Guides

How to unsend an email in Outlook and Gmail

  • microsoft
  • google

22 October 2024

0 min read

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Have you ever wanted to unsend an email in Outlook or Gmail? You've hit the send button and then immediately regretted it? You've realized there was a mistake in your email right after sending it. Luckily, both Outlook and Gmail offer the option to unsend an email, saving you from potential embarrassment or miscommunication.

In this guide, we will go through the steps for how to unsend an email in Outlook and Gmail.

Why would you unsend an email?

There can be various reasons why someone would want to unsend an email. Some common scenarios include:

  • Sending an email with typos or wrong information: We've all been there - typing too fast or not proofreading can result in spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or incorrect information.

  • Accidentally sending an email to the wrong recipient: It's easy to mistakenly send an email to the wrong person if you have similar names in your contact list.

  • Sending an email in the heat of the moment: We've all had those moments where we write an angry email and hit send in the heat of the moment. Unsending it can save us from potential conflicts or misunderstandings.

  • Realizing you attached the wrong file: Forgetting to attach a document or attaching the wrong one can be problematic, especially if it's time-sensitive information.

  • Changing your mind about sending an email. Sometimes, after hitting send, we realize that the information in the email is no longer relevant or necessary.

What does it mean to unsend an email?

Unsending an email involves recalling or retracting a sent email before the recipient reads it. It's like hitting an "undo" button for your email, making it vanish from the recipient's inbox.

However, it's important to note that this isn't foolproof and may not work every time. For example, if the recipient has already opened your email, they might still be able to access its contents even after you unsend it. Therefore, it's best to double-check your email information before hitting send.

How to unsend an email in Outlook

Outlook has a feature called "Recall Email" that allows users to unsend an email. Here's how to use it:

  1. Open your Outlook inbox and go to the Sent Items folder.

  2. Double-click on the email you want to unsend to open it in a new window.

  3. Click on the Message tab and select Actions from the menu bar.

  4. Choose Recall This Message from the drop-down menu.

  5. In the pop-up window, select Delete unread copies of this message.

  6. If you want, you can also choose to replace the email with a new one by selecting Delete unread copies and replace with a new message.

  7. Click on OK to confirm your selection.

  8. If the recipient has already read the email, you will receive a notification stating that the recall was unsuccessful.

How to unsend an email in Gmail

Gmail has a similar feature called Undo Send that lets you unsend an email within a specific time frame after hitting send. Here's how to enable and use it:

  1. Open your Gmail inbox and go to the Sent folder.

  2. Click on the email you want to unsend to open it in a new window.

  3. Look for the Undo button at the top of the screen next to a message stating, Your message has been sent.

  4. Click on the Undo button within 5-30 seconds (depending on your settings) to recall your email.

  5. If you want to change the amount of time given to recall an email, go to the Settings menu, and under the General tab, look for the Undo Send option.

  6. Choose a time interval from the drop-down menu and click on Save Changes.

  7. Keep in mind that if you have enabled two-step verification for your Gmail account, you will be asked to enter a code before recalling an email.

Important points to consider

  • The "unsend" feature in Outlook and Gmail only works when the recipient uses the same email client. If they're using a different one, recalling the email is not guaranteed.

  • Some other email clients, like Yahoo Mail, don't have an "unsend" feature. In such cases, you can try reaching out to the recipient and asking them to delete the email.

  • Certain conditions must be met for the "unsend" feature to work, such as both sender and recipient being on the same server or network. If these conditions are not met, the email may still be delivered even after attempting to unsend it.

  • It's best to use the "unsend" feature as a last resort and try to prevent mistakes by double-checking your emails before sending them.

  • Some third-party email plugins also offer an "unsend" feature, so explore your options if you want more control over recalling sent emails.

Are there times when you can't unsend an email?

There can be instances where you may not be able to unsend an email. These include:

  • The recipient has already opened the email or marked it as "read."

  • The recipient's inbox is full or they are offline.

  • You exceeded the time limit for unsending an email in Gmail (30 seconds) or Outlook (varies depending on your settings).

  • The email is sent from a shared mailbox or alias.

  • You don't have permission to recall the message.

Make sure your email is perfect in every way

Using the "unsend" feature can help avoid mistakes, but it's always better to proofread your emails before hitting send. Check everything from the email body to the attachments to ensure they're just right.

If a mistake slips through and can't be undone, focus on maintaining professionalism with your email signature. A branded email signature shows professionalism and attention to detail, even if the message content has errors. With the right email signature management software, you can create a signature that reflects your brand and provides key contact information for recipients.

Unlocking the power of Exclaimer

Exclaimer’s robust email signature management platform offers a myriad of benefits that ensure consistency, professionalism, and efficiency in your email signatures.

  • Automate the process of deploying standardized signatures to all users, ensuring that every email sent reflects the brand accurately. This boosts brand recognition and maintains professional appearance in all communications.

  • Get the flexibility to design dynamic signatures that can vary by department or role, allowing for targeted messaging and adherence to brand guidelines.

  • Simplify the management process through centralized control, meaning updates can be rolled out quickly, without individual users having to do anything.

  • Choose a solution that supports various email clients and devices, ensuring a seamless and consistent user experience, regardless of how or where the email is sent from.

By leveraging Exclaimer for email signature management, companies can enhance their brand presence in every email, foster professional communication, and save valuable time and resources.

Discover the advantages of Exclaimer and get an online demo of this innovative email signature solution.

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Frequently asked questions about how to unsend an email in Outlook and Gmail

Can I unsend an email in any email client?

No, not all email clients have the ability to unsend emails. It is primarily available in popular clients like Outlook and Gmail.

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