# Setting Up Auto-Reply Rules

> Send automatic replies to inbound email — confirmation messages, ticket numbers, out-of-office responses — configured through RELAY routing rules.
> Help → RELAY → Setting Up Auto-Reply Rules

URL: https://thatapp.io/help/relay/relay-auto-reply
Category: RELAY — Email

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Auto-replies send an automatic email response when RELAY receives an email matching a rule.

**Creating an auto-reply**

Tell AVA:

> "When RELAY receives an email at support@mail.yourdomain.com, send an auto-reply confirming we received it."

AVA will ask for the auto-reply content. Write it in plain language and AVA will format it.

**Using variables in auto-replies**

Auto-reply content can include variables from the inbound email and from the Podio item that was created:

- `{{sender.name}}` — the sender's name
- `{{email.subject}}` — the original subject line
- `{{podio.item.id}}` — the ID of the Podio item that was created
- `{{today}}` — today's date

Example auto-reply using variables:

> "Dear {{sender.name}},
>
> Thank you for contacting us. We have created support ticket #{{podio.item.id}} for your request. Our team will respond within one business day.
>
> Best regards,
> The Support Team"

**Delay an auto-reply**

To send the auto-reply after a delay (for example, to make it appear more human):

Tell AVA: "Send the auto-reply 5 minutes after receiving the email."

**Limiting auto-replies**

Auto-replies will not be sent to email addresses that have already received an auto-reply within the last 24 hours (to prevent loops with other auto-reply systems). This default can be modified in the rule settings.

**Related:** How to Create Email Routing Rules · How RELAY Works