How to Schedule Out-of-Office Replies in Microsoft Teams
Out-of-office replies in Microsoft Teams send an automatic message to anyone who messages you while you are away. This feature also updates your status to “Away” so your coworkers know you cannot reply right away.
Teams links these out-of-office notes directly to your Outlook calendar to keep your schedule accurate. You can set up your away message up to 90 days in advance.
Set your out-of-office replies by clicking your profile picture, selecting “Set status message,” then “Schedule out of office.” Enter your message, dates, and save. This automatically syncs with your Outlook calendar.
How to schedule out of office in Teams
Management happens through either the desktop app or mobile app. Both methods sync with your Microsoft 365 account.
Method 1Using the Settings Menu
This method lets colleagues know you are away and when you plan to return. Follow these steps within Teams:
2. Click the ‘Settings and more (…) ‘ icon next to your profile picture.
3. Select ‘Settings,’ then navigate to the ‘General’ tab.
4. Locate the 'Out of Office' section and click 'Schedule.'
5. Toggle the 'Turn on automatic replies' switch to 'On.'
6. Type your message, set your start and end times, and click 'Save.'
Method 2Using your Profile Picture
1. Click your Profile Picture in the top right corner of Teams.
2. Select Set status message.
3. Click Schedule out of office at the bottom of the window.
4. Configure your dates and message, then click Save.
Status Message vs. Out of Office Status
Understanding the distinction between a status message and an out-of-office reply in Teams helps manage daily availability.
Summary
Scheduling your out-of-office status in Teams lets everyone know when you are unavailable, while syncing seamlessly with Outlook.
Does setting OOO in Teams automatically update my Outlook calendar?
Yes. Because Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, your status syncs with your Outlook calendar. Setting an out-of-office period in Teams creates a corresponding event in your Outlook calendar to block your time and notify others of your absence.
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