How to recall an email in Outlook: Easy and Effective Steps

Demand for email communication in both personal and business spheres is continuously increasing. However, we’ve all had that moment of fear when we pushed the send button and realized we’d made a mistake or sent an email prematurely. Fortunately, Microsoft Outlook users have a feature to recall the sent email. This powerful feature allows you to remove an email from the recipient’s inbox if specific conditions are satisfied.

Whether you mistakenly spell the wrong word or forget to write the subject, understanding how to recall an email in Outlook may save you from scenarios like miscommunication. If you are also facing this, then don’t be upset anymore; we are here to help you get relief from this embarrassment. In this blog post, we will walk you through the simple and effective techniques for recalling an email in Outlook.

We’ll go over the conditions for effective recall, the limits of this functionality, and how to increase your chances of unsending that erroneous communication. By acquiring this important skill, you’ll have greater control over your email conversations and less stress in your everyday contact.

The Limitation on Recall Feature in Microsoft Outlook

Before diving into the recalling process, it is critical to first grasp the limits of Microsoft Outlook’s recall tool. This will assist in making the method easy and error-free, as well as expand your knowledge, which will undoubtedly benefit you in the future. Knowing your limitations can save you time and ensure that you have the necessary resources for a seamless recall experience. Please look at the few crucial ones listed below.

  • Outlook’s recalling capability is only compatible with Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365 accounts.
  • It should also be mentioned that it is incompatible with POP3 and MAPI email accounts.
  • To make the recall procedure successful, the recipient of the email must have a Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft 365 account. Additionally, both the recipient and sender must be from the same business.
  • The recall procedure fails if the recipient has already opened the email.
  • You won’t be able to retrieve emails sent to other email accounts like Yahoo or Gmail.
  • Furthermore, people may immediately view emails posted to public or shared folders, which reduces the likelihood of recall.
  • The operation must be completed via an active exchange connection, which implies the receiver must have an active Outlook Exchange connection. Recall is unsuccessful if they are functioning offline or utilizing Cache Exchange Mode.
  • The recall method is similarly ineffective when an email is sent from a delegated or shared mailbox.

How to Minimize the Requirement of Recalling the Emails?

It is preferable to keep everything up-to-date and in proper working order to ensure that the process runs smoothly. To reduce the criteria for recalling sent emails in Outlook, a few steps must be taken beforehand. Below, we have collected a list of common practices for Outlook users; have a look and follow them:

  • To begin with, activate the Undo Send feature, which gives you a brief window of time to reverse sending.
  • Always double-check your receivers, especially when using auto-complete.
  • Use the delay delivery option to retain emails in your Outbox for a predetermined amount of time before sending.
  • Proofreading is another important step in avoiding the recall procedure. Make sure your email is correct every time before hitting the send button.

Steps to Recall an Email in Outlook

Recalling an email in Outlook is a valuable ability in today’s corporate world. This procedure allows you to recover a previously transmitted wrong message in specific situations. In this section, there is a step-by-step process for recalling an email in Outlook. Please carefully read and learn about this helpful feature.

  • To begin the recall process, click on the Sent Items folder.
  • Now, select or double-click the message to open it in another window.
  • Go to the File section and select the Info option.
  • Then, choose the Message Resend and Recall option.
  • Choose one of the two alternatives after clicking on Recall This Message.
  • Click Delete Unread Copies of This Message to retrieve the transmitted message.
  • Thereon, replace the sent message with a new message by selecting the Delete Unread Copies and Replace with a New Message option.
  • Make sure you tick the box labeled “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient.”
  • At last, hit the OK tab to complete the process.

Important Note: When you choose the Delete Unread Copies and Replace with a New Message option. The original message begins with an ending. By clicking the Send tab, the original email message will be removed from the recipient’s inbox and replaced with the freshly updated version.

Also Read: How to Delete All Yahoo Emails

How to Verify the Email Recall Process in Outlook?

Once you initiate an email recall, Outlook will send you an email notification within 30 seconds. That email offers a link that allows you to access the recall report. To view the report in your browser, click on it; you may need to log in. Recall processes are swift, even for numerous recipients.

If there is a delay, such as an unavailable mailbox, Outlook will retry for 24 hours. Updates on recall status are quick; however, sometimes it takes a few minutes. More notifications sent to hundreds or thousands of recipients may require up to 30 minutes to get all recall status updates.

However, the actual timing may vary depending on server speed and the recipient’s email settings. It is critical to understand that if the receiver has already opened the email, the recall will be unsuccessful. As a result, the sooner the recall begins after sending the email, the better the chances of success.

Does an iPhone Users Recall an Email in Outlook?

Accidentally sending an email may be a frustrating experience, especially if you are using an iPhone. Fortunately, Outlook has a function that allows users to recall previously sent messages in specific situations. While this capability is not perfect, it may be a lifeline in many cases. Scroll down to learn how to utilize this useful function on your iPhone Outlook.

  • First, click on the Sent Folder and search for the message you want to recall.
  • Now tab and hold it until the screen displays a menu.
  • Choose the Recall This Message option.
  • Click on the “Recall message with a new one” option if you wish to replace the message with the correct one.
  • Lastly, hit the Send tab.

Note: This process normally takes a few minutes to complete. However, the completion time may vary depending on when you viewed the email and whether Outlook was open during the recall. In rare cases, recipients may get an alert message indicating that their mailboxes were open at the time of sending.

How Can I Recall an Email in Outlook on Mac?

Microsoft Outlook for Mac does not allow the recall or unsend of an email. The underlying email protocols and their interactions with various mail servers are responsible for this restriction. Unlike the Windows version, Outlook for Mac does not include a “Recall This Message” option. The recipient’s mail server instantly receives your sent email, making retrieval from your end impossible. 

To avoid possible complications, double-check your emails before sending, use the delay send feature, or consider creating organization-wide procedures for sensitive messages. Sending a follow-up email that addresses the error and provides any necessary edits or explanations is the recommended course of action when sending an incorrect email.

End note!

In conclusion, understanding how to recall an email in Outlook is an important ability in today’s high-tech workplace. While the procedure is simple, it is critical to recognize its limits and act quickly for the best chance of success. Regularly using this method can help you deal with unexpected events with confidence. However, the most successful technique is to carefully compose and review before sending.

By combining intelligent email habits with the ability to remember communications as needed, you’ll be well-equipped to negotiate the complexity of professional communication. Remember that while technology provides answers, being attentive to our behaviors remains our greatest safeguard.

Raymond Jones
Raymond Jones

Raymond Jones is a wordsmith with vast years of experience in email services. He is trusted for his proficiency in sharing his insights and expertise through the website. He helps users easily understand complex topics and provides valuable information in a clear and concise manner. With a commitment to quality, he constantly delivers content that is both informative and engaging.