How to Recall an Email Out for Gmail and Outlook Users

Have you ever hit “Send” on an email only to realize seconds later that you’ve made a mistake? Or worse yet, sent the email to the wrong person entirely? It happens to the best of us and can leave us feeling embarrassed, frustrated, and worried about the impact on our professional reputation.

That’s why recall email out features have become an important tool in many email services. It allows you to retract and fix emails that have been sent, giving you the opportunity to correct any errors before they’re viewed by the recipient.

If you’re not familiar with how to use this feature, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people are unaware that it exists or are unsure how to access it. However, with a little bit of guidance and practice, it can become a valuable tool in your email toolbox.

To help you get started, there are numerous examples available online that you can use and edit to fit your needs. Whether you’ve sent an embarrassing typo or entered the wrong email address, there’s a solution to rectify your mistake and save you the headache of dealing with the consequences.

So, don’t worry if you’ve made a mistake in an email. Take advantage of recall email out features and avoid the stress and embarrassment that comes with sending a flawed message.

The Best Structure for Writing a Recall Email Out

Do you need to recall an email but don’t know the best way to do it? Writing a recall email out can be a tricky task, as you want to ensure that the message comes across clearly, concisely, and in a professional manner. Luckily, there is a proven structure that you can follow to avoid further confusion and prevent any potential damage to your reputation.

Firstly, open your recall email with a clear and direct subject line that informs the recipient of the purpose of the email. For example, “URGENT: Email Recall Requested.” This will immediately grab their attention and convey the urgency of the matter.

In the opening paragraph, briefly explain why the email needs to be recalled. Be upfront and honest about the reason behind the recall, whether it’s an error, misunderstanding, or incorrect information. Make sure that your language is clear, concise, and empathetic, so the recipient doesn’t feel attacked.

In the next paragraph, provide specific details on what the recipient needs to do next. Tell them exactly what actions they need to take, whether that is deleting the original email, refraining from sharing it, or waiting for further instructions from you. Reinforce the importance of their compliance and express your gratitude for their cooperation.

In the closing paragraph, end your email politely and professionally. Provide contact information should they have any further questions or concerns, and reassure them that you are always willing to assist them should they need it.

In summary, the best structure for writing a recall email out is to start with a clear and direct subject line, followed by a brief explanation of why the email needs to be recalled. Provide specific instructions on what the recipient needs to do next, and end your email with a polite and professional closing. Following this structure will ensure that your message is clear, concise, and effective in getting the job done, all while preserving your reputation.

7 Sample Recall Emails

Product Recall Notification

Dear Valued Customer,

We regret to inform you that we are recalling our Widget product line due to a potential defect that could cause harm to users. We take the safety of our customers very seriously and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please return your Widget product to the nearest store for a full refund or exchange. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

The Widget Company

Service Appointment Recall

Dear [Customer Name],

We are recalling your upcoming service appointment due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to reschedule your appointment at your earliest convenience.

Please contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule your new appointment. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you.

Best regards,

The Service Team

Corporate Meeting Recall

Dear Team Members,

We are recalling our upcoming corporate meeting due to scheduling conflicts. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will communicate a new date and time shortly.

Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you at the rescheduled meeting.

Best regards,

The Corporate Team

Customer Order Recall

Dear [Customer Name],

We regret to inform you that we are recalling your recent order due to an unforeseen issue with the product. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are processing a full refund for your order.

If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us and we will be happy to assist you with this matter.

Best regards,

The Customer Service Team

Software Update Recall

Dear [User Name],

We are recalling our recent software update due to a bug that we have identified. We apologize for any issues this may have caused and are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

Please be on the lookout for an update notification in the coming days. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us and we will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

The Software Development Team

Volunteer Event Recall

Dear [Volunteer Name],

We regret to inform you that we are recalling our upcoming volunteer event due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will communicate a new date and time shortly.

Thank you for your understanding and your commitment to our cause. We look forward to working with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

The Volunteer Coordination Team

Employee Training Recall

Dear [Employee Name],

We are recalling our upcoming employee training session due to scheduling conflicts. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will communicate a new date and time shortly.

Thank you for your understanding and your commitment to our company and its ongoing success.

Best regards,

The Training Team

Tips for Recall Email

Recalling an email can be an absolute lifesaver; it can help you avoid embarrassment, prevent misunderstandings and even save your job. However, the process of recalling an email isn’t always easy, and there are many things that can go wrong. Here are some tips for successful email recall:

  • Act fast: The faster you act, the higher the chance you have of successfully recalling the email. Once an email has been read, it’s too late to recall it.
  • Know your email system: Every email system is different, so make sure you know your system’s recall policy and how to access it.
  • Be aware of recipients: If the email you want to recall has been sent to multiple recipients, make sure they are all on the same email system. If they aren’t, the recall may not work for all of them.
  • Be honest: If you’ve sent an email with an error, admit your mistake and apologize. Sometimes being honest and transparent can go a long way in building trust within your team.

The process of recalling an email can be an anxiety-inducing experience. If you’re not careful, you could easily make things worse. Here are a few more tips to help make the process go smoothly:

  • Double-check everything: Before sending any email, double-check the recipient list, subject line, and attached files. Prevention is always better than cure.
  • Be mindful of attachments: If you’re recalling an email that included an attachment, make sure you’re also recalling the attachment. Otherwise, the recipient may still have access and the damage will already be done.
  • Consider alternatives: If you’re unable to recall an email, consider sending a follow-up email clarifying your initial message. This will help reduce any misunderstandings and clear up any confusion.
  • Learn from your mistakes: If you find that you are frequently recalling emails, it may be time to evaluate your email habits and determine what changes you need to make to prevent future issues.

Recalling an email can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips and being mindful of your email habits, you can greatly reduce the chances of needing to recall an email in the first place. Remember that prevention is always better than cure, but if you do need to recall an email, act quickly and honestly.

FAQs related to Recall Email Out


What is email recall and why is it necessary?

Email recall is a feature that allows you to retract an email that you sent by mistake. It is necessary because it helps you correct any errors in the email content or recipient list before it’s read or acted upon by the recipient

How do I recall an email in Outlook?

To recall an email in Outlook, go to the “Sent Items” folder, open the message you want to recall, click on the “Actions” button, and select “Recall This Message”.

Can all emails be recalled?

No, not all emails can be recalled. The ability to recall an email depends on various factors such as the email client, server settings, and whether the recipient has already opened or read the email.

What happens when I recall an email?

When you recall an email, it is removed from the recipient’s inbox if it has not been read yet. If the email has been read or deleted, the recall will not be successful and the recipient will still have a copy of the original message.

Is there a time limit for recalling an email?

Yes, there is a time limit for recalling an email. In Outlook, the default time limit is 14 days, after which you will not be able to recall the email. However, you can change this time limit in the “Mail” settings.

What should I do if I can’t recall an email?

If you can’t recall an email, you can send a follow-up email to explain the situation and apologize for any inconvenience caused. It’s important to take responsibility for any errors in the original email and try to make amends with the recipient.

How can I prevent errors in my emails?

You can prevent errors in your emails by proofreading them carefully before sending, double-checking the recipient list, and using automation tools like email templates or spell-checkers. It’s also helpful to take a moment to pause and review your email before hitting the send button.

That’s a wrap!

Well, there you have it, folks! We’ve learned why recalling emails is important and how to do it. Hopefully, this little guide has saved you from some potentially embarrassing situations. Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check back later for more helpful tips and tricks. Until then, happy emailing!