### How Away Messages Work

If you need to step away from your computer but do not want to sign off, you can let AOL Instant Messenger (SM) use the Away message feature to let other users know you are temporarily unavailable.

For planned absences, you can turn on your Away message to let others know when you will be back. AOL Instant Messenger (SM) displays this message when anyone requests information about you and automatically replies with your Away message to anyone who sends you a message while you are away.