How to Recall an Outlook Email

Overview

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to recall an email sent by mistake, using both the Classic Outlook desktop application and Outlook on the Web.

Note: Message recall is only available when both the sender and the recipient use Microsoft 365 work or school email accounts within the same organization. This feature does not work with external email services such as Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, icloud, etc.

Instructions

Classic Outlook (Outlook Desktop Application)

  1. Select your sent folder and double-click the email you wish to recall so the email opens in it's own window.

Select the sent folder and then double click the mistakenly sent email.within Outlook desktop app

  1. Select the Message tab in the top left and then select the Actions > Recall This Message... option.

Selecting Actions and then Recall this Message. In Outlook Desktop app

  1. Select your desired option, Delete unread copies of this message (will delete the message) or Delete unread copies and replace with a new message (if you need to simply edit a sent email you can select this option), ensure you select Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient, and then select Ok.
    • If you selected Delete unread copies and replace with a new message you can complete the new message and select Send.

Recall message menu with two options to select. Delete unread copies of this message and Delete unread copies and replace with a new message.

  1. If you selected Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient you will receive an email titled Message Recall Report for message [recalled email's subject]. Selecting the View Message Recall Report, will allow you to see if the recall succeeded, failed, or is pending (refer to second screenshot below for an example).

Email message from Microsoft containing a link to show the status of a recall.

Recall status page with information about the email being recalled

If the recall status indicates a failure, you may open a support ticket by selecting the "Report a Problem with Outlook" button on this page. *Please note that a screenshot of the recall status page showing the failure is required in order for us to assist you.*

Outlook on the Web

  1. Select your sent folder and double-click the email you wish to recall so the email opens in it's own window.

Outlook on the web page. Select the sent folder and then double click the mistakenly sent email.

  1. Select the Ellipses (...) on the right side of the window, near the Forward option. Then select Advanced Options > Recall Message.

Select the ellipses near the forward menu, then advanced actions,

  1. Select Ok and the message will be recalled for all recipients.

Recall message confirmation option

  1. You will receive an email titled Message Recall Report for message [recalled email's subject]. Selecting the View Message Recall Report, will allow you to see if the recall succeeded, failed, or is pending (refer to second screenshot below for an example).

Email message from Microsoft containing a link to show the status of a recall.

Message Recall status report page showing if the message was successfully or failed the recall.

If the recall status indicates a failure, you may open a support ticket by selecting the "Report a Problem with Outlook" button on this page. *Please note that a screenshot of the recall status page showing the failure is required in order for us to assist you.*

Troubleshooting

Still have questions? Contact the Technical Service Desk at 410-777-HELP (4357) or submit a request using the Service Catalog. 

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