Timing matters in communication, especially in the professional world. Whether you’re planning ahead or avoiding sending late-night messages, learning how to use the Outlook schedule email send feature can help you take control of your email timing. Outlook allows users to schedule emails for future delivery, ensuring your message lands in the recipient’s inbox at the perfect moment.
This guide walks you through how to schedule emails in Outlook, offers real-world use cases, and shares helpful tips to maximize the feature.
Why Use Outlook Schedule Email Send Feature
Scheduling emails in Outlook allows you to:
- Draft emails outside regular hours and send them during business hours
- Time reminders, follow-ups, and updates for better response rates
- Manage communication efficiently during different time zones
- Avoid flooding someone’s inbox too early or too late
Knowing how to use the Outlook schedule email send option helps you improve professionalism and control how your messages are received.
How to Schedule an Email in Outlook (Desktop App)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Compose Your Email
Open Outlook and click New Email to start composing your message.
- Click on Options Tab
After writing your message, go to the top ribbon and select the Options tab.
- Select Delay Delivery
In the More Options group, click on Delay Delivery.
- Set Delivery Time
A new window will pop up. Under Delivery options, check the box for Do not deliver before and select your desired date and time.
- Close and Send
Click Close, then hit Send. The email will remain in your Outbox until the specified time.
The Outlook schedule email send feature ensures that even if you’re offline later, your email still goes out at the right moment.
How to Schedule an Email in Outlook Web (Outlook.com)
The Outlook web version also allows you to schedule emails easily.
Scheduling in Outlook Web:
- Compose a new message in your browser.
- Click the down arrow next to the Send button.
- Select Send later.
- Choose a date and time from the calendar popup.
- Click Send.
Your message will be sent automatically at the selected time, with no need to keep your browser open.
Editing a Scheduled Email in Outlook
After scheduling, your email is stored in the Outbox folder. If you want to make changes:
- Go to the Outbox.
- Double-click the scheduled email to open it.
- Make your edits.
- To reschedule, return to Delay Delivery and adjust the delivery time.
- Click Send again.
Your changes will overwrite the previous version and retain the scheduled delivery time.
Canceling a Scheduled Email in Outlook
If you change your mind and don’t want to send the email:
- Go to the Outbox.
- Right-click on the scheduled message.
- Select Delete.
This removes the email from your Outbox and prevents it from being sent.
Outlook Schedule Email Send: Use Cases
The Outlook schedule email send feature isn’t just about convenience—it’s also strategic.
Time-Zone Considerations
If you’re working with global teams, scheduling an email to arrive during your recipient’s workday ensures it gets attention.
Avoiding After-Hours Messages
Rather than sending emails late at night (which can appear unprofessional), schedule them to deliver during office hours.
Reminders and Follow-Ups
Use scheduling to send gentle nudges, event reminders, or check-ins exactly when needed.
Preparing for Vacations
Get ahead of deadlines by writing emails in advance and scheduling them to send while you’re away.
Weekly or Monthly Updates
Automate your internal communications or reports by scheduling recurring email drafts.
Limitations of Outlook Schedule Email Send
While the Outlook schedule email send feature is reliable, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- Your computer must be on and Outlook must be open if you’re using the desktop version with a non-Exchange account.
- Scheduled emails won’t send if you’re offline, unless you’re using Microsoft 365 or Exchange, which handles it through the server.
- Scheduling doesn’t work retroactively—you must schedule the email before sending.
- No native recurring send feature—you have to manually set up each scheduled email.
Understanding these limitations helps you avoid failed deliveries and ensure timely communication.
Outlook Mobile App: Can You Schedule Emails?
As of now, the Outlook mobile app does not support the schedule email send feature. To schedule emails, use either the desktop version or the web version of Outlook.
Microsoft may introduce this feature in future updates, but currently, it’s best to schedule emails using a desktop or browser environment.
Tips for Using Outlook Schedule Email Send Effectively
- Test it first: Try sending a scheduled email to yourself to confirm everything works.
- Keep track of time zones: Use tools like world clocks or meeting planners when working across regions.
- Check your Outbox: Verify scheduled emails are still there if you edit them.
- Use templates: Save time by using email templates and scheduling them as needed.
- Be specific with timing: Avoid scheduling messages for weekends or holidays unless necessary.
Using these tips ensures you maximize the Outlook schedule email send feature without running into common issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I schedule recurring emails in Outlook?
Outlook does not natively support recurring scheduled emails. You can use third-party tools or manually copy and schedule each message.
What happens if I close Outlook after scheduling an email?
If you’re using an Exchange or Microsoft 365 account, the server will send it at the scheduled time even if Outlook is closed. Otherwise, the app must remain open.
Can I edit a scheduled email after clicking send?
Yes, go to the Outbox, open the message, make changes, adjust the delivery time if needed, and resend it.
Is the Outlook schedule email send feature available on mobile?
No, this feature is not currently supported on the Outlook mobile app. Use the desktop or web version instead.
Will I get a confirmation when a scheduled email is sent?
No automatic confirmation is sent, but the email will move from your Outbox to the Sent folder once delivered.
The Outlook schedule email send feature gives you more control over when your messages are delivered. Whether you’re working across time zones, planning your week, or sending important updates, scheduling emails ensures timely and thoughtful communication.
Using this feature is simple once you know where to find it, and it can make a big difference in your email habits. With the right planning, Outlook becomes a smarter, more strategic communication tool.