Business IT

How to recall an email in Microsoft Outlook

By a Staff Writer on Jan 15, 2016 10:04AM
How to recall an email in Microsoft Outlook

Editor's Picks

Don't miss Australia’s premiere IoT Conference on 9th June

5 essential digital transformation ideas

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Venom BlackBook Zero 15 Phantom

Made a mistake or said something you shouldn't have? Here's how you can take it all back with Outlook's email recall system

We've all been there at least once. You've used Outlook to send an email you shouldn't have and you need to get it back. While TV dramas and Hollywood would have you believe this means you need to hack into a user's PC or webmail to delete the email, Microsoft's Outlook actually just lets you take everything back from the safety of your own desk and computer.

 

It might sound overly complex, but don't worry, recalling a message in Outlook is incredibly simple – no matter which version you're running.

However please note that message recall does not work if:

  • You're sending a message outside your organisation

  • You aren't using a Microsoft Exchange Server to handle your emails in Outlook

  • The recipient is using Cached Exchange Mode and is working offline

  • The original message is moved from the recipient's inbox (such as via custom Outlook rules)

  • The message has been marked as read

How to recall a message in Outlook

  1. In Outlook, navigate to the “Mail” pane and click “Sent Items”

  2. Find the message you'd like to recall

  3. Open the message and click on the “Actions” ribbon or menu option (depending on which version of Outlook you're running)

  4. Click “Recall this message”

  5. You can also enable “Delete unread copies of this message” to remove a message entirely or “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message” to replace the message

  6. Check the “Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient” if you need clarification of the recall's success

  7. If you checked the “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message” option, click “OK” and begin to enter your new message and send it

If you can't see the message recall option in Outlook

Sometimes you won't be able to perform a message recall. However, if you think you should be able to, here's one simple way to check if your account is eligible.

On a Windows PC:

  1. Click “File” > “Account Settings”

  2. Click “Account Settings” again and navigate to the “Email” tab

  3. Look for your account and the “Type” column

  4. It needs to say “Microsoft Exchange” for message recall to be an option

     

On a Mac:

  1. Click “Outlook” in the menu bar and then “Preferences”

  2. Click “Accounts”

  3. Find your account in the list and select it

  4. If eligible the account overview will say “Exchange Account” under the account name

If everything is correct and your account is an Exchange account, and yet you still can't recall messages, your network administrator may have blocked such privileges.

This article originally appeared at alphr.com

Newsletter Signup

Get the latest business tech news, reviews and guides delivered to your inbox.

I have read and accept the privacy policy and terms and conditions and by submitting my email address I agree to receive the Business IT newsletter and receive special offers on behalf of Business IT, nextmedia and its valued partners. We will not share your details with third parties.
Copyright © Alphr, Dennis Publishing
Tags:
cant deletion email microsoft microsoft exchange microsoft outlook navigation outlook outlooks software
By a Staff Writer
Jan 15 2016
10:04AM
0 Comments

Related Articles

  • Why organisations don't realise the full value of Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft 365 wobbles after faulty update
  • How to use intelligent automation to give Microsoft Excel superpowers
  • How to stand out in the Inbox: BIMI Explained
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Whatsapp Email A Friend

Most Read Articles

Don't miss Australia’s premiere IoT Conference on 9th June

Don't miss Australia’s premiere IoT Conference on 9th June

5 essential digital transformation ideas

5 essential digital transformation ideas

Digital dystopia: your reputation is on the line

Digital dystopia: your reputation is on the line

Home Security: D-Link Wi-Fi cameras reviewed (DCS-6500LH and DCS-6100LH)

Home Security: D-Link Wi-Fi cameras reviewed (DCS-6500LH and DCS-6100LH)

Poll

What would you like to see more of on BiT?
News
Reviews
Features
How To's
Lollies
Photo Galleries
Videos
Opinion
View poll archive
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.