How to Recall an Email in Outlook | Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

Sent an email in via Outlook but immediately realized something was wrong? Luckily, Outlook offers an email recall feature! This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to recall an email in Outlook. We will walk you through the process for different Outlook versions.

Part 1. How to Recall an Email in Outlook

It is possible to recall an email in Outlook. However, it will only work when you and the recipient have a Microsoft 365 work or school email account within the same organization.

The process of recalling emails varies depending on the version of Outlook you are using. I will detail the steps for each in the following section.

1. Steps to Recall Email in New Outlook

• In Outlook, choose Sent Items. Open the email you want to recall.
• Click the More actions button and choose Recall message.

• Click OK on the pop-up window.

• Then, you will receive a Message Recall Report. It will tell you if the recalling has succeeded or failed.

New Outlook refers to the latest version launched in 2022. It has a simpler interface and more features.

2. Steps to Recall Email in Classic Outlook

• Open Outlook and go to Sent Items.
• Double-click to open the email you want to unsend.
• Click Actions and choose Recall This Message.

• Then, choose a recall type based on your needs.
• Finally, click OK to recall Outlook email.

Classic Outlook is a traditional desktop application with a ribbon interface. It is commonly used in older Office versions.

3. Steps to Recall Email in Outlook on the Web

• Log into your account. Go to Sent Items from the left side.
• Open the email you want to recall.
• Then, choose Recall Message from the ribbon.
• Finally, click OK. After a few seconds, you will receive a Message Recall Report with the recalling status.

Outlook on the Web is a web-based version of Outlook for business users with work or school accounts.

4. Steps to Recall Email in Outlook for Mac

• In Outlook, go to Sent and double-click to open the email.
• Choose the Recall Message option from the ribbon.
• Finally, click OK on the confirmation dialog box.

The recall feature is available in Outlook for Mac 16.94 build or later.

5. Steps to Recall Email in Outlook for Android and iOS

• In the Outlook app, go to the Send folder.
• Find and open the email you want to recall.
• Tap the three-dots icon at the top right corner.
• Choose Recall to make it. You can also tap Resend to correct any errors.

Since February 2025, the email recall feature has been available to Android Beta and iOS TestFlight users running app version 4.2504.0 or later.

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Part 2. Conditions for a Successful Email Recall in Outlook

From the above, you know how to recall an email in Outlook. However, not every time you will be able to unsend an email that has already been sent. Several conditions must be met for a successful recall.

1. Account Requirements. You and the recipient must use Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft 365 accounts within the same organization. The recall will fail if the recipient uses Gmail, Apple Mail, Yahoo, etc.

2. Email Status. The email should be in the recipient's inbox and must remain unread. If the recipient has already opened the email or moved the email to another folder, you can't recall the email.

3. Client Accessibility. The recipient’s email client must be open and connected. If their Outlook is closed, the recall might not succeed until they reopen it.

Part 3. Alternatives When You Can’t Recall an Email in Outlook

While email recall is possible, it doesn't always work. What should you do if the recall fails? Here are some ways that might give you some inspiration.

1. Send a Follow-Up Email. Compose a new email and apologize for the mistake. You can ask the recipient to ignore the original email. This is simple and effective, especially for minor errors.

2. Contact the Recipient Directly. If the email contains sensitive or important information, call or message the recipient to explain and request they delete it without reading.

3. Use Delay Send. Set up a delay to give yourself a window to cancel before delivery, which can prevent the need for recall altogether.

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Part 4. Bonus Tip: How to Undo Send Email in Outlook

Outlook's email recall feature only works if both parties have a Microsoft 365 email account and are in the same organization. However, although you can't withdraw emails sent through your account in @outlook.com or to people who use other emails, you still have the opportunity to reverse the emails you sent.

The Undo Send feature lets you cancel a sending within 10 seconds. Here’s how to turn it on.

• In Outlook or Outlook.com, click the Settings button.
• Go to Mail. Choose Compose and reply.
• Choose how long Outlook will wait to send the message.

• This way, you will see an Undo send prompt when you send an email next time.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to recall an email in Outlook. Calling emails in Outlook is a powerful tool for correcting errors but has limitations. Therefore, it’s best to check the message before sending it. In addition, you can set delay send and turn on undo send to help you avoid errors.

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