How To Recall Email in Outlook ? Recall Email Outlook ?

In today’s fast-paced professional environment, the ability to communicate effectively via email is paramount. However, there are instances when we hastily send out an email only to realize moments later that we’ve made a mistake. Whether it’s a typo, an incorrect attachment, or sending it to the wrong recipient, such errors can be embarrassing and sometimes have professional repercussions. Fortunately, Microsoft Outlook offers a solution to this dilemma through its email recall feature. This powerful tool allows you to retract an email that has been sent in error, giving you a second chance to correct your mistake before it’s seen by the recipient. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use the email recall feature in Outlook, ensuring that you can manage your communications with confidence and professionalism.

How To Recall An Email İn Outlook ?

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, sending an email to the wrong recipient or with incomplete information can happen to anyone. Fortunately, if you’re an Outlook user, you have the option to recall an email-a feature that can save you from potential embarrassment or professional mishaps. This guide will walk you through the process of recalling an email in Outlook, detailing each step to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Whether you’ve sent a message prematurely or simply wish to edit the content, understanding how to recall an email is a valuable skill in managing your electronic communication.

Steps to Recall an Email in Outlook:

1. Open the Sent Items Folder: Begin by navigating to your ‘Sent Items’ folder within Outlook. This is where all your sent emails are stored.
2. Double-Click the Email to Recall: Find the email you wish to recall. Double-click on it to open it in a new window.
3. Access the Recall Feature: With the email open, go to the ‘Message’ tab in the top menu. Click on ‘Actions’, and then select ‘Recall This Message’ from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose Your Recall Option: A dialog box will appear with two options:
5. Delete unread copies of this message: This option attempts to delete the email from the recipient’s inbox if it hasn’t been opened yet.
   Delete unread copies and replace with a new message: Select this if you wish to replace the email with a corrected version. After choosing this option, you will be prompted to write a new email.
6. Receive a Recall Report: Optionally, you can request to receive a report on the recall’s success. Check the box for ‘Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient’. Click ‘OK’.
7. Send a Replacement Email (if applicable): If you’ve chosen to replace the email, compose your new message and send it as usual.

Considerations and Limitations:
Recipient’s Email Client: The recall feature only works if both you and the recipient are using Outlook and are within the same organization.

Email Status: The email can only be recalled if it has not been opened by the recipient. If the recipient has already read the message, the recall will fail.

Outlook Versions: The recall functionality might vary depending on the version of Outlook you are using. It’s generally available in Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010, and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

Mailbox Type: Recall works best with Exchange or Microsoft 365 accounts. It may not be available or work differently with POP or IMAP accounts.

How To Recall Email İn Outlook 365 ?

Recalling an email in Outlook 365 is a useful feature for correcting or retracting emails that were sent by mistake. This feature is available for users within the same Exchange server, typically in a corporate environment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to recall an email in Outlook 365:

Step-by-Step Guide to Recall an Email in Outlook 365

1. Open Outlook 365: Start by launching Outlook 365. Make sure you’re logged into the account from which you sent the email you wish to recall.
2. Navigate to Sent Items: Go to the ‘Sent Items’ folder to find the list of emails you’ve sent.
3. Open the Email: Locate the email you want to recall. Double-click on it to open it in a separate window.
4. Access the Recall Feature: In the opened email window, click on the ‘Message’ tab found in the upper toolbar. Then, look for the ‘Actions’ group. Click on ‘Actions’, and a dropdown menu will appear. Select ‘Recall This Message…’.
5. Choose Recall Options: A dialog box will open with two options:
   • Delete unread copies of this message: Choose this option if you want to remove the message from the recipient’s inbox, provided they haven’t read it yet.
   • Delete unread copies and replace them with a new message: Select this if you want to delete the original email and replace it with a new one. After selecting this option, you will be prompted to write the replacement email.
6. Confirmation and Notification: You can opt to receive a notification about the success or failure of the email recall. Check the option ‘Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient’. Click ‘OK’ to proceed.
7. Send a Replacement Email (If Applicable): If you chose to replace the email, compose your new message in the window that appears. Once done, send your email as you normally would.

Important Considerations

• Compatibility: The recall feature works only if both you and the recipient are using Outlook within the same organization’s Exchange server. It is not available for personal Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email accounts.
• Email Status: The recall is likely to succeed only if the recipient hasn’t opened the original email yet.
• Outlook Configuration: The recipient’s Outlook settings might affect the recall’s success. For example, if the recipient has configured Outlook to automatically process meeting requests or has certain rules set up, the recall may fail.
• Version and Account Type: The functionality and availability of the recall feature can vary based on the Outlook version and the type of email account (e.g., Exchange, Microsoft 365) you’re using.

How To Recall A Sent Email İn Outlook ?

Recalling a sent email in Outlook can be a lifesaver when you’ve accidentally sent an email too early or to the wrong person. This feature is particularly useful in a professional environment where email communication is critical. The recall function is available in Outlook for emails sent within the same Exchange organization. Here’s how you can recall a sent email in Outlook:

Steps to Recall a Sent Email in Outlook

1. Open Outlook: Launch the Microsoft Outlook application on your computer.
2. Go to the Sent Items Folder: Navigate to the ‘Sent Items’ folder to find the email you wish to recall. This folder contains all the emails you have sent.
3. Open the Email: Double-click on the email you want to recall to open it.
4. Access the Recall Function:
   • In the open email window, look for the ‘Message’ tab in the ribbon.
   • Click on ‘Actions’ in the ‘Move’ group.
   • From the dropdown menu, select ‘Recall This Message…’.
5. Choose Recall Options: A dialog box will appear with two options:
   • Delete unread copies of this message: Select this if you want to try to delete the email from the recipients’ inboxes, provided they haven’t opened it yet.
   • Delete unread copies and replace them with a new message: Choose this option if you want to delete the original email and send a new one in its place. After selecting this option, you will automatically be prompted to write the replacement email.
6. Receive a Notification for the Recall: You can opt to get a notification about the recall’s success or failure. Select the checkbox for ‘Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient’. Then, click ‘OK’.
7. Send a Replacement Email (Optional): If you chose to replace the email, compose your new message and send it as usual.

How To Recall Email in Outlook Webmail ?

Recalling an email in Outlook Webmail, also known as Outlook on the web (formerly Outlook Web App or OWA), operates differently compared to the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook. As of my last update in April 2023, Outlook on the web does not offer a direct “recall” feature similar to what’s available in the Outlook desktop application for emails already sent to recipients. This means users cannot retrieve or replace an email once it has been sent from Outlook Webmail.

However, users can take advantage of the “Undo Send” feature in Outlook on the web, which provides a short window of time to cancel sending an email immediately after it’s been dispatched. This feature can be crucial in preventing unintended emails from reaching their recipients, although it requires quick action. Here’s how to use it:

How to Use “Undo Send” in Outlook on the Web

1. Enable Undo Send Feature:
   • Before using “Undo Send”, ensure it’s enabled in your Outlook on the web settings.
   • Go to ‘Settings’ (the gear icon), then click ‘View all Outlook settings’ at the bottom.
   • Choose ‘Mail’ > ‘Compose and reply’.
   • Under “Send messages”, look for the “Undo send” section. You can choose how long you want the undo period to be, up to a maximum of 10 seconds. This setting determines how long you have to click “Undo” after sending an email.
   • Click ‘Save’ to apply your changes.
2. Using Undo Send:
   • After sending an email, a notification appears at the bottom of the screen with the option to “Undo” the send.
   • Click “Undo” within the time frame you’ve set up (e.g., 10 seconds). The email will not be sent, and it will open back up in compose mode so you can make changes or decide not to send it.

Alternatives and Considerations

• Be Quick: The effectiveness of the “Undo Send” feature depends on your reaction time. Once the undo period expires, the email is sent, and you cannot recall it.
• No Recall for Sent Emails: For emails that have already been sent and cannot be undone, consider sending a follow-up email to apologize for any mistake or to provide clarification as needed.
• Check Settings Regularly: Features and options in Outlook on the web may change with updates. Always check the latest settings and features available in your version of Outlook on the web.
• Use Caution: As always, review your emails carefully before sending them, especially if the information is sensitive or critical. This practice helps reduce the need to recall or undo sends.

As of now, users looking for recall functionality similar to that of the Outlook desktop application may need to use the desktop version for those specific features. The “Undo Send” feature in Outlook on the web provides a brief opportunity to stop an email from being sent but does not offer the ability to recall an email once the undo period has passed.

How To Recall Email in Outlook App ?

As of my last update in April 2023, the Outlook mobile app (for iOS and Android) does not support the direct recall of an email after it has been sent, similar to the limitations found in Outlook on the web. The recall feature, which allows users to retract an email that has already been dispatched, is primarily available in the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook within an Exchange server environment. This feature relies on specific server-side capabilities that are not accessible via the mobile app.

Workarounds and Best Practices

Since direct email recall is not available in the Outlook app, here are some alternatives and best practices to consider:

1. Double-Check Before Sending: The most effective way to avoid the need to recall an email is to carefully review it before sending. This includes checking the recipient list, the content of the email, and any attachments.
2. Delay Sending: While the Outlook mobile app does not provide an option to delay sending emails, this feature is available in the desktop version of Outlook. If you frequently find yourself in situations where you might need to recall emails, consider composing sensitive messages on the desktop version and using the delay send feature to give yourself a buffer.
3. Use “Undo Send” on Outlook on the Web: If you have access to Outlook on the web, you might be able to use the “Undo Send” feature from a mobile browser. This feature allows you a brief window to cancel sending an email after you’ve hit the send button, although it’s limited to a short time frame (up to 10 seconds based on your settings).
4. Follow Up with a Correction or Apology: If an email is sent in error from the Outlook app, consider sending a follow-up email to correct the mistake or apologize. While not ideal, this approach acknowledges the error and provides any necessary clarifications.
5. Check for Future Updates: Features in mobile apps are continually evolving. It’s a good idea to keep your Outlook app updated and periodically check if new features, including email recall or undo send options, have been added.
6. Use Desktop Version for Sensitive Emails: If you anticipate the need for features like recall or delayed sending, you might prefer to use the desktop version of Outlook for composing and sending more sensitive or critical emails.

While the lack of a recall feature in the Outlook mobile app might be inconvenient, these workarounds and best practices can help manage email communications more effectively and reduce the potential impact of mistakenly sent emails. Always staying informed about updates and new features in the Outlook app is also a good strategy to make the most of the available tools.

How To Recall Email in Outlook Browser ?

As of my last update in April 2023, Outlook on the web (formerly known as Outlook Web App or OWA) does not provide a direct email recall function similar to what’s available in the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook. In the desktop version, users within the same Exchange organization can recall or replace emails they have sent, under certain conditions. However, this specific functionality is not supported directly through the browser-based version of Outlook.

Alternatives and Strategies

While you can’t recall an email in the traditional sense in Outlook on the web, here are some strategies and best practices to mitigate the issue of mistakenly sent emails:

1. Use “Undo Send” Feature

Outlook on the web includes an “Undo Send” feature that gives users a brief window of time (a few seconds) to cancel the sending of an email after hitting the send button.

• To enable or adjust the “Undo Send” feature:
  • Go to the Outlook on the web settings (gear icon).
  • Select “View all Outlook settings” at the bottom of the settings panel.
  • Navigate to “Mail” > “Compose and reply”.
  • In the “Send messages” section, you’ll find the “Undo send” option where you can adjust the cancellation period (up to 10 seconds).
  • After adjusting, remember to save your settings.

This feature is particularly useful for quickly stopping an email right after sending it, but it requires immediate action and is limited by the short cancellation period you’ve set.

2. Review Emails Carefully Before Sending

Since the option to recall an email after it has been sent and potentially read by the recipient is not available, it’s crucial to thoroughly review your emails before sending them. This includes checking the recipients, content, attachments, and any other relevant details to ensure the email is accurate and intended for the right audience.

3. Follow-up with an Apology or Correction

If you realize an error after the email has been sent and the “Undo Send” window has expired, the best course of action is to follow up with another email. This follow-up email should address the error, provide any corrections, and if necessary, include an apology for any confusion or inconvenience caused.

4. Stay Updated on New Features

Microsoft continuously updates Outlook on the web with new features and improvements. It’s worthwhile to stay informed about updates and new capabilities that might include more flexible options for managing sent emails in the future.

While the inability to recall an email in Outlook on the web may seem like a limitation, the “Undo Send” feature and adopting careful email practices can help manage the risk of sending erroneous emails. Always double-check your emails and leverage available features to minimize mistakes in your digital communication.

How To Unsend An Email İn Outlook ?

To “unsend” an email in Microsoft Outlook, you’ll primarily be using the “Recall” feature available in the desktop version of Outlook for Windows, which is part of an Exchange environment. This feature allows you to recall (or replace) an email that you have already sent, under certain conditions. Additionally, Outlook on the web offers an “Undo Send” feature that can be used immediately after sending an email. Here’s how you can utilize these features:

For Outlook Desktop Application (Windows)

Recalling an Email:

1. Open the Sent Items Folder: Go to your ‘Sent Items’ folder where all sent emails are stored.
2. Open the Email to Recall: Double-click on the email you want to recall to open it.
3. Access the Recall Function:
   • In the Message tab, within the Move group, click on ‘Actions’.
   • Then, select ‘Recall This Message…’.
4. Choose Your Recall Option:
   • Delete unread copies of this message (to simply try to remove the email from the recipients’ inboxes if they haven’t opened it).
   • Delete unread copies and replace them with a new message (if you want to send a corrected version immediately).
5. Send a Replacement Email (Optional): If you chose to replace the email, you will be prompted to write a new message.

Conditions for Success:

• Both you and the recipient must be using Outlook with an Exchange account in the same organization.
• The feature works best when the email has not been read by the recipient.
• The recipient’s Outlook settings and version may affect the outcome.

For Outlook on the Web (Outlook.com, OWA)

Using Undo Send:

1. Enable Undo Send (if not already enabled):
   • Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘View all Outlook settings’ > ‘Mail’ > ‘Compose and reply’.
   • In the “Send messages” section, you’ll find the “Undo send” slider. You can set the cancellation period (up to 10 seconds).
2. Immediately After Sending an Email:
   • Right after you send an email, you’ll see a message bar at the bottom of the screen with an “Undo” option. Click it within the time frame you’ve set to stop the email from being sent.

Considerations:

• The “Undo Send” feature provides a brief window to cancel the send action; it does not recall an email after this window.
• The effectiveness of the “Undo Send” feature depends on the cancellation period you’ve set.

In summary, recalling an email is possible in the Outlook desktop application under specific conditions, mainly within an Exchange environment. For immediate action after sending an email, the “Undo Send” feature in Outlook on the web offers a short time frame to cancel the send action. These features can help mitigate the consequences of sending an email prematurely or to the wrong recipient.