Accidentally sent an email in Outlook and need to take it back? Microsoft Outlook offers a Recall Email feature that lets you unsend an email under certain conditions. This guide will walk you through how to recall an email in Outlook and explore alternative solutions if recall isn’t possible.
Can You Unsend an Email in Outlook?
Yes, but only under these conditions:
- The recipient must be using Microsoft Outlook (Exchange or Microsoft 365 account).
- The email must not have been opened yet.
- You and the recipient must be on the same organization’s Exchange server.
If these conditions are met, you can recall or replace an email. If not, consider alternative solutions.
How to Recall an Email in Outlook (Desktop)
Open Sent Items
- Open Microsoft Outlook on your PC or Mac.
- Click on Sent Items in the left-hand menu.
- Locate the email you want to recall.
Open the Recall Feature
- Double-click to open the sent email (do not preview it in the reading pane).
- Click the Message tab at the top.
- Select Actions → Recall This Message.
Choose Recall Options
A pop-up window will appear with two options:
- Delete unread copies of this message (removes the email if unopened).
- Delete unread copies and replace with a new message (lets you send a corrected version).
Confirm Recall
- Check the box “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient” to get a status update.
- Click OK.
- If you selected the replace option, edit your message and resend it.
Alternative Ways to Unsend an Email in Outlook
If the recall feature is unavailable or unsuccessful, try these workarounds:
Delay Sending Emails in Outlook
Prevent mistakes by setting a delay on outgoing emails.
How to Delay Emails in Outlook:
- Click File → Manage Rules & Alerts.
- Select New Rule → Apply rule on messages I send.
- Choose “Defer delivery by a number of minutes” (e.g., 1–5 minutes).
- Click Finish to apply the delay.
Contact the Recipient
If you sent an email with incorrect information, send a follow-up email or call the recipient to clarify.
Use Microsoft 365 Message Encryption
Microsoft 365 users can use email encryption to restrict message access and prevent forwarding.
FAQs About Unsending Emails in Outlook
Can I recall an email if the recipient has opened it?
No, the recall feature only works if the email remains unread.
Does email recall work in Outlook Web (Outlook.com)?
No, recall is only available in the Outlook desktop app with an Exchange account.
What happens if recall fails?
Outlook will notify you if the recall attempt was unsuccessful, and the recipient will still see the original email.
Can I recall an email sent to a Gmail or Yahoo account?
No, email recall only works within an Exchange environment.
How do I check the status of my recall request?
You will receive an email notification from Outlook confirming whether the recall was successful.
Recalling an email in Outlook is possible under specific conditions, but it’s not foolproof. If recall fails, consider using delayed sending, encryption, or following up with the recipient. Planning ahead can help prevent email mishaps in the future.
