How to Change Out Of Office on Outlook on iPhone

Out of Office (OOO) messages are a valuable tool for managing your email when you’re away from work. Whether you’re going on vacation or attending a conference, setting up an OOO message in Outlook on your iPhone ensures that anyone who emails you receives a personalized response informing them of your absence. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to change your Out of Office message on Outlook for iPhone, enabling you to stay professional and responsive even when you’re not available.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we dive into the step-by-step process of changing the Out of Office message on Outlook for iPhone, here’s what you’ll need:

1. An iPhone with the Outlook app installed
2. An active email account connected to Outlook

What Requires Your Focus?

While changing the Out of Office message on Outlook for iPhone is a relatively straightforward process, there are a few key aspects that require your attention:

1. Message Content: Craft a clear and concise Out of Office message that accurately reflects your availability and provides alternative contact information if necessary.
2. Date Range: Set the correct start and end dates for your absence to ensure that your Out of Office message turns on and off at the appropriate times.
3. Recipients: Decide whether you want your Out of Office message to be sent to external contacts only or both internal and external contacts.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into the step-by-step methods for changing the Out of Office message on Outlook for iPhone.

Method 1: Using the Outlook App

To change your Out of Office message using the Outlook app on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Outlook app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the "Settings" icon located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on your email account.
4. Tap on the "Automatic Replies" option.
5. Toggle the switch to enable Automatic Replies.
6. Enter your Out of Office message in the "Reply to everyone" field.
7. If desired, enter a separate message for your internal contacts in the "Reply to internal senders" field.
8. Set the start and end dates for your Out of Office message.
9. Choose whether you want the message to be sent to internal senders, external senders, or both.
10. Tap on the "Save" button to save your changes.

Method 2: Via the Outlook Web App

If you prefer to change your Out of Office message using the Outlook Web App, here’s how you can do it:

1. Open a web browser on your iPhone and navigate to the Outlook Web App.
2. Sign in to your Outlook account using your credentials.
3. Click on the "Settings" icon located in the top-right corner.
4. From the drop-down menu, click on "Automatic Replies".
5. In the Automatic Replies menu, click on the checkbox next to "Send automatic replies".
6. Enter your Out of Office message in the text field provided.
7. Set the start and end dates for your OOO message.
8. Choose whether you want the message to be sent to internal senders, external senders, or both.
9. Click on the "Save" button to save your changes.

Method 3: Using Exchange ActiveSync

If your email account is set up using Exchange ActiveSync, you can change your Out of Office message by following these steps:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Mail".
3. Tap on your Exchange account.
4. Tap on "Out of Office".
5. Toggle the switch to enable Out of Office.
6. Enter your Out of Office message in the provided text field.
7. Set the start and end dates for your OOO message.
8. Choose whether you want the message to be sent to internal senders, external senders, or both.
9. Tap on the "Done" button to save your changes.

Method 4: Via Outlook Mail Settings

If you have your email account set up using the native Mail app on your iPhone, you can change your Out of Office message through Outlook Mail settings. Follow these steps:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Mail".
3. Tap on your Outlook account.
4. Tap on "Account".
5. Tap on the "Out of Office" option.
6. Toggle the switch to enable Out of Office.
7. Enter your Out of Office message in the provided text field.
8. Set the start and end dates for your OOO message.
9. Choose whether you want the message to be sent to internal senders, external senders, or both.
10. Tap on the "Done" button to save your changes.

Why Can’t I Change My Out of Office Message?

There are a few common reasons why you may encounter difficulties changing your Out of Office message on Outlook for iPhone. Here are some potential issues and their fixes:

1. Incorrect App Version: Ensure that you have the latest version of the Outlook app installed on your iPhone. Update the app if necessary to access all the available features.
2. Limited Account Permissions: If you’re using a work or school email account, your organization’s administrator may have restricted access to modify Out of Office settings. Contact your IT department for assistance.
3. Connectivity Issues: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection when attempting to change your Out of Office message. Unstable or weak connections may prevent the necessary changes from being saved.

Implications and Recommendations

When changing your Out of Office message on Outlook for iPhone, consider the following recommendations:

1. Keep it Professional: Craft a professional and concise message that informs recipients about your absence without divulging excessive personal information.
2. Provide Alternative Contact Information: If necessary, include alternative contact details or the name of a colleague who can assist during your absence.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid making promises or commitments that you may not be able to fulfill upon your return. Be realistic about your availability and response times.

FAQs about Changing Out of Office on Outlook on iPhone

Q1: How long can I set my Out of Office message for?

A: You can set the duration of your Out of Office message to any desired length, from a few hours to several weeks or even months.

Q2: Can I change my Out of Office message while it’s active?

A: Yes, you can change your Out of Office message while it’s active. Simply follow the instructions provided in the respective method to modify your message.

Q3: Can I receive emails while my Out of Office message is active?

A: Yes, you will continue to receive emails while your Out of Office message is active. The message serves as an automatic reply to inform senders of your absence.

Q4: Can I set different Out of Office messages for different email accounts?

A: Yes, if you have multiple email accounts connected to Outlook on your iPhone, you can set different Out of Office messages for each account separately.

Q5: How can I disable or turn off my Out of Office message?

A: To disable or turn off your Out of Office message, follow the instructions provided in the respective method to toggle the switch off or deactivate the setting.

Final Words

Changing your Out of Office message on Outlook for iPhone allows you to maintain professionalism and manage email communication effectively, even when you’re away from work. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily update and customize your Out of Office message to reflect your availability and provide necessary information to contacts. Remember to set realistic expectations and consider the implications of your message to ensure a positive experience for both senders and recipients.