How to Recall or Unsend an Unread Email on Gmail

How to Recall or Unsend an Unread Email on Gmail

Who hasn't sent an e-mail and completely regretted it immediately afterwards? At some point in your life, you must have sent an e-mail in the heat of the moment and wished you hadn't immediately after. For anyone who makes inexcusable grammatical errors in their message, forgets to attach an important document or include crucial information can now turn back the clock with Gmail's 'Undo' feature. This feature gives you a five-second margin to undo the sending of your e-mail. If you're not sure how to activate this invaluable tool, read on for a straightforward step-by-step guide.

You'll need:
  • A computer.
  • Internet access.
  • A Gmail account.
Steps to follow:
1

First, you will of course need to go to your Gmail account and log in.

2

Next, click on the cog symbol in the top-right corner of the screen and then select 'Settings' from the drop down box which appears, as shown in the picture below.

3

Once inside the 'Settings' scroll down to the 'Undo Send' option on the main settings tab.

4

Click the 'Enable Undo Send' option. You'll now have the option to undo sending an email. You can even choose the length of time that you would like this option available for, from just 5 seconds up to 30 seconds. Our advice is to choose the 30 second option so that you have maximum time available to realize your mistake after you have sent the email.

5

Now to test this new Gmail feature, you can write an e-mail to yourself and click 'Send'.

6

Once sent click 'Undo' - and that's it. Your message will not be sent and you can relax and start again.

7

As you'll be able to see, Gmail forwards the email you just sent back to yourself for you to edit or delete as you see fit - so next time you click send and then realize you definitely shouldn't have, don't panic! Just click Undo and take a moment to appreciate the wonders of modern technology!

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Tips
  • Remember that you only have five seconds to undo sending your e-mail.