How to recall an email in Outlook

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To recall an email in Outlook, navigate to the 'Sent Items' folder, open the email you wish to recall, and select 'Actions' from the 'Message' tab, then choose 'Recall This Message'. This action allows you to either delete the message or replace it with a new one, provided the recipient hasn't already read it.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to recall an email in Outlook, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •Microsoft Outlook installed (2010 or later versions recommended)
  • •Access to the email account from which the email was sent
  • •Both sender and recipient must be using Microsoft Exchange or Outlook within the same organization
  • •The email must not have been read by the recipient

Method 1: Recall an Email Using the Outlook Desktop Application

This method is the primary way to recall an email and is best used when you are sure the recipient has not yet read the email.
  • •Step 1: Open Outlook and navigate to the 'Sent Items' folder located in the left sidebar.
  • •Step 2: Double-click on the email you want to recall to open it.
  • •Step 3: In the open email window, click on the 'Message' tab in the ribbon at the top.
  • •Step 4: Click on 'Actions' in the 'Move' group, then select 'Recall This Message'.
  • •Step 5: Choose whether to 'Delete unread copies of this message' or 'Delete unread copies and replace with a new message'.
  • •Step 6: Click 'OK' to confirm your choice.
  • •Step 7: A confirmation message will appear indicating whether the recall was successful or not.
  • •Step 8: If the recall fails, check the recipient's email status and try again if necessary.

For Windows 11

Steps specific to Windows 11 users.
  • •Ensure your Outlook is updated to the latest version via the Microsoft Store.
  • •Follow the same steps as outlined above, as the interface remains largely unchanged from Windows 10.

For Windows 10

Steps specific to Windows 10 users.
  • •Open Outlook and ensure you are logged into your account.
  • •Follow the steps outlined in the primary method.

Method 2: Recall an Email Using the Outlook Web App

This method is useful for users who primarily access their email through a web browser.
  • •Step 1: Log in to your Outlook Web App account.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Sent Items' in the left sidebar to find the email you wish to recall.
  • •Step 3: Open the email by clicking on it.
  • •Step 4: Click on the three dots (More actions) in the top right corner of the email window.
  • •Step 5: Select 'Recall this message' if available (note: this feature may not be supported in the web version).
  • •Step 6: Follow the prompts to complete the recall process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while trying to recall an email, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'Recall not successful' - Solution: Ensure the recipient has not read the email and that both accounts are on the same Exchange server.
  • •Issue: 'Recall option not available' - Fix: This feature is only available for emails sent within the same organization using Microsoft Exchange.
  • •Problem: 'Recipient has already read the email' - Workaround: Send a follow-up email explaining the mistake.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your email management skills with these tips.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + R - Quickly reply to an email.
  • •Command line: Outlook.exe /cleanviews - Resets the view settings in Outlook.
  • •Hidden feature: Delay delivery - Use this feature to schedule emails to be sent later, preventing the need for recalls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

The best approach to avoid needing to recall an email is to double-check the recipient list and email content before sending.