We’ve all been there—sending an email too quickly only to realize there was a mistake, missing attachment, or it was sent to the wrong person. If you’re using Microsoft Outlook and wondering how to delete a sent email, this guide will help you understand when and how you can recall or delete a sent message.
While you can’t unsend every email once it’s left your outbox, Outlook provides a Recall Message feature under specific conditions. This guide explains how to use that option and explores alternatives when recalling isn’t possible.
Can You Delete a Sent Email in Outlook?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. You can recall or delete a sent email using the Recall This Message feature only if:
- You and the recipient are using Microsoft Outlook with Exchange or Microsoft 365
- Both accounts are in the same organization or domain
- The email hasn’t been opened by the recipient
- The message was sent using the desktop Outlook app (not the web or mobile version)
If these conditions are met, you can attempt to delete the message before it’s read.
How to Recall or Delete a Sent Email in Outlook (Desktop App)
- Open Outlook and go to the Sent Items folder
- Double-click the email you want to recall to open it in a new window
- In the ribbon at the top, click on Message tab
- Click on Actions, then select Recall This Message
- Choose one of the following options:
- Delete unread copies of this message
- Delete unread copies and replace with a new message
- Check the box if you want to be notified about the recall status
- Click OK
Outlook will then attempt to delete the message from the recipient’s inbox. If the email has already been read, the recall will fail.
How to Replace a Sent Email in Outlook
If you want to fix the original message and resend it:
- Follow the same steps to recall the message
- Choose Delete unread copies and replace with a new message
- A new compose window will open with the original message content
- Make your changes
- Click Send
This option tries to remove the old email and immediately send an updated version.
How to Know If Email Recall Worked
You’ll receive an email notification from Outlook showing whether the recall was successful or failed. Statuses may include:
- Success: The email was deleted before being opened
- Failure: The recipient already opened the email or does not support message recall
- Pending: The outcome is still being determined, especially if the recipient hasn’t opened it yet
Keep in mind that recall is not guaranteed and depends on the recipient’s Outlook settings.
How to Delete a Sent Email in Outlook Web (Outlook.com)
Unfortunately, Outlook.com (web version) does not support the Recall feature. Once an email is sent via the web, it cannot be deleted or recalled.
Instead, you can:
- Send a follow-up correction or apology
- Resend the email with updated information
- Ask the recipient to disregard the previous message
How to Enable “Undo Send” in Outlook (Web Version)
While not a true deletion, the Undo Send feature lets you cancel an email right after clicking send:
- Open Outlook.com
- Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top right
- Scroll down and click View all Outlook settings
- Go to Mail > Compose and reply
- Find Undo send and adjust the delay (up to 10 seconds)
- Click Save
Now, after sending an email, you’ll see an Undo option at the bottom for a few seconds.
Alternative Workaround: Follow-Up Email
If the recall fails or isn’t available, the best option is to follow up:
- Quickly send a new email with the correct information
- Add a brief note like “Please disregard my previous message”
- Include the corrected details or attachment
This helps reduce confusion and keeps communication clear.
Tips to Prevent Email Mistakes in Outlook
- Use Delay Delivery: Set a short delay (e.g., 1–2 minutes) before Outlook sends any email
- Always double-check recipients and attachments
- Use Drafts for important or sensitive messages before sending
- Enable Undo Send on Outlook.com for quick reversals
These habits can help you avoid needing to delete or recall emails.
FAQs About Deleting Sent Emails in Outlook
Can I delete an email I sent in Outlook?
Only if the recipient hasn’t read it and both of you are using Outlook within the same organization.
How do I know if my recall worked?
Outlook will send you a notification email showing success or failure based on whether the email was opened.
Can I recall an email sent to a Gmail address?
No. The Recall feature only works within Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft 365 environments.
Does Outlook on the web support email recall?
No. Email recall is not supported on Outlook.com or the Outlook web app.
Can I undo a sent email in Outlook?
Outlook.com allows you to undo a message for a few seconds after sending, if you enable the feature in settings.