How to Set Up Email Forwarders and Autoresponders in cPanel

Introduction

cPanel offers simple tools to help you manage email efficiently. Two key features are email forwarders and autoresponders:

• Forwarders automatically send incoming mail from one address to another.

• Autoresponders send automatic replies, useful when you're out of office or want to confirm receipt.

This guide shows you how to set up and manage both features using cPanel.

What is an Email Forwarder?

An email forwarder allows you to redirect messages from one email address to another without storing them on your server.

Example:
Forward all emails from info@yourdomain.com to yourname@gmail.com

This is helpful when:

• You want multiple addresses (support@, sales@) to go to one inbox

• You're switching email services

• You want backups of all incoming emails

How to Create an Email Forwarder

1. Log in to your cPanel

2. Scroll to the Email section

3. Click on Forwarders

4. Click Add Forwarder

5. Fill in the fields:

   • Address to Forward: (e.g., info)

   • Domain: Choose the domain (e.g., @yourdomain.com)

   • Forward to Email Address: Enter the destination email (e.g., yourname@gmail.com)

6. Click Add Forwarder

Now, all emails sent to info@yourdomain.com will be forwarded to the email you specified.

Managing Existing Forwarders

1. In the Forwarders interface, scroll to Email Account Forwarders

2. You'll see a list of current forwarders

3. Use the Delete link next to any forwarder to remove it

What is an Autoresponder?

Autoresponders automatically reply to incoming emails. They're useful for:

• Out-of-office replies

• Order confirmations

• Acknowledging customer support tickets

Example:
When someone emails support@yourdomain.com, they instantly get a reply like:
“Thank you for contacting us. We’ll get back to you shortly.”

How to Set Up an Autoresponder

1. Go to the Email section in cPanel

2. Click Autoresponders

3. Click Add Autoresponder

4. Fill in the following:

   • Character Set: Leave as utf-8 (default)

   • Interval: Time (in hours) before the same email address gets another auto-reply

   • Email and Domain: Choose the account (e.g., support@yourdomain.com)

   • From: Name the email should appear from (e.g., Kirods Support)

   • Subject: Subject line for the reply

   • Body: Write your message

   • Optional: Set Start and Stop times for temporary autoresponders

5. Click Create/Modify

Editing or Deleting Autoresponders

1. Go to the Autoresponders page

2. Find the one you want to edit or remove

3. Click Edit to make changes or Delete to remove it

Tips and Best Practices

• Keep auto-replies short and professional

• Use autoresponders to build trust or give clear next steps

• Avoid too many forwarders to external providers, which may affect deliverability

• Regularly review old forwarders and autoresponders to keep your system clean