Understanding Microsoft 365 Read and Manage Mailbox Permissions
Question details
The user wants to clarify the scope of 'Read and manage' (Full Access) permissions in Microsoft 365, specifically whether it allows sending emails from the delegated mailbox.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Exchange
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An admin or user is configuring mailbox delegation and needs to understand exactly what actions are permitted under Full Access rights.
- Observed behavior
- The user observes that 'Read and manage' access allows them to organize and read emails but fails to allow sending messages on behalf of the mailbox owner.
Before configuring or testing mailbox delegation, ensure you have Exchange administrator rights in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Keep in mind that changes to mailbox permissions may take up to 60 minutes to fully propagate.
Understand the Scope of Read and Manage (Full Access)
Review exactly what actions a delegated user can perform with 'Read and manage' permissions.
In Microsoft 365, 'Read and manage' permissions are equivalent to 'Full Access' in Exchange. While this grants extensive control over the mailbox content, it does not grant sending privileges.
Delegates can open, read, organize, and delete emails in the assigned mailbox just like the original mailbox owner.
This permission allows full management of calendar events, tasks, and contacts associated with the delegated mailbox.
Full Access does not automatically grant 'Send As' or 'Send on Behalf' permissions. Delegates cannot reply to emails from that address without additional rights.
Assign 'Send As' or 'Send on Behalf' Permissions
If the delegate needs to send emails from the mailbox, you must assign sending rights separately in the admin center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Read and Manage permission allow sending emails?
No. 'Read and manage' (Full Access) only allows reading, deleting, and organizing the mailbox. To send emails from that account, the delegate must be explicitly granted 'Send As' or 'Send on Behalf' permissions.
How long does it take for Microsoft 365 mailbox permissions to apply?
Mailbox permission changes, including Read and Manage or Send As rights, typically take between 15 to 60 minutes to fully propagate across the Microsoft 365 system.
Can I grant read-only access to a Microsoft 365 mailbox?
Yes, but not through the Full Access admin setting. For strict read-only access, the mailbox owner should share specific mail folders with 'Reviewer' permissions directly from their Outlook client rather than an administrator granting 'Read and manage' rights.
What happens when a delegate deletes an email with Read and Manage access?
By default, when a delegate deletes a message from a delegated mailbox, the deleted message goes to the delegate's own Deleted Items folder, not the mailbox owner's Deleted Items folder, unless the registry is modified.
