How to Recall an Email in Outlook (2025 Updated Guide)

Learn how to recall an email in Outlook 2025 with this easy guide. Discover how to unsend messages, use Undo Send, and prevent future email mistakes.

We’ve all been there — hitting “Send” too fast on an email in Outlook, only to realize there’s a typo, missing attachment, or wrong recipient. The good news? Microsoft Outlook gives you a second chance. Learning how to recall an email in Outlook can save you from awkward mistakes and maintain your professionalism. This 2025 guide explains exactly how the recall feature works, what its limitations are, and alternatives if the recall doesn’t succeed.

Understanding How the Recall Feature Works

Recalling an email in Outlook allows you to unsend or replace a message you’ve already sent — but only under specific conditions. The recipient must also be using Microsoft Outlook with a Microsoft 365 or Exchange account, and the message must remain unread in their inbox.

If the email has already been opened or moved to another folder, the recall will fail. That’s why speed is crucial when using this feature.

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

Follow these simple steps to recall an email successfully:

1. Open Outlook and Go to the Sent Items Folder

Find the message you want to recall in your Sent Items folder. Double-click to open it in a new window.

2. Select the Recall Option

On the top menu bar, go to Message → Actions → Recall This Message.
If you’re using Outlook Web (Outlook.com), go to Sent Items, open the email, and click Undo Send (available for a few seconds after sending).

3. Choose Your Recall Action

You’ll see two options:

Delete unread copies of this message.
Delete unread copies and replace with a new message.

Choose the one that fits your situation and click OK.

4. Confirm Recall Success

Outlook will notify you whether your recall was successful. However, results can vary depending on the recipient’s email settings and whether they’ve already opened your message.

How to Recall an Email in Outlook Web (Outlook.com)

If you’re using Outlook Web App (OWA) or the online version of Microsoft 365:

Go to Settings → Mail → Compose and Reply.
Under Undo Send, adjust the time (up to 10 seconds).
After sending an email, you’ll see an Undo option at the bottom — click it immediately to stop the email from sending.

This “Undo Send” feature acts like a mini recall by delaying your email for a few seconds, giving you time to change your mind.

For more details, visit the official Microsoft Outlook support page for the latest recall instructions.

Limitations of Outlook Email Recall

While recalling an email in Outlook is useful, it doesn’t always work perfectly. Here are common reasons a recall may fail:

The recipient has already opened the email.
The recipient uses Gmail, Yahoo, or another non-Outlook email service.
The email has been moved by a rule or filter.
The recall feature isn’t supported on mobile or some web versions.

If you’re worried about sending errors, you can enable the Undo Send delay feature in your Outlook settings to give yourself a buffer next time.

Alternative Solutions

If recall fails, consider these alternatives:

Send a follow-up email: Politely clarify any mistakes or provide the correct information.
Enable delayed sending: Set Outlook to delay all emails by a few minutes, giving you time to cancel them before they’re delivered.
Use third-party tools: Apps like Boomerang for Outlook or Mailbutler offer smart send delays and tracking features.

You can also explore our article on how to schedule emails in Outlook for better control over your outgoing messages.

Pro Tip for 2025

Microsoft continues to improve Outlook’s recall functionality with AI-powered message tracking and recall verification, making it easier to confirm if your recall succeeded. Make sure your app is updated through the Microsoft 365 App Store for the best experience.

Before sending your next important email, enable Outlook’s “Undo Send” feature or learn how to recall an email in Outlook to stay in control. You can update to the latest Outlook 365 version to access all new productivity and recall tools.

Conclusion

Knowing how to recall an email in Outlook can help you recover from small mistakes before they become big issues. While the recall feature isn’t perfect, understanding how it works — and using alternatives like Undo Send or delayed delivery — ensures your communication remains professional. So, stay calm, follow these steps, and take advantage of Outlook’s tools to manage your emails effectively in 2025.