How to Unsend an Email: Easy Steps to Unsend an Email in Gmail and Other Email Services

Have you ever sent an email in haste and immediately wished you hadn’t? It happens more often than we’d like to admit.

If you ever find yourself in this situation again, don’t panic — not everything is lost. Despite what you may think, you’re not stuck with an email once it’s sent.

Whether it was a message fired off in frustration, riddled with typos, or sent to the wrong recipient, it’s possible to unsend an email.

The catch is that you need to act swiftly.

This article will teach you how to unsend emails on different email platforms. We’ll guide you through this task to ensure you’ll never have to suffer the dread of an ill-conceived email lingering in someone’s inbox.

Key Takeaways

• Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail all have options to unsend emails or messages within a specific timeframe after sending.
• Remember to set up the “Undo Send” feature in Gmail settings to select the cancellation period you prefer.
• To unsend an email in Apple Mail, you need to use the “Undo Send” feature, which is available in macOS Ventura or later.
• If you cannot unsend an email, it is important to send a follow-up email acknowledging the mistake, apologizing, and providing the correct information to minimize potential damage.
• Double-checking emails before sending them is crucial to avoid mistakes or sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient.

How to Unsend an Email in Gmail

Most email services, including Gmail, offer a feature that lets you recall an email shortly after sending it. The key is to enable this feature before the need arises.

In Gmail, you can set a ‘cancel’ period of five to thirty seconds. During this window, you have the opportunity to click “Undo” after sending an email, effectively unsending it.

Let’s explore how to unsend an email in Gmail, whether you’re using a computer, Android, iPhone, or iPad.

Each platform has a slightly different process, but don’t worry; it’s straightforward once you know the steps.

1. Go into your settings.
2. Look for the “Undo Send” section. Here, you can choose your cancellation period.
3. Choose between 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 30 seconds for your cancellation period.

Remember, once the chosen time elapses, the email is irreversible.

Computer

To unsend an email in Gmail on your computer, you need to act within the cancellation period you set in your settings. Keep in mind that the timer starts the moment you send the message.

Here are the steps to unsend an email on Gmail:

1. Send your email.
2. In the bottom left, you will see the buttons “Undo” and “View Message.” Click “Undo” immediately after sending.
3. If not visible, adjust your settings to delay the send time.

Android

Sending an email from your Android device and realizing you need to unsend it can be a dicey situation. Luckily, Gmail provides a handy “Undo” option you can easily tap on Android.

Here are the steps if you want to unsend an email in the Gmail app:

1. After you send an email, you’ll immediately see the “Sent” message along with the option to “Undo” at the bottom of your screen.
2. Tap the “Undo” button to unsend your message. This button will only appear for a few seconds, so act quickly.

If done correctly, the email will be stopped from reaching the recipient. You can then edit your message or discard it entirely.

iPhone & iPad

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad and have mistakenly sent an email via Gmail, don’t fret; there’s a quick and easy way to unsend it that’s been incorporated by the Gmail iOS app for situations where you accidentally sent an email.

Here’s how to undo sending an email on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Launch the Gmail app on your iOS device.
2. Right after hitting send, you’ll see a “Sent” message with an “Undo” option at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap “Undo.” This applies a send delay, allowing you to unsend an email in Gmail.
4. The email will revert to draft status, where you can make changes or delete it.

How to Unsend an Email in Outlook

If you’re using Outlook on different platforms, the process to unsend an email might vary. Whether you’re using a Mac, PC, iPhone, or Android device, there are specific steps to follow.

Let’s go through the procedures on how to unsend emails in Outlook for different platforms to make sure you’re well-equipped to handle any email mishaps.

Note: The recall function works best if the recipient’s email hasn’t been opened. Unfortunately, it’s not foolproof, and it may not work for non-Outlook recipients.

Outlook for Mac

To unsend an email in Outlook for Mac, you can use the “Undo Send” feature available in the latest versions of Outlook for Microsoft 365 and Outlook 2021. This feature allows you to delay the sending of an email for a few seconds, providing a brief window to cancel the send.

Here’s how you can set it up and use it:

1. Open Outlook on your MAC
2. Go to “Outlook” > “Preferences” > “Composing
   
3. In the Composing dialog box, adjust the delay time using the - or + buttons. You can set the delay to 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds.
   
4. Compose your email and click the  “Send” button as usual.
5. After clicking “Send”, you will see an “Undo” prompt at the bottom of the Outlook window.
6. Click the  “Undo” button within the delay period to cancel the sending of the email. The email will be moved back to your Drafts folder, where you can edit or delete it.

This feature requires the new version of Outlook for Mac and is available only for Microsoft 365 and Outlook.com accounts. The “Undo Send” feature does not offer true message recall but instead delays the message sending, allowing cancellation within the set period.

Outlook for PC

Message recall is available after you select Send, provided both you and the recipient have Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Exchange email accounts within the same organization. This feature does not support messages sent to or from Hotmail, Gmail, or live.com accounts.

Here’s the list of steps to take:

1. Open your Outlook and navigate to the “Sent Items” folder.
2. Double-click the email you wish to unsend, then click on “Message” and “Actions” in the top menu.
3. From the drop-down, select the “Recall This Message” option.
4. You’ll then have the choice to either delete the unread copy or replace it with a new message.

Outlook for iPhone & Android

Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, recalling an email in the Outlook app is a breeze with these simple steps.

1. Open your Outlook for iPhone or Outlook for Android app and tap on the “Sent” folder.
2. Find the email you want to unsend and open it.
3. Tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
4. Tap on “Recall Message.”

How to Unsend Emails in Apple Mail

To unsend an email in Apple Mail, you need to use the “Undo Send” feature, which is available in macOS Ventura or later.

Here’s how you can use this feature:

1. Open the Apple Mail application on your Mac.
2. Compose and send your email as you normally would.
3. After you send the email, you will see an “Undo Send” option at the bottom of the Mail window. This option is available for a few seconds after sending the email.
4. Click the “Undo Send” button within the available timeframe. The email will be moved back to your Drafts folder, allowing you to edit or delete it before sending it again.

Adjusting the Undo Send Delay

1.  Open Apple Mail and go to the Mail menu, then select Preferences.
2. In the Preferences window, click on the “Composing” tab.
3. Find the “Undo Send Delay” option and choose the desired delay from the dropdown menu. The available options are 10, 20, or 30 seconds.

If you are using an older version of macOS, this feature will not be available, and you will need to rely on other methods such as recalling the email manually, if supported by your email service provider.

What Happens if You’re Beyond Your Email Service’s Undo Window?

In this situation, there are still a few steps you can take.

First, consider sending a follow-up email apologizing for the mistake or clarifying any miscommunication. This won’t erase the error, but it can mend misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

In professional settings or more serious mishaps, reaching out directly through a phone call can also be a good step. It shows responsibility and initiative to correct the mistake.

Lastly, use this as a learning experience. Double-check the recipient and proofread your emails thoroughly before hitting send.

Undo Send Feature: Why You Need It

Email services provide an “undo send window” to give you some time to unsend a hastily or accidentally sent message.

Here are a few key reasons why you might need to unsend an email:

Change of Mind

Sometimes, you might change your mind about sending an email — either due to new information or a change in context. Unsending your email provides a short window for you to correct these moments of indecision.

Mistaken Recipient

When writing an email, it is easy to pick the wrong person to receive it. If private information is shared with the wrong person, this could cause embarrassing or dangerous situations.

Email Drafting Errors

You might find an error in the writing, grammar, or facts after you have sent the message. With the “undo” button, you can go back and fix this mistake.

Sent by Accident

You might send an email message by accident before you are done writing it. This could happen if you click the wrong button or hit enter too soon. With the “undo send” button, you can take back the unfinished email.

Emotional Responses

In the heat of the moment, one might send an email that is emotionally driven and later regretted. The option to recall your message gives you a short time to think about your email and take it back if you decide it was wrong.

Forgotten Attachments

Sometimes, you might forget to attach a file you need to an email, which may lead to confusion. With the unsend feature, you can recall the email, attach the file, and then resend it.

Incorrect Timing

There are also instances when an email is sent at the wrong time — too early or too late. Recalling the email gives you the opportunity to reschedule the sending of your email.

What Do You Do if You Can’t Unsend the Email Anymore?

Despite your best efforts, there might be times when you can’t unsend an email, and you’ll need to handle the situation tactfully to minimize any potential damage.

If you can’t recall the email or you want to replace it with a new one, it’s best to send a follow-up email acknowledging the mistake. Remember, prompt action is needed to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Apologize for any confusion and provide the correct information. This shows accountability and professionalism, even when things don’t go as planned.

When you have accidentally sent the email to the wrong person, you can request them politely to delete the email before they read the content. 

If you’ve sent an email containing sensitive data, additional steps may be necessary. You might need to do damage control, such as changing your passwords if they were exposed or informing your bank. Take appropriate measures according to the severity of the situation.

Always make it a habit to double-check your recipient list, re-read your content, and verify attachments before hitting the send button.

The Bottom Line

Hitting the “Send” button too quickly on an email can lead to moments of panic. Fortunately, technology comes to the rescue with features that let you unsend emails.

Gmail offers a brief window of opportunity to retract an email after sending it. To make use of this feature, you just need to enable it in your settings.

Other email services have begun to recognize the importance of this feature as well. While the steps might vary slightly from service to service, the essence remains the same: giving users a chance to take back an email they have already sent.

Unsending an email is a modern-day digital life-saver. Remember to check your email service’s options and set up this feature to navigate your digital correspondence with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to delete a sent email?

It is not possible to delete a sent email, but you can try to recall it using the recall feature in certain email clients like Outlook.

Can I edit an email already sent in Gmail?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot edit an email already sent in Gmail.

Does deleting a message in Gmail unsends it?

Deleting a message in Gmail does not unsend it. It only removes it from your inbox.

Why can’t I delete an email on my iPhone?

If you can’t delete an email on your iPhone, try closing and reopening the email app or restarting your device.

Can I unsend an email in Yahoo Mail?

In Yahoo Mail, once you hit the “send” button, taking back an email is not an option.

Unlike some other email platforms that offer a brief window to cancel sending, Yahoo doesn’t have this feature. So, if you’ve made a mistake or simply changed your mind about an email, there’s no undoing it directly through Yahoo’s system.

How much time do I have to unsend an email in most email services?

Most email services offer a short window of about 5-10 seconds to unsend an email after hitting the send button.

Can I delay sending an email to give me more time to unsend it?

Yes, some email services offer a delayed sending feature where you can schedule the exact time for your email to be sent, giving you more time to unsend it if needed.