You hit send—and instead of zooming off, your message just sits there. If you’ve ever had an email stuck in Outbox, you know how frustrating it can be, especially when you’re waiting on an urgent reply. This is a common issue faced by users across email platforms like Outlook, Gmail, Apple Mail, and more.
This guide explains why emails get stuck in the Outbox, how to fix them quickly, and how to avoid this issue in the future. Whether you’re using a desktop app or a mobile device, you’ll find reliable solutions that work in 2025.
What Does It Mean When an Email Is Stuck in the Outbox?
When an email is stuck in the Outbox, it means the message hasn’t been successfully delivered to the mail server. The Outbox is a temporary folder where emails are held before they’re sent. If something goes wrong during this process, the email remains in that folder and doesn’t reach the recipient.
This doesn’t mean your email is lost—it just hasn’t left your device yet.
Common Reasons Emails Get Stuck in the Outbox
No Internet Connection
The most common cause. If you’re offline or experiencing network interruptions, your email won’t be able to connect to the server.
Oversized Attachments
Large files (photos, videos, documents) can slow down or stop email transmission. Many email services have file size limits.
Incorrect SMTP Settings
If your outgoing mail server settings are misconfigured, emails won’t be able to leave the Outbox.
Authentication Issues
If your email client can’t authenticate your login credentials, the message may remain unsent.
App or System Glitches
Sometimes the email client itself is the issue. Bugs or cache overloads can prevent emails from sending.
Offline Mode Activated
Some apps allow you to work offline. If this mode is active, your messages won’t send until you’re reconnected.
How to Fix an Email Stuck in Outbox (Step-by-Step)
For Outlook
- Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure you’re online and connected. - Open the Email in Outbox
Double-click to open the stuck email. Make any necessary edits. - Click Send Again
If it still doesn’t work, try moving it back to Drafts and resending. - Restart Outlook
Sometimes, a simple restart clears the blockage.
- Review Account Settings
Go to File > Account Settings > Email and check your SMTP and port details.
For Gmail (App or Web)
- Go to the Outbox Folder
Open the stuck email and tap Send again. - Check Internet Connection
Emails in the Outbox usually send automatically once online. - Clear App Cache
On Android: Settings > Apps > Gmail > Clear Cache
Restart the app and try sending again. - Update Gmail App
Make sure your app is up to date.
For Apple Mail
- Switch to Online Mode
Tap Send/Receive or Sync to force email delivery. - Recheck SMTP Settings
Settings > Mail > Accounts > Outgoing Mail Server > Check username, password, port - Restart the Mail App
Close and reopen the app. - Try Sending from Another Device
Log into your account on a different device and send the message.
If Your Email Has an Attachment
Check the file size:
- Gmail allows up to 25 MB
- Outlook allows up to 20 MB
- Apple Mail limits vary
If it’s too big:
- Compress the file (ZIP)
- Use cloud storage links (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Break the file into smaller parts
Preventing Emails From Getting Stuck in the Outbox
Always Check Your Internet Connection
Avoid sending emails when on unstable Wi-Fi or switching networks.
Keep Your Email App Updated
New versions fix bugs that may cause Outbox issues.
Use Recommended File Sizes
Stick to 15–20 MB for attachments or use cloud services.
Avoid Using Offline Mode Unintentionally
Turn off airplane mode or offline work mode when done.
Double-Check SMTP Settings
When setting up a new email client, confirm the outgoing server (SMTP) settings are accurate.
How to Force Send or Delete a Stuck Email
Sometimes, the email won’t send and won’t delete either. Try this:
- Close the app completely, reopen, and try deleting the email
- Move the message to Drafts, then resend from there
- If using Outlook, work offline temporarily, delete the message from Outbox, then return online
What Happens If You Leave an Email in the Outbox?
It won’t send until the issue is resolved. Depending on your email client:
- Gmail may attempt to resend it every few minutes
- Outlook may try once and then stop
- Apple Mail might show an error until you intervene
Eventually, the email may time out or show a failure message, but it won’t reach your recipient unless successfully sent.
When to Contact Support
If none of the above methods work, contact your email provider or IT admin. You may need to:
- Reset the account connection
- Reconfigure settings
- Check for firewall or antivirus conflicts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my email stuck in Outbox but I have internet?
There may be an issue with the SMTP server, attachment size, or app settings. Try restarting your device and email app.
How do I delete an email stuck in Outbox?
Open the Outbox, select the message, and delete it. If it doesn’t respond, close the app, relaunch it, and try again.
Can I resend an email stuck in Outbox?
Yes, open the message, click Edit, then try sending it again.
Will emails in Outbox eventually send?
Only if the issue (like network or authentication) is resolved. Otherwise, they stay stuck until you fix it or delete it.
Does email stuck in Outbox mean it was delivered?
No. If it’s in Outbox, it hasn’t been sent or delivered yet.
