How To Unsend An Email In Outlook: Desktop And Web

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

6 min. read

Published on October 1, 2025

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Mistakes happen, and sometimes those mistakes happen in emails we’ve already sent. Fortunately, Outlook offers a way to recall or unsend emails, giving you a chance to correct errors or prevent sensitive information from reaching the wrong recipient. This guide will walk you through the process of unsending an email in Outlook, whether you’re using the desktop application or the web version.

The ability to unsend an email in Outlook can be a lifesaver. However, it’s important to understand the limitations. The recall feature is most effective when the recipient is also using Outlook within the same organization. If the recipient uses a different email client or is outside your organization, the chances of a successful recall are significantly reduced.

Can I Really Unsend an Email in Outlook?

The process of recalling or unsending an email in Outlook varies slightly depending on whether you’re using the desktop app or the web version. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it in each:

Unsend an Email in Outlook Desktop App

Open the Sent Items folder:

Locate the “Sent Items” folder in the navigation pane of your Outlook desktop application.

Find the email you want to recall:

Scroll through your sent emails and select the message you wish to unsend. Double-click to open it in a separate window.

Access the “Actions” menu:

In the message window, go to the “File” tab in the ribbon.

Select “Info”:

Click on the “Info” section.

Choose “Resend or Recall”:

Click on “Resend or Recall Message.”

Select “Recall This Message”:

A dialog box will appear. Choose “Recall This Message.”

Choose your recall option:

You have two options: “Delete unread copies of this message” or “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message.” Choose the option that best suits your needs.

Notify you about the recall:

Check the box “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient” to receive notifications about the recall status.

Click “OK”:

Outlook will attempt to recall the message.

If replacing, compose and send a new message:

If you chose to replace the message, a new email window will open with the original content. Edit the message and send it.

Unsend an Email in Outlook Web (OWA)

Go to the Sent Items folder:

In Outlook Web App (OWA), navigate to your “Sent Items” folder.

Select the email you want to recall:

Find the email you wish to unsend and open it.

Click the three dots (…) for “More actions”:

In the upper-right corner of the message window, click the three dots (…).

Choose “Recall message”:

From the dropdown menu, select “Recall message.”

Confirm the recall:

A confirmation window will appear. Click “OK” to proceed with the recall.

Understand the Limitations of Outlook’s Recall Feature

The success of recalling an email in Outlook depends on several factors:

Recipient’s email client: The recall feature works best when both the sender and recipient are using Outlook within the same Microsoft Exchange environment.
Message status: The message must be unread for the recall to work. If the recipient has already opened the email, the recall will likely fail.
Recipient’s settings: Some recipients may have settings that prevent automatic message recall.

Alternatives to Recalling an Email

If you can’t recall an email, consider these alternatives:

Send a follow-up email: Apologize for the error and provide the correct information.
Contact the recipient directly: If the email contains sensitive information, contact the recipient by phone or in person to explain the situation.

Tips for Avoiding Email Errors

Proofread carefully: Always proofread your emails before sending them.
Double-check recipients: Make sure you’re sending the email to the correct recipients.
Use delay delivery: Schedule emails to be sent later, giving you time to review them before they are sent.
Take your time: Avoid rushing when composing important emails.

Outlook’s Unsend Feature: Your Second Chance

Outlook’s recall feature offers a valuable second chance when mistakes happen. Understanding how to use it effectively, along with its limitations, can help you mitigate potential damage from sending the wrong email.

FAQ

Can I recall an email if the recipient is outside my organization?

The recall feature is less likely to succeed if the recipient is outside your organization or uses a different email client.

What happens if the recall fails?

You will receive a notification that the recall failed. The recipient will still have access to the original email.

Can I recall an email I sent a week ago?

No, the recall feature is only effective for emails that have not yet been opened.

Does the recall feature work on mobile devices?

The recall feature is primarily available on the Outlook desktop app and web version. Functionality on mobile devices may be limited.

How do I know if the recall was successful?

If you selected the option to receive notifications, you will receive an email indicating whether the recall succeeded or failed for each recipient.

Comparing Recall Capabilities: Desktop vs. Web

Feature	Outlook Desktop App	Outlook Web App (OWA)
Recall Option	Delete or Replace	Delete Only
Notification	Success/Failure notification per recipient	No per-recipient notification
Exchange Required	Highly Recommended for Best Results	Highly Recommended for Best Results
Access to Feature	File > Info > Resend or Recall > Recall This Message	More Actions (…) > Recall Message

This table highlights the key differences between the desktop and web versions of Outlook when it comes to recalling emails. The desktop app offers more control with the option to replace the original message, while the web app focuses solely on deletion.

Fixing Email Mistakes: A Quick Recap

Knowing how to unsend an email in Outlook, whether through the desktop app or the web version, can save you from potential embarrassment or worse. Remember to act quickly, understand the limitations, and consider alternative solutions if the recall fails.