Send & Receive Issues

How to Recall or Undo a Sent Message in Outlook and Microsoft 365

Ayan Masood Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to recall or undo an email message that was already sent in Outlook and Microsoft 365.

How to Recall or Undo a Sent Message in Outlook and Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to retract an email sent by mistake or containing errors before the intended recipient reads it.
Observed behavior: The recall feature is missing in Outlook on the web, and message recall fails when attempting to pull back emails sent to recipients outside the organization.

Before you start

Verify that you have access to the Outlook for Windows desktop application, as Outlook on the web does not currently support recalling sent messages. Additionally, note that recall only works if the recipient is in your organization and has not yet opened the email.

Solution 1Recommended

Recall a Message Using Outlook for Windows

Since Outlook on the web does not support message recall, you must use the classic Outlook desktop client for Windows to perform this action.

Message recall is exclusively available in the Outlook desktop application for Windows. It functions properly only if both you and the recipient use a Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Exchange email account within the same organization.

Open Outlook for Windows

Launch the Outlook desktop application on your Windows computer.

Navigate to Sent Items

In the folder pane on the left, click on the 'Sent Items' folder to view your previously sent emails.

Open the specific message

Find the message you want to recall and double-click it. The message must be opened in its own separate window, not just viewed in the reading pane.

Access the Recall feature

On the Message tab in the ribbon, locate the 'Move' group. Click on 'Actions' (or 'More Move Actions'), then select 'Recall This Message'.

Confirm the recall action

Choose whether you want to 'Delete unread copies of this message' or 'Delete unread copies and replace with a new message'. Check the box to receive notifications on the recall status, then click 'OK'.

Recall a Message Using Outlook for Windows

Recall Limitations: The recall will fail if the recipient has already opened the email, or if they are using an email address outside of your Microsoft 365 organization.

Solution 2

Enable 'Undo Send' in Outlook on the Web

While you cannot recall an already sent message on the web, you can configure a delay feature to cancel sending immediately after clicking the send button.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the message recall feature work for external emails?

Microsoft's message recall feature relies on Microsoft Exchange Server controls. It cannot access servers operated by other email providers (such as Gmail or Yahoo) or organizations outside your own Exchange environment to delete or pull the message back.

Can I recall a message sent from the Outlook mobile app?

No, the message recall feature is currently only available in the classic Outlook for Windows desktop application. Mobile applications (iOS and Android) and Outlook on the web do not support this functionality.

How will I know if my message recall was successful?

When you initiate a recall in Outlook for Windows, make sure to check the option that says 'Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient.' You will then receive an automated email notification confirming whether the recall was successful or failed for each person.

Outlook & Email Problems