Sent an Outlook email too soon? You may be able to recall it after sending it. Outlook has different recall options in New Outlook and Classic Outlook, and the option you see depends on the version and account you use.
In New Outlook, email recall is restricted. For example, the recall option is not available for Outlook.com or Hotmail email addresses in New Outlook. If you cannot find the option there, switch to Classic Outlook and check the sent message again.
Video Tutorial
Recall a message in New Outlook
First, confirm that you are using New Outlook. You will see New Outlook near the top of the app with its toggle turned on. The process starts from the message you already sent.
- Send the email, or locate the email you want to retract.
- Open Sent Items.
- Open the sent email.
- Look in the ribbon at the top for Recall Message.
- If you do not see it, select the three dots to expand more options and look for Recall Message.
If Recall Message is missing, your New Outlook setup may not support it. This can happen with an Outlook.com or Hotmail address. In that case, switch to Classic Outlook to access the recall controls shown below.
Switch from New Outlook to Classic Outlook
You can change back to Classic Outlook in either of these ways:
- Go to the top-right corner of Outlook.
- Find the New Outlook toggle and turn it off.
You can also select Help, then choose Go to Classic Outlook. Outlook may show a feedback survey during the change. Select Skip Feedback if you want to continue without completing it.
After Outlook switches, open the sent message you need to recall. Make sure the message opens in a new window before looking for the recall action.
Recall a message in Classic Outlook
Classic Outlook places the recall command inside the message actions menu. Once you have the sent email open in its own window, use these steps:
- Open Sent Items.
- Double-click the email you want to recall so it opens in a separate window.
- Select the three dots in the top menu on the right.
- Select Actions.
- Choose Recall this message.
Outlook then asks how you want to handle the recall. You have two choices:
- Delete unread copies of this message
- Delete unread copies and replace with a new message
Choose the option that fits the mistake. Deleting unread copies is useful when you sent the message to the wrong person or included information you do not want to keep in the email. Replacing the message lets you send a corrected version instead.
Select OK after choosing an option. Outlook will show a message stating that you successfully tried to recall the email, along with the date.
Check the recall option before relying on it
The key word is “tried.” The message shown by Outlook confirms that the recall request was submitted. It does not change the fact that the option is limited in New Outlook, and it specifically is not available there for Outlook.com and Hotmail addresses.
If you need to correct an email, open Sent Items right away and check for Recall Message or Recall this message. If New Outlook does not provide it, use Go to Classic Outlook, reopen the sent email in a new window, and select Actions followed by Recall this message.
More Outlook Tips & Tutorials:
Subscribe Now! 🙂
Discover more from Gauging Gadgets
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
