How To undo sent emails in Gmail and Outlook

Email providers like Outlook and Gmail let you edit or recall sent emails. This feature helps you correct mistakes quickly. But it has some limits.

When You Can’t Recall an Email

You can’t always recall an email. First, you must recall it before the recipient opens and reads it. Also, you have a short time to do it. On Gmail, you can set a 5, 10, 20, or 30-second recall period. Security settings can also stop you from recalling an email. So, try not to send emails you might regret.

How to Recall Emails in Outlook

To recall an email in Outlook, you need a Microsoft Exchange email address. Here are the steps for Classic Outlook, New Outlook, and Outlook web access.

Classic Outlook

• Open the Sent Items folder.
• Double-click the email you want to recall.
• Go to the Message tab.
• Click Actions > Recall This Message.
• Choose Delete unread copies or Delete unread copies and replace.
• Click OK.

If you resend, write a new message and click Send.

New Outlook

• Open the Sent Items folder.
• Double-click the email you want to recall.
• Click the Recall Message button in the ribbon.
• Click OK to confirm.

You will get a Message Recall Report.

Outlook on the Web (Work or School Account)

• Open the Sent Items folder.
• Double-click the email.
• Click Recall Message.
• Confirm your action.

A Message Recall Report will appear in your inbox.

Outlook on the Web (Personal Account)

This feature is not available for personal accounts. Instead, you can delay sending emails for up to 10 seconds. Here’s how:

• Click Settings > Mail > Compose and reply.
• Go to Undo send.
• Choose how long to delay the email.
• Click Save.

If the recipient reads your email, they will get a recall message. They will also still have the original email.

Recalling Emails in Gmail

Gmail also lets you recall emails. This feature is called “unsend” or “undo send.” You have a short time to cancel the email. Follow these steps:

In the bottom left, you’ll see Message sent and Undo.

• Click Undo.

Gmail Has a Limited Time to Recall

You can adjust the recall time in Gmail:

1. Go to Gmail on your computer.
2. Click Settings > See all settings.
3. Next to Undo send, choose 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds.
4. Click Save changes.

Now, you can recall emails in Outlook and Gmail easily.

To read our blog on “How to set up Gmail with night mode in 5 easy steps,” click here