
-
Make your changes and click Modify to save.
-
-
To delete an auto-responder:
-
Click Delete next to it and confirm the removal.
-
Tips and Considerations
-
Keep your auto-reply message clear and professional.
-
If you are away from the office, include the return date or alternate contact information in the message.
-
Use a reasonable interval setting (e.g., 8–24 hours) to avoid sending too many automatic replies to the same sender.
- Autoresponders created in cPanel only work for email accounts managed directly in cPanel. If you're using a third-party email provider (e.g., Google Workspace or Microsoft 365), you'll need to configure auto-replies within that service.
Creating an email auto-responder in cPanel is a straightforward process that helps you maintain timely communication with your contacts. Whether you're away from the office or simply want to acknowledge incoming messages automatically, autoresponders are a valuable tool for managing email effectively.