Ever hit Send on an email in Outlook only to realize moments later that it had a mistake—or worse, was sent to the wrong person? If you’ve found yourself in that situation, you’ve probably wondered: Can I unsend an email in Outlook? The good news is yes—but there are limitations.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore how to unsend an email in Outlook using the Recall feature, how it works, its requirements, alternatives, and best practices to avoid future mistakes.
Understanding the Recall Feature in Outlook
The main method to unsend an email in Outlook is by using the Recall This Message function. This feature lets you try to retrieve or replace a message you’ve sent—but it only works under specific conditions.
When Can You Recall an Email in Outlook?
The Recall feature in Outlook only works if:
- You and the recipient are both using Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) accounts.
- Both of you are in the same organization or Exchange server.
- The email hasn’t been opened by the recipient yet.
- The message was sent using the desktop version of Outlook, not web or mobile.
- The recipient’s mailbox is active and accessible.
If these conditions aren’t met, the recall will fail, and the recipient will still see the original message.
How to Unsend an Email in Outlook (Recall Steps)
Follow these steps to attempt to recall an email in the Outlook desktop app:
- Go to the Sent Items folder.
- Open the email you want to recall.
- Click on File > Info.
- Select Message Resend and Recall, then choose Recall This Message.
- You’ll see two options:
- Delete unread copies of this message
- Delete unread copies and replace with a new message
- Choose one, then click OK.
You can also check the box that says “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient” to get status updates.
Important Notes
- If the email has been read, it cannot be recalled.
- If it was sent to a Gmail or Yahoo address, or any non-Exchange server, the recall won’t work.
- If the email goes to a public folder or is redirected, it may fail.
Can You Unsend Emails in Outlook Web or Mobile?
Unfortunately, the Recall feature is not available in:
- Outlook Web App (OWA)
- Outlook Mobile App (iOS or Android)
That means if you’re using the browser or mobile version, you can’t unsend or recall a message once it’s been sent.
Alternative: Delay Sending Emails in Outlook
To prevent future email regrets, Outlook allows you to delay sending emails, giving you a buffer to cancel if needed.
How to Set a Delay Rule for Outgoing Emails:
- Go to File > Manage Rules & Alerts.
- Click New Rule and select Apply rule on messages I send.
- Under Step 1, select defer delivery by a number of minutes.
- Choose a delay—like 1 to 5 minutes.
- Click Finish, and all future emails will be delayed before sending.
You can then go to your Outbox and delete or edit the message before it’s sent.
This is a great solution for users who can’t use Recall or often need a moment of reflection before sending.
What Happens If Recall Fails?
If the recall doesn’t succeed:
- The recipient may still read your original email.
- They might also receive a notification that you tried to recall it.
Sometimes, this draws more attention to the email, especially if it was sent in error.
That’s why it’s better to act fast and follow up with a corrected version of the email or a clarification message if a recall attempt fails.
Best Practices to Avoid Needing to Unsend Emails
Enable Delay Send
As mentioned earlier, this gives you a safety window.
Double-Check Recipients
Always verify email addresses, especially when sending to large groups or sensitive contacts.
Use Email Drafts
Write your message, save it as a draft, and revisit it after a few minutes before hitting Send.
Be Mindful with Attachments
Attach files before writing the body to avoid forgetting. Outlook also alerts you if it detects missing attachments based on your wording.
Use Professional Language
Even casual messages benefit from politeness and clarity. Avoid sarcasm or ambiguous statements.
Alternatives to Outlook’s Unsend Feature
If you’re using Outlook but can’t access the Recall feature, consider these tools and services:
- Microsoft Teams or Chat – Use for quick clarifications or message corrections within the organization.
- Secure Email Services – Tools like Virtru and ProtonMail allow revoking or restricting messages.
- Google Gmail – Gmail has a built-in Undo Send option for up to 30 seconds after sending.
These platforms provide more flexibility when Outlook’s limitations don’t meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unsend an email in Outlook after it’s been read?
No, once the recipient has read the email, you cannot unsend or recall it.
Can I recall an email sent outside my organization?
No, recalls only work within the same Microsoft Exchange environment or organization.
Does Outlook on mobile allow email recall?
No, the Recall feature is only available on the desktop version of Outlook for Windows.
What if I want to replace a recalled message?
Use the “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message” option when using the recall feature.
How do I know if the recall worked?
If you selected the confirmation option, Outlook will send you a notification letting you know whether the recall succeeded or failed for each recipient.
