Outlook Auto Replies does not work

Question

Outlook Auto Replies does not work

Larry Magee 0

I've set up an Auto reply message since I'm out of the office today. It seems simple enough, as I watched several how to youtube videos, but it still doesn't work.

The steps I took were

Settings
Account
Select Automatic Replies
Toggled Automatic Replies to ON
Set Time period from 8am to 5PM today
Created my auto reply message
Selected :Send replies outside your organization
Saved

I refreshed the screen, then sent a couple of test messages from a couple of email addresses and nothing happened

Any suggestions???

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1 answer

Your answer

Answer 1

Hendrix 965 Independent Advisor

Hi Larry,

Based on your sharing, your steps are correct and the Auto Replies should work properly. For the best possible assistance, can you share more details about your situation? I greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

You said you sent a couple of test messages from a couple of email addresses. Are these internal or external email addresses?
Do the test messages reach the Inbox folder of your mailbox or it goes to Spam/Junk email? Exchange does not generate an automatic reply when the incoming message is identified as spam and delivered to Junk.

Although you have configured Auto Replies feature correctly, there are organization/tenant level configurations that can still block the reply like a mail-flow rule, remote-domain setting, or security service. With your help and more detailed information, we can work together to investigate further and find a solution.

Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to share them in the comment below. I'm very happy to help.

Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding. Hope to hear from you soon.

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Larry Magee 0 Reputation points

2026-08-25T19:22:17.2333333+00:00

the answer did not help me "at all", telling me it should work doesn't help me when it's not working
Hendrix 965 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-25T19:45:57.88+00:00

Hi Larry,

Thank you for your response and I truly understand your frustration. That's why I ask you for more details about the situation to find out what is the problem causes the Auto Replies doesn't work so I can assist you further.

I did perform the same steps as you did and I do receive Auto Replies email, so I initially confirm that the steps are correct and I suspect it could be caused by external emails or company policies. However, without clear information, I cannot confirm anything about the causes and I may give inappropriate resolutions.

I greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding.