You know the feeling: You send an email and, the moment you hit the “Send” button, wish you could take it back?
Perhaps you neglected to add an attachment. Perhaps you sent it to the wrong recipient. Or it could be there’s a mistake in it, and one little typo changes everything.
For whatever reason, you’re not alone. The good news? If you use Microsoft Outlook, it is possible to unsend an email — but only in certain circumstances.
In the following detailed guide, you are going to know how to unsend an email in Outlook. We’ll explain everything from how to recall a message, to limitations and tips, and some alternatives that will work if the recall doesn’t.
Let’s dive in.
What Does It Mean to Unsend an Email in Outlook?
When we say “unsend” we mostly refer to taking back the email. If you use Microsoft Outlook, the recall option allows you to delete or replace a message you’ve sent — provided the recipient has not yet read that message.
But there’s a catch: It works under only certain conditions.
So when you ask yourself how to recall a message in Outlook — just remember, it’s not magic. It works, but only if a few conditions are met.
What You Need to Recall an Email in Outlook
Before you attempt to unsend your email, first make sure it meets these factors:
- The sender and recipient both need to be using Microsoft Outlook.
- They must also be on the same Microsoft Exchange server or be in the same organization.
- The person you are emailing has not yet opened the email.
- You are using the desktop app of Outlook (not the browser version or Outlook.com).
If this describes your setup — great! Now, let’s see how to unsend an email in Outlook step by step.
How to Recall or Unsend an Email in Outlook
Here’s how to unsend an email in Outlook by recalling that message:
Step 1: Launch Outlook and Head Over to “Sent Items”
- Launch Microsoft Outlook.
- On the left panel, click on Sent Items.
- Locate the email you want to unsend.
Step 2: Open the Email
- Open the message by double-clicking it in a new window.
Note: You must open the email. It won’t work if you just select it in the reading pane.
Step 3: Tap on “File” and Then Go to “Info”
- From the new window, select File from the top menu.
- Choose Info if it’s not already selected.
Step 4: Tap on “Resend or Recall”
- Find the Resend or Recall button.
- Click on that, and select Recall This Message…
Step 5: Choose an Option
You’ll see two choices:
- Delete unread copies of this message
- Delete unread copies and replace with a new message
Pick the one that suits your need.
You can also enable the option: “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient.”
Step 6: Click “OK”
That’s it. Outlook will now try to unsend the email.
What Happens Next?
Outlook will attempt to retract the message from the recipient’s mailbox.
If the message hasn’t been opened and all conditions are correct, the email will get deleted or replaced.
You’ll get notifications to see if the recall succeeded for each recipient.
Shortcomings of Recalling Emails in Outlook
If you want to unsend an email in Outlook, you should know what might go wrong. Here’s what can prevent a recall:
- Recipient has already opened the email: Too late — you can’t unsend it.
- Recipient uses Gmail or another provider: Recall won’t work.
- You’re using Outlook Web or Outlook.com: The recall feature doesn’t work here.
- Recipient has automatic processing turned off: Messages can’t be recalled in this case.
These limitations highlight why it’s important to act fast and understand the system.
How to Unsend an Email in Outlook Web (Special Offer)
Note: If you use Outlook Web (Outlook.com), you can’t recall a message. But you can set a delay on your emails.
Set a Delay in Outlook Web:
- Go to Settings (gear icon).
- Select View all Outlook settings.
- Go to Mail > Compose and reply.
- Scroll down to Undo send.
- Set the delay (5–10 seconds).
- Click Save.
Now, when you send an email, a small “Undo” box appears at the bottom. You have a few seconds to stop the message from being sent.
Outlook Alternatives Instead of Recalling an Email
Because recall is so limited, here are two smarter options:
1. Delay All Outgoing Emails
This adds a small time buffer so you can cancel or edit before it’s truly sent.
How to set it up:
- Click on File > Manage Rules & Alerts.
- Click New Rule.
- Under “Start from a blank rule”, choose Apply rule on messages I send.
- Choose Defer delivery by a number of minutes.
- Select 1–5 minutes.
- Save the rule.
2. Confirm Before Sending
Get into the habit of double-checking your:
- Recipients
- Attachments
- Message content
This can eliminate 90% of mistakes.
Real-World Use Cases for Recall
Knowing how to unsend is great — knowing when to use it is even better:
- Reply-All Misfire: You meant to reply to one person but emailed the whole company.
- Missing attachments: You mentioned a file but forgot to attach it.
- Wrong recipient: You sent sensitive info to the wrong person.
- Content errors: You found a typo or factual error right after hitting Send.
In such cases, recalling the email might reduce the damage.
Best Ways to Avoid Email Mistakes in Outlook
Even if you can recall emails, it’s better to avoid the need entirely:
- Enable scheduling or delay on outgoing emails.
- Always double-check attachments.
- Don’t type the recipient first — draft the email, then add recipients.
- Proofread carefully.
- Don’t send sensitive data without encryption.
Small steps can prevent big issues.
Final Thoughts
The ability to unsend an email in Outlook can feel like a superpower.
If you’re using Outlook with Microsoft Exchange in a company setup, the recall feature can be really helpful — but it’s far from perfect.
If the recall doesn’t work, delay send and smart habits are your best bet.
So the next time you feel panicked after clicking “Send,” relax. Now you know how to unsend an email in Outlook — and what to do when you can’t.
FAQs: Unsend an Email in Outlook
Q: Is there a way to unsend email in Outlook after it has been read?
A: No. Once the email is opened, you cannot retrieve it.
Q: Can email recall be used over Outlook Web?
A: No. The recall is only available in the desktop version of Outlook.
Q: What if my recipient uses Gmail?
A: The recall will fail. It only works within Microsoft Exchange environments.
Q: Is there any way to avoid accidentally sending an email?
A: Yes. Use a delay rule and always double-check before sending.
Q: What is your fail-safe method for making sure you don’t send email to the wrong person?
A: Always compose your email first, then add the recipient last. And verify everything before hitting send.
Related Guides on Digiasistant:
