How to update a sent email/item in Outlook?

Author: Kelly Last Modified: 2024-12-24

Have you ever hit the send button on an email, only to realize moments later that you forgot an important attachment or made a critical error in the message? It's a situation many of us dread, as it can lead to confusion or even embarrassment. Fortunately, Outlook offers tools to help you fix these mistakes by recalling or updating sent emails. Whether you need to retrieve an email with a missing attachment or revise an important detail, these solutions allow you to take corrective action before it’s too late.

Recall and Update a Sent Email in Outlook

One Click to Batch Recall Emails Using Kutools for Outlook 👍

Notice: Understanding the Recall and Update Process

The recall process in Outlook attempts to delete the original email from the recipient’s inbox and replace it with an updated version. However, its success depends on the following conditions:

Both accounts must be part of the same organization using Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft 365.
The email must still be unread in the recipient’s inbox.
The recipient must have automatic processing of requests enabled in their email settings.

Note: Recall success is not guaranteed. If the recall fails, sending a follow-up email to address the issue is recommended.

Recall and Update a Sent Email in Outlook

This method introduces the Recall This Message feature, which retrieves an email sent before the recipient reads it and resends it with your updates.

Step 1: Open the Sent Email

In the Mail view, go to the Sent Items folder. Double-click to open the sent email you want to update.

Step 2: Access the Recall This Message Feature

In the opened email, click Message > Actions > Recall This Message.

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Step 3: Choose Recall Options

In the Recall This Message dialog box, check the Delete unread copies and replace with a new message option. And check the Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient option to get status notifications (Optional). Click OK.

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Step 4: Edit and Resend the Email

The email will reopen in editable mode. Make your updates, such as attaching a missing file or correcting content, and click Send.

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Step 5: Close the Message Window

Once the updated email is sent, close the Message window.

Important Notes:

This method works only if the recipient hasn’t read the email.
Notifications about recall success or failure will be sent to your inbox if you checked the Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient option.

🌟 Avoid Mistakes with Email Delays 🌟

Sending emails without reviewing them can lead to mistakes. Kutools for Outlook’s Delay Email feature provides a valuable buffer period to double-check and correct errors before your email is sent.

How to Enable Delay Email:

Go to: Kutools Plus > Utilities > Delay Email.
Set delay time: Choose a delay (e.g., 5, 10, or 30 seconds, or up to 1 minute).
Compose your email: Draft your message as usual.
During delay: Make corrections or cancel sending altogether.

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✨ Stay professional, avoid regrets, and always send polished emails! ✨

One Click to Batch Recall Emails Using Kutools for Outlook 👍

While Outlook's built-in recall tool is useful, it has significant limitations, such as handling only one email at a time. Kutools for Outlook overcomes this with its Recall Email feature, allowing you to recall multiple emails in one click, saving time and ensuring professionalism even when mistakes occur.

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