Configure Auto-Reply (Vacation Responder) in Webmail via cPanel

Configure Auto-Reply (Vacation Responder) in Webmail via cPanel

Introduction

When you’re away or unable to respond to emails immediately, setting up an auto-reply (vacation responder) helps notify senders that you’re currently unavailable. This guide explains how to configure auto-replies through your cPanel webmail interface.

Prerequisites

• Active cPanel hosting account with email access.
• Your webmail login credentials (email address and password).
• Internet access to login to your webmail interface.

Step 1: Log in to Webmail via cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.
2. In the Email section, click on Email Accounts.
3. Locate the email account you want to set the auto-reply for, then click on Check Email.
4. Select your preferred webmail client (Roundcube, Horde, or SquirrelMail) to open your inbox.

Step 2: Access Auto-Reply / Vacation Responder Settings

The method differs slightly based on the webmail client:

In Roundcube

1. Click on the Settings icon (usually a gear symbol) in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Filters or Filters & Rules.
3. Click Create a new filter.
4. Name your filter, e.g., Auto-Reply.
5. Set the condition to apply to All messages.
6. Add an action to Reply with message.
7. Write your auto-reply message, for example:
   “Thank you for your email. I am currently out of office and will respond upon my return.”
8. Save and activate the filter.

In Horde

1. Click on the Options menu in the top navigation bar.
2. Select Filters.
3. Click Create a new filter.
4. Name your filter (e.g., Auto-Reply).
5. Set the condition to apply to all incoming messages.
6. Choose the action Send Auto-Reply.
7. Write your auto-reply message.
8. Save and enable the filter.

In SquirrelMail

SquirrelMail does not support auto-reply directly. You may want to use Roundcube or Horde or set an auto-responder via cPanel’s Email Auto Responder feature (explained next).

Step 3: (Alternative) Set Auto-Responder via cPanel

1. Return to your cPanel dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Email section and click Autoresponders.
3. Click Add Autoresponder.
4. Fill in the following details:
   • Character Set: Usually utf-8.
   • Interval: Number of hours to wait between responses to the same email address.
   • Email: Select your email address.
   • From: Your name or email sender name.
   • Subject: Subject of the auto-reply (e.g., Out of Office).
   • Body: Your auto-reply message.
5. Set the start and end time if you want the auto-reply to be active for a specific duration.
6. Click Create/Save to activate your auto-responder.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can ensure that your contacts receive timely responses when you’re away. For any issues or further support, contact Hiverift Dev Support.