How to Recall an Email in Outlook 2016

Sending an email can sometimes be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you realize you’ve made a mistake or sent it to the wrong person. Luckily, Microsoft Outlook 2016 provides a feature that allows you to recall an email, giving you the opportunity to rectify your error before it’s too late. If you’re wondering how to recall an email in Outlook 2016, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Open Outlook 2016 and navigate to the “Sent Items” folder.

Step 2: Double-click on the email you wish to recall to open it in a separate window.

Step 3: Go to the “Message” tab on the top toolbar and click on the “Actions” button.

Step 4: From the drop-down menu, select “Recall This Message.”

Step 5: In the Recall This Message window, you have two options. You can either delete the unread copy of the email or replace it with a new message.

Step 6: Choose the desired option and select “OK.”

Step 7: If you chose the “Delete unread copies of this message” option, the email will be deleted from the recipient’s inbox. However, if the recipient has already read the email, it cannot be recalled.

Step 8: If you chose the “Delete unread copies and replace with a new message” option, you will be prompted to compose a new email. Make the necessary changes and send the revised email.

Frequently Asked Questions about Recalling Emails in Outlook 2016:

1. Can I recall an email in Outlook 2016 if it has been read by the recipient?
No, once the email has been read, it cannot be recalled.

2. Does the recall feature work with all email accounts in Outlook 2016?
No, the recall feature is only available for emails sent within the same organization or network.

3. Can I recall an email in Outlook 2016 if it was sent to a distribution list?
Yes, you can recall an email sent to a distribution list if the recipients have not read it yet.

4. What happens if the recipient’s email client does not support the recall feature?
The recall feature will not work, and the email will remain in the recipient’s inbox.

5. Can I recall an email in Outlook 2016 on a mobile device?
Yes, you can recall an email in Outlook 2016 on a mobile device using the Outlook app.

6. Can I recall an email in Outlook 2016 after a certain time period?
No, the recall feature must be initiated as soon as possible after sending the email.

7. Can the recipient know that I tried to recall an email in Outlook 2016?
Yes, the recipient may receive a notification informing them that you attempted to recall the email.

8. Can I recall an email in Outlook 2016 if it has attachments?
Yes, you can recall an email with or without attachments as long as the recipient has not read it yet.

Recalling an email in Outlook 2016 can save you from potential embarrassment or incorrect information being sent. However, it’s important to note that the recall feature does not guarantee that the email will be successfully recalled, especially if it has already been read or the recipient’s email client does not support the feature. It’s always best to double-check your emails before hitting the send button to avoid any unnecessary complications.