How to recall or unsend an email

It's easy to make small mistakes like sending the wrong email to the wrong person - but not to worry, there are solutions available depending on the email client you use. In this guide, we will show you how to recall or unsend an email using different methods in Gmail, Outlook, and Spark.

When using Spark, you can take various actions, such as pinning, moving, archiving, or deleting emails. Spark offers a quick and simple Undo Send feature that lets you unsend an email immediately after hitting the send button.

With Spark you can manage all your email accounts in one place, so you can be confident that you can recall emails from various addresses, whether you have an account with Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo etc.

How to recall or unsend an email in Spark

It's important to note that the "Undo" button or shortcut is only available for a limited time after you perform the action. In Spark, you have a window of 5 seconds to click the "Undo" button or trigger the keyboard shortcut. Unfortunately, this time frame cannot be customized.

1. After sending, look for the "Undo" button at the bottom of the screen.
2. Click it within 5 seconds to stop the email from being sent.
3. Alternatively, use keyboard shortcuts
   - On MacOS: Press Cmd ⌘ + Z
   - On Windows: Press Ctrl + Z

Unlike Gmail, Spark does not allow you to extend the mail tap undo send delay, so you must act quickly.

How to Unsend an Email in Gmail

If you can't access Spark and are using a Gmail account, Google offers a built-in feature that allows you to retract an email within a short time after sending it. However, this option only works if you act quickly.

1. Immediately after hitting the send button, look at the bottom of the screen.
2. You will see an "Undo" option appear alongside the notification that your outgoing email has been sent.
3. Click "Undo" within the set time frame (usually 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds depending on your settings).
4. The email draft will reopen, allowing you to edit or delete it before resending.

How to Extend Gmail’s Undo Send Delay

1. By default, Gmail gives you 5 seconds to recall this message, but you can extend it:
2. Open Gmail Settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner.
3. Navigate to "See all settings" and find the "Undo Send" section.
4. Select a time to unsend (5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds).
5. Click "Save Changes."

With this method, you have a limited window, so always double-check emails before sending them.

How to Recall an Email in Outlook

Unlike Gmail, email in Outlook provides a feature to recall messages, but it only works under certain conditions. The recipient must be using Microsoft Outlook within the same organization, and the email must be unread

1. Open your Sent Items folder.
2. Double-click on the email you want to recall.
3. Click on the "Message" tab and select "Actions."
4. Click "Recall This Message" and choose either:
5. Delete unread copies of this message
6. Replace with a new message
7. Click "OK" to confirm.

This process does not guarantee success, as the recall only works if the recipient has not yet opened the email. If the email has already been read, the recall attempt will fail.

Tips to Avoid Email Mistakes

While recall features are helpful, they are not always foolproof. Here are some ways to minimize errors:

• Double-check recipients before you send a message to avoid sending sensitive information to the wrong person.
• Enable "Undo Send" options in your email client whenever possible.
• Use "Drafts" for important emails and review them before sending.
• Confirm attachments before you hit the send button.

By utilizing the "Undo" feature in Spark, you can quickly rectify any email mishaps and prevent them from reaching unintended recipients. This can save you from potential embarrassment or complications that may arise from sending an email to the wrong person. So the next time you accidentally send an email to the wrong recipient, don't panic, just remember to use the "Undo" feature in Spark.

Take advantage of this feature to fix any email mistakes quickly and effectively by downloading Spark for Free and finding confidence in your email.