{"Status":true,"Message":"","Response":{"post":{"postuid":"mgx5e6ii8u","tenantuid":"d8b744fc-2e70-4089-bb80-dd1d08f6c7b2","projectuid":"239698c5-f7eb-4574-8cc8-c6568f08b3a0","title":"Managing auto-reply emails","slug":"article/mgx5e6ii8u-managing-autoreplies","html":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen emails are sent it is not uncommon to receive out of office replies. For example here are some out of office email replies sent from subscribers to the DailyStory newsletter:\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cimg class=\u0022lazy-load\u0022 data-width=\u0022934\u0022 data-height=\u0022244\u0022 data-src=\u0022https://graffiti-auf7e6dwhxhcbwek.z03.azurefd.net/d8b744fc-2e70-4089-bb80-dd1d08f6c7b2/239698c5-f7eb-4574-8cc8-c6568f08b3a0/1b5f11ac4b86e6de82803239de891bf5.png\u0022 style=\u0022\u0022 alt=\u0022\u0022/\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnfortunately dealing with out of office replies can be annoying as they can quickly fill up the sender\u0027s inbox.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile there is not a standard for preventing out of office replies, there are few things in DailyStory that we do to limit them. This articles will help you understand what your options are and provide suggestions for dealing with out of office replies.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022out_of_office_replies_are_not_sent_to_replyto_address\u0022\u003EOut of office replies are not sent to reply-to address\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen creating or editing an email the \u0022Send replies to\u0022 option is used to send replies to the email to an address different than the sender\u0027s email address. \u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen the email is sent this creates a special email header, \u0022reply-to\u0022, that instructs email clients to send replies to a different address than the \u0022from\u0022 email address.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cimg class=\u0022lazy-load\u0022 data-width=\u0022617\u0022 data-height=\u0022424\u0022 data-src=\u0022https://graffiti-auf7e6dwhxhcbwek.z03.azurefd.net/d8b744fc-2e70-4089-bb80-dd1d08f6c7b2/239698c5-f7eb-4574-8cc8-c6568f08b3a0/bae0d505f9624438edc898c3a7dade64.png\u0022 style=\u0022\u0022 alt=\u0022\u0022/\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile useful, automatic replies such as out of office notifications, ignore the reply-to header and instead use the from address.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022setting_email_headers_to_prevent_autoreplies\u0022\u003ESetting email headers to prevent auto-replies\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDailyStory automatically sets the \u003Ccode class=\u0022inline-code\u0022\u003EPrecedence\u003C/code\u003E\u0026nbsp;and \u003Ccode class=\u0022inline-code\u0022\u003EX-Auto-Response-Suppress\u003C/code\u003E\u0026nbsp;email headers. \u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile not standardized amongst email inboxes these can help prevent automatic email replies from Gmail, Exchange and Outlook.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022what_is_the_precedence_header\u0022\u003EWhat is the \u0022Precedence\u0022 header?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ccode\u003EPrecedence\u003C/code\u003E header is important for ensuring that your emails perform better in Gmail and helps prevent your inbox from being overwhelmed by auto-responder messages, such as Out of Office notifications.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGmail recommends including the \u003Ccode class=\u0022inline-code\u0022\u003EPrecedence: Bulk\u003C/code\u003E header in any email sent to multiple subscribers. When this header is present, Gmail will not send auto-responses back to your email address, reducing unnecessary clutter in your inbox.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch4 id=\u0022possible_values_for_the_precedence_header\u0022\u003EPossible values for the Precedence header\u003C/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBelow are the possible combinations of the \u003Ccode class=\u0022inline-code\u0022\u003EPrecedence\u003C/code\u003E header. DailyStory automatically sets this header when the email is not transactional and the if the Ignore Auto-replies advanced \u003Ca href=\u0022/article/g5d6kyabxb-create-an-email\u0022\u003Eemail setting is is enabled\u003C/a\u003E (it is enabled by default).\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ccode\u003EPrecedence: Bulk\u003C/code\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ctable border=\u00221\u0022 style=\u0022border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\u0022\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003Ebulk\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EIndicates that the email is part of a mass mailing, such as a newsletter.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003Elist\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EUsed for emails sent by mailing lists.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003Ejunk\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EMarks the email as potentially less important, often used for spam or promotional messages.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003Efirst-class\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESometimes used to indicate that the email is more important, though this is less common.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003C/table\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022what_is_the_xautoresponsesuppress_header\u0022\u003EWhat is the \u0022X-Auto-Response-Suppress\u0022 header?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ccode\u003EX-Auto-Response-Suppress\u003C/code\u003E email header is supported by several major email providers, primarily those using Microsoft Exchange and Office 365. This header is used to suppress auto-responses like out-of-office replies, read receipts, and delivery reports.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022what_mail_transfer_agent_supports_xautoresponsesuppress\u0022\u003EWhat Mail Transfer Agent supports X-Auto-Response-Suppress?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Mail Transfer Agents (MTAs), also known as inbox providers, that support this header include:\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMicrosoft Exchange\u003C/b\u003E both on-premises and Exchange Online (part of Office 365) support the \u003Ccode\u003EX-Auto-Response-Suppress\u003C/code\u003E header.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOffice 365\u003C/b\u003E Office 365, which includes Exchange Online, supports this header.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch4 id=\u0022possible_values_for_the_xautoresponsesuppress_header\u0022\u003EPossible values for the X-Auto-Response-Suppress header\u003C/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBelow are the possible combinations of the X-Auto-Response-Suppress header. DailyStory automatically sets the X-Auto-Response-Suppress header when the email is not transactional and the if the Ignore Auto-replies advanced \u003Ca href=\u0022/article/g5d6kyabxb-create-an-email\u0022\u003Eemail setting is enabled\u003C/a\u003E (it is enabled by default).\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ccode\u003EX-Auto-Response-Suppress: \u0022OOF, AutoReply\u0022\u003C/code\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ctable border=\u00221\u0022 style=\u0022border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\u0022\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EDR\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESuppresses delivery receipts.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ENDR\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESuppresses non-delivery receipts.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ERN\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESuppresses read notifications.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ENRN\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESuppresses non-read notifications.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EOOF\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESuppresses out-of-office replies.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EAutoReply\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESuppresses automatic replies.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EAll\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESuppresses all types of automatic responses.\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003C/table\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022other_strategies_for_managing_autoreplies\u0022\u003EOther strategies for managing auto-replies\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile setting various email headers to prevent auto-replies is a best practice and automatically enabled by DailyStory, it won\u0027t catch all scenarios.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022setting_up_inbox_rules\u0022\u003ESetting up inbox rules\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne option for managing automatic replies is to setup inbox rules. If for example, the emails are redirected to a known from address and inbox rule in Gmail (or other software) can be configured to filter for messages starting with \u0022Automatic reply:\u0022 and route those to the trash or another folder.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022frequently_asked_questions\u0022\u003EFrequently Asked Questions\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBelow are some frequently asked questions regarding auto-replies.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EShould we use a noreply email address?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing a from address that points to an invalid inbox, e.g. noreply@example.com, is not recommended.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.dailystory.com/blog/no-reply-email-address/\u0022\u003Enoreply email address is an address to an inbox that doesn\u2019t exist\u003C/a\u003E. And, because this inbox doesn\u2019t exist, this causes email recipients to be confused and frustrated as emails will hard bounce.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EHow do email headers impact subscribers?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.dailystory.com/blog/anatomy-of-an-effective-marketing-email-10-parts-you-should-consider/\u0022\u003Eemail headers\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;are hidden within your email and is not visible to your subscribers. Email headers are parts of the message that are used by email systems to manage the delivery process.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EDoes Precedence: Bulk impact Gmail delivery?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGmail doesn\u2019t use this header for any negative purposes. It won\u2019t cause your messages to be placed in the Promotions tab or the Spam folder. In fact, it helps Gmail understand that you\u0027re intentionally sending emails to multiple subscribers, which prevents them from misinterpreting your email activity as suspicious.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022internet_standard_rfc_3834\u0022\u003EInternet Standard RFC 3834\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is an Internet standards \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc3834\u0022\u003ERFC 3834\u003C/a\u003E that specifically addresses how automatic replies should be handled and defines a Auto-Submitted header. However, it is not widely adopted.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn short, it recommends:\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESend auto-responses only to address contained in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ccode\u003EReturn-Path\u003C/code\u003E\u0026nbsp;header of an incoming message, if it is valid email address. Particularly \u0022\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\u0022 (null address) in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ccode\u003EReturn-Path\u003C/code\u003E\u0026nbsp;of the message means that auto-responses must not be sent for this message.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen sending auto-response, MAIL FROM smtp command must contain \u0022\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\u0022 (null address). This would lead to Return-Path:\u0026lt;\u0026gt; when message will be delivered.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003Cscript type=\u0022application/ld\u002Bjson\u0022\u003E\r\n{\r\n  \u0022@context\u0022: \u0022https://schema.org\u0022,\r\n  \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022FAQPage\u0022,\r\n  \u0022mainEntity\u0022: [\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022Should we use a noreply email address?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022Using a from address that points to an invalid inbox, e.g. noreply@example.com, is not recommended. A noreply email address is an address to an inbox that doesn\u2019t exist . And, because this inbox doesn\u2019t exist, this causes email recipients to be confused and frustrated as emails will hard bounce.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n},\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022How do email headers impact subscribers?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022The\u0026nbsp; email headers \u0026nbsp;are hidden within your email and is not visible to your subscribers. Email headers are parts of the message that are used by email systems to manage the delivery process.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0022\r\n    }\r\n},\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022Does Precedence: Bulk impact Gmail delivery?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022Gmail doesn\u2019t use this header for any negative purposes. It won\u2019t cause your messages to be placed in the Promotions tab or the Spam folder. In fact, it helps Gmail understand that you\u0027re intentionally sending emails to multiple subscribers, which prevents them from misinterpreting your email activity as suspicious.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n}\r\n    ]\r\n}\r\n\u003C/script\u003E","publish_status":0,"post_type":"Article","authoruid":"3dde8c16-763a-4a2b-ae0b-1d8c50c62e3d","author":{"authoruid":"3dde8c16-763a-4a2b-ae0b-1d8c50c62e3d"},"featured_image_updating":false,"meta_description":"Learn how to manage out-of-office email replies, prevent automatic responses using headers, and optimize your DailyStory settings for a cleaner inbox.","display_toc":true,"has_workingcopy":false,"allow_indexing":true,"sort_order":32,"total_views":9330,"date_published":"2025-09-12T22:13:07.863","date_updated":"2025-12-03T22:56:06.13","date_created":"2025-04-24T15:02:36.65"}}}