Almost everyone has experienced that heart-sinking moment after sending an email too quickly. You might have sent it to the wrong person, forgotten an attachment or spotted an embarrassing typing mistake just a second after sending the email. Fortunately, Microsoft Outlook offers several ways to unsend or recall an email, depending on the version or device you’re using.
Whether you’re using Outlook on the web, desktop, or Mac, the Undo Send and Recall features give you a quick chance to fix mistakes before it’s too late. In this SEOToolzz guide, we’ll walk you through each method in detail to let you know how to unsend an email in Outlook.
What Does “Unsend” Mean in Outlook?
In Outlook, the term “unsend” can refer to two different actions: Undo Send and Recall Message. Knowing the difference between them can save you from a lot of email regrets.
The Undo Send feature doesn’t actually pull an email back from someone’s inbox. Instead, it gives you a brief delay for a limited time frame before the message is sent. It allows you to stop it just in time if you notice a mistake. This handy option is available on Outlook Web and the Outlook mobile app as well to save you from Oops moments.
The Unsend Message feature works a bit differently. It allows you to retract an already sent email, but only in specific situations. Like, when both you and the recipient are using Microsoft 365 or Exchange accounts within the same organization. The function is available on Outlook for Windows and Mac.
How to Unsend an Email in Outlook Web
If you’re using Outlook on the web (Outlook.com), you have the Undo Send option. This feature delays email delivery for a few seconds after you click “Send”, allowing you to cancel or change the content before it is sent.
Steps to Use Undo Send:
Log in to your Outlook account.
Click on the Settings icon in the top-right corner.
Select View all Outlook settings from the bottom of the panel.
Go to Mail > Compose and reply.
Scroll down to the Undo send section.
Use the slider to set your preferred cancellation time (up to 10 seconds).
Click Save to apply the changes.
When you send an email, Outlook will show a small “Undo” button at the bottom of the screen. If you notice a mistake, just click Undo within a limited time frame and your email won’t be sent.
Why This Feature Helps:
This is especially useful if you often catch small mistakes just after sending a message. A 5-10 second delay might seem short, but it is usually enough to prevent errors like missing attachments, incorrect recipients or wrong spelling.
How to Recall or Unsend an Email in Outlook for Windows
If you’re using the desktop version of Outlook for Windows, you may have access to the Recall Message feature. This tool enables you to retract or replace a message that you have already sent, but it has a few limitations.
Steps to Recall a Message:
Open your Outlook desktop app.
Go to the Sent Items folder.
Double-click the email you want to recall.
Select File > Info > Message Resend and Recall > Recall This Message.
Choose one of the following options:
- Delete unread copies of this message.
- Delete unread copies and replace with a new message.
Click OK to confirm your choice.
If the recipient hasn’t read the email yet and is using the same Microsoft 365 or Exchange network, Outlook will attempt to remove the message from their inbox.
Additional Tips:
You’ll receive a notification informing you whether the recall was successful. However, keep in mind that this feature would not work if the email has already been read, moved, or opened by the recipient. It is also not available for external emails outside your organization.
How to Unsend an Email in Outlook for Mac
On Outlook for Mac, the process is similar to that on Windows, but is limited to Microsoft 365 and Exchange accounts. Standard email accounts, such as Gmail or Yahoo, don’t support message recall in the Mac version.
Steps:
Open Outlook for Mac and go to your Sent Items folder.
Double-click the email you want to recall.
Click Message > Actions > Recall This Message.
Choose whether you want to delete unread copies or replace the message with a new one.
Confirm by clicking OK.
If both you and the recipient are using Exchange accounts within the same network, Outlook will try to delete the unread message from their inbox.
Helpful Insight:
For personal or non-Exchange users, Outlook for Mac supports Undo Send instead. You can set a short delay before your emails are sent to allow last-second cancellations.
How to Unsend an Email in the Outlook Mobile App (iPhone & Android)
The Outlook mobile app for iPhone and Android also offers a limited version of the Undo Send feature. While it does not have a recall option. It gives you a few seconds to stop an outgoing message.
Steps to Use Undo Send:
Open the Outlook app on your mobile device.
Tap your profile icon, then select Settings.
Select your email account.
Look for the Undo Send option (if available).
Adjust the delay time to usually between 5 and 10 seconds.
Why It’s Useful:
Mobile devices make it easier to send messages by accident, especially when multitasking or typing quickly. This slight time delay can save you from sending incomplete, rushed, or misdirected emails.
How to Increase the Undo Send Time in Outlook
If you often find yourself spotting mistakes just after sending, you can extend your Undo Send or delay delivery time for better control.
On the Web:
You can set a delay of up to 10 seconds directly through the settings.
On Windows:
You can use a rule to delay all sent emails:
Go to File > Manage Rules & Alerts.
Click New Rule > Apply rule on messages I send.
Set the condition and select Defer delivery by X minutes.
Select a delay time (1-5 minutes).
It ensures that every email waits in your Outbox for a short period before being sent. It provides a safety buffer to make final adjustments.
Limitations of Outlook’s Unsend Feature
While Outlook’s unsend or recall options can be a lifesaver but they are not foolproof. Here are a few limitations to keep in mind:
The Recall feature only works within the same Microsoft 365 or Exchange network and only applies to unread emails. It does not work for external emails, such as Gmail or Yahoo. The Undo Send option simply delays sending for a short time, almost 5 to 10 seconds, so you need to act quickly.
Understanding these limitations will help you use the feature more effectively and set realistic expectations.
Best Practices to Avoid Mistakes
Here are a few best practices you can follow while unsend an email in Outlook:
- Double-check recipients before sending.
- Attach files before typing your message to avoid forgetting.
- Enable Undo Send or Delay Delivery rules for extra time.
- Proofread your email for spelling, grammar, and tone.
- Keep sensitive emails as drafts until you have thoroughly reviewed them.
These habits will help you maintain a professional image and minimize the need to recall emails.
