Overview
YouMail Auto-Reply automatically sends a text message or email to callers after they reach your voicemail. This helps set expectations, reduce repeat calls, and maintain a professional response even when you cannot answer. This article explains how Auto-Reply works, how to enable it on the web, and how to include a digital business card for better follow-up.
Key benefits/use cases
Instant acknowledgment: Let callers know you saw their call without answering the phone
Clear expectations: Share when and how you will follow up to reduce repeat calls
Professional follow-up: Include contact details or links using a digital business card
Hands-off communication: Respond automatically without manual texting or emailing
How Auto-Reply works in YouMail
YouMail Auto-Reply sends an automatic response after a caller reaches your voicemail greeting. The reply can be sent as a text message, an email, or both, depending on your configuration.
Auto-Reply only triggers when a call reaches voicemail. Calls that are declined or disconnected before voicemail will not receive an Auto-Reply.
Important: Auto-Reply is sent only after the voicemail greeting plays. If a caller hangs up before voicemail answers, no Auto-Reply message is sent.
Customizing your Auto-Reply message
You can tailor your Auto-Reply message to fit your personal or business needs.
Message content: Add your name, business name, or expected response time
Delivery method: Send replies by text message, email, or both
Audience controls: Choose whether replies go to all callers or specific call types
Tip: Keep Auto-Reply messages short and clear, such as when you will respond or how to reach you if the call is urgent. Avoid including sensitive information, as Auto-Reply messages are delivered automatically. |
How to enable Auto-Reply via the website
To enable Auto-Reply, follow these steps:
Sign in to YouMail.com and sign in.
Select Settings from the left navigation.
Click Auto-Reply.
Select Configure Auto-Reply.
Toggle Auto-Reply to ON.
Configure when responses should be sent.
Under Configure Text Message, enter the message callers should receive.
Select Save.
Using the Custom Web Page with Auto-Reply
YouMail Auto-Reply can include a link to a digital business card, giving callers quick access to your contact information.
Your digital business card can include:
Phone number and email address
Website or landing page
Business hours
Logo or brand details
A custom message
When enabled, the Auto-Reply message includes a link directing callers to this page. Use this for the bulk of your info since the text message itself is limited to 160 characters. The custom web page also allows you to configure a message that permits 500 characters.
Pro Tip: Enable the custom web page and use this vs. using a regular link in your custom message. Our link is already optimized to not trigger carrier spam flags. |
Best practices for Auto-Reply
Write messages using clear, professional language
Include when callers can expect a response
Test Auto-Reply by calling your own number and letting it go to voicemail
Update your message when availability or contact details change
FAQs
What triggers a YouMail Auto-Reply?
A YouMail Auto-Reply is triggered when a caller reaches your voicemail greeting. Calls that do not reach voicemail will not receive an Auto-Reply.
Can I turn Auto-Reply off later?
Yes. You can disable Auto-Reply at any time by going to Settings → Auto-Reply → Configure Auto-Reply, turning the feature off, and saving your changes.
Can I include links in my Auto-Reply message?
Yes. You can include a link by enabling a digital business card, which adds a webpage link to your Auto-Reply message.
Who receives Auto-Reply messages?
Auto-Reply recipients are determined by your Receive Settings. You can choose whether all callers or only certain callers receive automatic replies.
Can these messages be replied to?
No. These messages cannot be replied to since YouMail is sending them from our internal server. If a reply is needed, please indicate that in your custom message or via the custom webpage you can include in your Auto-Reply.