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This wikiHow teaches you how to use Gmail's "Smart Reply" canned responses to reply to certain emails. While Smart Reply isn't available for all emails, you can use its responses to quickly reply to some emails on both desktop and mobile versions of Gmail.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Computer

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  1. Smart Reply isn't available for all emails; only emails to which Google can determine a sufficient response will qualify.[1]
  2. Go to https://www.gmail.com/ in your computer's web browser. This will open your Gmail inbox if you're logged in.
    • If you aren't logged in, enter your email address and password when prompted.
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  3. If you see Try the new Gmail at the top of the drop-down menu, click it and wait for your new inbox to load, then click the gear-shaped icon again before proceeding.
    • If Go back to classic Gmail is listed at the top of the drop-down menu, you're using the new version of Gmail.
  4. This option is in the drop-down menu. Doing so opens the Settings page.
  5. It's a tab at the top of the page.
    EXPERT TIP

    "You can set up canned responses through Gmail's 'Advanced' section, but you can also use an add-on like Mixmax to handle your emails."

    Marc Crabbé

    Marc Crabbé

    Google Suite Expert
    Marc is a translator and International Project Manager, who has been working in Google Suite for project management since 2011.
    Marc Crabbé
    Marc Crabbé
    Google Suite Expert
  6. Check the "Enabled" box across from the "Canned Responses (Templates)" heading.
  7. It's at the bottom of the page. This will save your settings and add canned responses to supported emails.
  8. Find an email to which you want to reply using a canned response, then click the email to open it.
  9. If the email qualifies for canned responses, you'll find a list of replies at the bottom of the email. Clicking one will add the reply's text to the "Reply" text field.
    • If you don't see any canned responses at the bottom of the email, you cannot use a canned response for your selected email.
  10. Selecting a Smart Reply answer won't automatically send your email, so you can add text to the message if you like.
  11. It's at the bottom of the page. Doing so will send your canned response to the recipient.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the Mobile App

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  1. Smart Reply isn't available for all emails; only emails to which Google can determine a sufficient response will qualify.
  2. Tap the Gmail app, which resembles a red "M" on a white background, to do so. This will open your Gmail inbox if you're logged in.
    • If you aren't logged in, you'll need to enter your email address and password when prompted to sign in.
  3. Find an email to which you want to reply using Smart Reply, then tap the email.
    • The email must have been sent to you. You cannot use Smart Reply to reply to your own emails.
  4. If Smart Reply is available for your selected email, you'll see several blue boxes at the bottom of the screen with various responses.
  5. Tap the option you want to use to reply to the email.
  6. Selecting a Smart Reply answer won't automatically send your email, so you can add text to the message if you like.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I edit a canned response?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You insert the current version using the "insert" part of the canned response menu. Once the e-mail has the old version, make your updates in the compose window, and then select the same heading under the "save" part of the canned responses menu. This should save the newer version under the same name for the next time you insert it.
  • Question
    How do I set it up so it goes out automatically?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go to Settings/Filter/Create New Filter, and tick the box labeled "Send Canned Response."
  • Question
    How can I keep the automatic email signatures from showing up twice?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It sounds like your signature is part of your canned response. If that is the case, then what is happening is that your signature is added at the end of your message after the one that is already part of the canned response, causing it to show up twice.
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Tips

  • While canned responses are usually contextually accurate, they can be hilariously dissonant with the email's subject matter at times.
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Warnings

  • Canned responses aren't always available. If you don't see any Smart Reply options at the bottom of the screen upon opening an email, you can't use canned responses with that email.
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About This Article

Marc Crabbé
Co-authored by:
Google Suite Expert
This article was co-authored by Marc Crabbé and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Marc is a translator and International Project Manager, who has been working in Google Suite for project management since 2011. This article has been viewed 622,943 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 17
Updated: July 28, 2022
Views: 622,943
Categories: Featured Articles | Gmail
Article SummaryX

1. Click the gear above the inbox.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Advanced.
4. Select Enable next to "Canned responses."
5. Click Save changes.
6. Open an email message.
7. Select a Smart Reply.
8. Enter additional text (optional) and click Send.

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 622,943 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Kristi Ambrose

    Kristi Ambrose

    May 15, 2017

    "I actually found out about this canned response thing a few years ago, but at the time you make a few and then..." more
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