How To Recall Email In Outlook on Windows and Mac

Sending an email and immediately realizing a mistake can be a sinking feeling, but fear not Outlook provides a feature that allows you to recall emails, salvaging potential embarrassments or errors. Whether you’re using Outlook on Windows or Mac, the process is relatively straightforward, offering a chance to retract an email before it reaches the recipient’s inbox. Let’s delve into the easy step-by-step guide for recalling emails in Outlook on Windows and mac systems to ensure your communication stays on point and professional.

Thankfully, Outlook offers a handy “recall” feature that can help you save the day.

Recalling Emails in Outlook for Windows

1. Open your Outlook application and navigate to the “Sent Items” folder.

Sent Items Steps 1

2. Locate the email you want to recall. Double-click to open it in a separate window.

Double click steps 2

3. Click on the “File” tab in the top menu bar.  

Click on the File tab steps 3

4. Under “File,” click on “Info.” find the button labeled “Message Resend and Recall.

Message Resend and Recall. steps 4

5. A pop-up window will appear with two options Recall This Message and Resend This Message

Recall This Message and Resend This Message Steps 5

6. Click on Recall This Message and choose options. “Delete unread copies” tries to erase the original email from the recipient’s inbox if they haven’t opened it yet. If you need a do-over, “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message” lets you send a corrected version to completely replace the first one.

Steps 6 recall

7. Once you’ve chosen your recall action, make sure to check the box that says “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient.” This will give you a notification on whether the recall was successful.

8. Click “OK” and hope for the best!

Also Read: How to Delete Microsoft Account from Your Computer and Phone

Recalling Emails in Outlook for Mac

  1. Open the Sent Email:  Navigate to your “Sent Items” folder and locate the email you want to recall. Double-click it to open the message in a separate window.
  2. Find the “Move” Option: Look for the top menu bar and click on the “Message” tab.
  3. Access “Recall This Message”:  Within the “Message” tab, click on “Move,” then hover your mouse over “Actions.” Here, you’ll see the option labeled “Recall This Message.
  4. Choose Your Recall Method: A pop-up window will appear with two options
  • “Delete unread copies of this message”: This attempts to remove the email from the recipient’s inbox if they haven’t opened it yet.
  • “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message”: This allows you to send a corrected version entirely, replacing the original email.
  1. Confirm and Hope for the Best:  Make sure to check the box that says “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient” to receive notification on the outcome.
  2. Click “OK” and cross your fingers!

Conclusion

recalling emails in Outlook for both Windows and Mac systems can be a lifesaver in the realm of digital communication. With a few simple steps, you can potentially salvage a situation fraught with errors or missteps, ensuring your professionalism remains intact. Whether it’s correcting a typo or retracting a message sent in haste, Outlook’s recall feature offers a valuable tool for maintaining clarity and precision in your correspondence. 

FAQ’s

How do I recall an email I accidentally sent?

To recall an email you accidentally sent, open your Outlook application and navigate to the “Sent Items” folder. Locate the email you wish to recall and double-click to open it. Then, click on the “File” tab, followed by “Info.” Within the “Info” section, find the “Message Resend and Recall” option. Choose either “Delete unread copies of this message” or “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message,” depending on your preference. Finally, check the box to receive confirmation of the recall’s success or failure for each recipient and click “OK.”

Why can’t I recall a message in Outlook?

If you can’t recall a message in Outlook, it could be due to several reasons. One common reason is that the recipient has already opened the email, making it impossible to recall. Additionally, if the recipient is not using Outlook or if they are working offline, the recall may not be successful. Moreover, certain email configurations or security settings within your organization’s network may prevent message recalls from being effective.

How do I recall an email in Outlook without recipients knowing?

Unfortunately, Outlook doesn’t offer a way to recall an email completely hidden from the recipient.  If the recall is successful, they’ll receive a notification about it.

How do I Unsend an email in Outlook?

There’s no true “unsend” function in Outlook. However, email recall offers a similar solution for trying to take back a sent email.