Technology

Email Recall in Outlook: How To Undo Sent Emails

• Josh
• May 21, 2025
• 10 Comments

Email Recall in Outlook: How To Undo Sent Emails

Welcome to the world of email, where mistakes happen even to the best of us. Have you ever hit "Send" and immediately regretted it? Maybe you forgot an attachment, spotted a typo, or accidentally sent an email to the wrong recipient. Fear not! In this guide, we'll delve into the realm of email recall in Outlook, Microsoft's popular email client, and learn how to undo those sent emails seamlessly.

Understanding Email Recall

Before we dive into the steps of recalling an email in Outlook, let's understand how this feature works. Email recall allows you to retrieve an email message that you've sent, provided certain conditions are met:

• Both you and the recipient must be using Microsoft Exchange email accounts.
• The recipient must not have opened the email yet.
• You must be using Microsoft Outlook as your email client.

Steps to Recall an Email in Outlook

Now, let's walk through the process of recalling a sent email in Outlook:

1. Open Outlook: Launch your Outlook application on your computer.
2. Go to the "Sent Items" folder: Locate the email you wish to recall in the "Sent Items" folder.
3. Double-click on the email: Open the email you want to recall.
4. Click on the "Actions" tab: In the top menu, click on "Actions."
5. Select "Recall This Message": From the dropdown menu, choose "Recall This Message."
6. Choose recall options: You can select to delete unread copies of the email or replace it with a new message.
7. Click "OK": Confirm your selection and click "OK."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While recalling an email in Outlook can be a lifesaver, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Recipient has already read the email: If the recipient has already opened the email, the recall attempt will fail.
• Recipient is not using Microsoft Exchange: Email recall only works if both parties are on Microsoft Exchange accounts.
• Technical issues: Sometimes, technical glitches can prevent the recall from being successful.

Alternative Methods

If you're unable to recall an email in Outlook, you can try reaching out to the recipient directly and explain the situation. Additionally, some email encryption services offer more robust recall features that work across different email platforms.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Take a moment to review your emails before hitting "Send" to minimize the need for email recalls.

Now that you're armed with the knowledge of email recall in Outlook, go forth and email confidently!

For more tech tips and tricks, check out our article on 10 Effective Ways to Quit Vaping and Improve Your Health.