How to Unsend an Email in Gmail: A step-by-step guide

Email has become an indispensable tool for communication, especially in the workplace. With the widespread use of Google’s Gmail for work-related correspondence, the need to unsend emails has become increasingly crucial. This how-to guide will walk you through the simple steps to unsend an email in Gmail. Also Read: Gmail Introduces New 'Purchases' Tab Ahead Of Amazon Great Indian Festival And Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale: What Is It?

Here’s how to unsend an email in Gmail

Unintended mistakes in emails are common, whether it’s a typo, incorrect attachment, or sending a message to the wrong recipient. In a professional setting, such errors can have serious consequences, affecting your credibility and reputation. This is where the ability to unsend an email comes to the rescue. Gmail’s ‘Undo Send’ feature allows users to retract an email within a short time frame. Here’s how you can unsend or undo send an email. Also Read: Gmail Users At Risk: Google Warns 2.5 Billion Of Users To Update Passwords Now

Step 1: Accessing Gmail Settings Also Read: Gmail Notifications On Android Get ‘Mark As Read’ Shortcut: How It Works And What’s New

To enable the ‘Undo Send’ feature in Gmail, you need to access the settings menu in Gmail on the web or on a PC. Click on the gear icon, which is the Settings menu. Then tap on ‘See all settings’ at the top.

Step 2: Enabling Undo Send

In the Settings menu, navigate to the ‘General’ tab. Look for the ‘Undo Send’ option and check the box next to ‘Enable Undo Send.’ You can also adjust the cancellation period to either 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Save Changes 

Once you’ve enabled the ‘Undo Send’ feature and set the timer to the maximum, preferably 30 seconds, scroll below and tap on Save Changes.

Step 4: Compose a new message 

Now, compose your email as usual. After hitting the ‘Send’ button, a message will appear at the bottom of the screen, giving you the option to ‘Undo’ the sent email within the specified time frame.

The ability to unsend emails not only helps in rectifying mistakes but also promotes a sense of control and confidence in you. It gives you the assurance that you can rectify errors swiftly and maintain professionalism in your correspondence.