How To Recall An Email In Gmail: Undo Send Explained

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Published on November 11, 2025

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Accidentally sending an email before it’s ready can be a frustrating experience. Luckily, Gmail offers a feature that allows you to recall, or “undo send,” an email within a limited time frame. This feature can be a lifesaver when you’ve made a mistake, forgotten an attachment, or simply had a change of heart.

The “Undo Send” feature in Gmail isn’t about permanently deleting the email from the recipient’s inbox if it’s already delivered. Instead, it delays the sending of your email for a specified period, giving you a chance to cancel the send before it actually goes out. Here’s how to use and customize this feature to prevent potential email mishaps.

How Can I Unsend An Email In Gmail?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the “Undo Send” feature in Gmail:

Enabling the Undo Send Feature

Go to Gmail Settings: Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select “See all settings.”
Navigate to the General Tab: Ensure you’re on the “General” tab.
Find the “Undo Send” Section: Scroll down to the “Undo Send” section.
Set the Send Cancellation Period: Use the dropdown menu to select the desired cancellation period (5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds).
Save Changes: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Save Changes.”

Recalling an Email After Sending

Send Your Email: Compose and send your email as usual.
Look for the “Undo” Prompt: Immediately after sending, a black box will appear at the bottom left corner of your screen. This box will display the message “Message sent” along with the “Undo” and “View message” options.
Click “Undo”: Click the “Undo” button before the cancellation period expires. This will stop the email from being sent and bring you back to the composition window.
Make Corrections: You can now edit your email, add attachments, or make any necessary changes.
Resend or Discard: Once you’ve made the changes, you can resend the email or discard it.

Considerations

The “Undo Send” feature only works if you click “Undo” within the specified cancellation period.
Once the cancellation period expires, the email will be sent, and you won’t be able to recall it.

Tips

Set a cancellation period that gives you enough time to catch errors but isn’t so long that it significantly delays your emails.
Make it a habit to glance at the bottom left corner of your screen after sending an email to ensure you have the option to “Undo” if needed.
Consider using Gmail’s scheduling feature to review emails before they are sent, providing an extra layer of protection against errors.

Understanding the Undo Send Cancellation Period

Cancellation Period	Advantage	Disadvantage
5 seconds	Quickest option, minimal delay for recipients.	May not be enough time to catch mistakes if you’re not paying attention.
10 seconds	A good balance between speed and error correction.	Still requires quick reaction time.
20 seconds	Provides more time to review and catch errors.	Slightly longer delay for recipients.
30 seconds	Longest period, offers the most time to correct mistakes or change your mind.	Noticeable delay for recipients, especially for time-sensitive communications.

What to Know About Gmail’s Recall Feature

Gmail’s “Undo Send” feature is a simple yet powerful tool that can save you from potential embarrassment or miscommunication. By enabling and understanding how to use this feature, you can ensure that your emails are sent correctly and with the intended message.

FAQ

How do I enable the undo send feature in Gmail? Go to Gmail settings, General tab, Undo Send section, and select a cancellation period.

What is the maximum time I can set for undoing an email? You can set the cancellation period to 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds.

Can I recall an email after the cancellation period has expired? No, once the cancellation period expires, the email will be sent, and you cannot recall it.

Does the undo send feature actually delete the email from the recipient’s inbox? No, it only delays the sending of the email, giving you a chance to cancel it before it’s sent.

Where do I find the “Undo” button after sending an email? The “Undo” button appears in a black box at the bottom left corner of your screen immediately after sending an email.