How to Recall Email in Outlook: Step-by-Step Guide

Recalling an email in Microsoft Outlook can be a lifesaver if you accidentally sent a message too soon or to the wrong recipient. However, it’s important to note that this feature has limitations and only works under specific conditions.

Here’s how to recall email in Outlook:

STEP1: In Outlook go to the Sent Items folder n order to locate the email you want to recall

STEP2: Now select or double-click the message so it opens in another window. You will not be able to recall an email if it’s in the reading pane.

STEP3: Now go to the Message Tab in the email window

STEP4: Click on the ‘Actions’ button in the Move Group

STEP5: From the drop-down menu, select ‘Recall This Message’

STEP6: After this you will be given two options:

• Select Delete unread copies of this message to recall the sent message.
• Select Delete unread copies and replace with a new message to replace the sent message with a new message.

STEP7: Now select the Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient check box.

STEP8: At last, select OK.

If recalling the email fails, consider sending a follow-up message to clarify or correct any mistakes in the original email.

One of the major drawback in recalling an email in Outlook is the timing. If the recipient has already read the message then the recall process will fail. So you need to recall an email as soon as possible.

Another drawback is Public Folders . If the email was sent to the public folder, then recall will not work.

Recalling an email works best when both sender and recipient are within the same Microsoft 365 or Exchange environment. It may not work with recipients using other email services like Gmail or Yahoo.