How to recall an email in Outlook
Quick answer
Recall works only in specific Exchange/Microsoft 365 setups: open Sent Items, double-click the message, choose Actions > Recall This Message, then delete or replace unread copies.
It often fails if the recipient already read the mail, uses Outlook on the web only, or is outside your organization. A quick follow-up correction is usually more reliable.
Classic recall is a desktop Outlook + Exchange feature. It is not a guarantee - treat it as best-effort.
Try to recall a message
Outlook desktop
- Go to Sent Items and open the message in its own window (double-click).
- Select the three dots or Actions menu > Recall This Message (wording varies by Outlook version).
- Choose Delete unread copies or Delete unread copies and replace with a new message.
- Optionally tick Tell me if recall succeeds for each recipient > OK.
If Recall is missing
- You are likely on a personal account, new Outlook without the feature, or Outlook on the web.
- Send a follow-up email with the correction instead.
Why recall fails
- Recipient already opened the message.
- Recipient is external.
- Message moved by rules.
- Mobile/web clients that do not support recall the same way.
Better habits
- Delay delivery by 1-2 minutes (Options > Delay Delivery) so you can catch mistakes.
- Use Undo Send in Outlook on the web if your admin enabled a short undo window.
Frequently asked questions
Does recall work with Gmail recipients?
No - recall is for Exchange/Microsoft 365 within supporting clients.
Can I recall from Outlook mobile?
Generally no - use desktop or send a correction.
Replace vs delete?
Replace lets you send a corrected version while removing unread originals when recall succeeds.
Sources checked: Microsoft Outlook support. Verified October 2026.