So, you just hit the send button and immediately realized that you made a mistake in your email. Panic sets in as you desperately search for a way to unsend it before the recipient opens it. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide on how to undo sending an email in Gmail even after an hour has passed.
Undoing an Email in Gmail’s Desktop Version
Here’s how you can unsend an email using the desktop version of Gmail:
-
Open Gmail: If you’re not already logged in, you’ll be prompted to enter your email address and password.
-
Enable the “Undo Send” feature: If you’re not using the latest version of Gmail, you’ll need to enable the “undo send” feature. Here’s how:
- Click on the icon that looks like a wheel.
- Select “Settings”.
- In the General section, enable “Undo Send”.
- Choose the desired duration for which you can unsend an email.
- Click on “Save Changes”.
-
Compose your email: Click on “Compose” located on the upper-left side of the Gmail inbox. Enter the recipient’s email address and the subject line of your email.
-
Write your message: Type your email message in the main text box.
-
Send your email: Click on the blue “Send” button at the end of the window to send your email.
-
Click on Undo: On the new Gmail interface, you’ll see the “Undo” prompt on the lower-left side. In the classic Gmail version, it will be at the top of the page. You’ll have either 5 seconds (new Gmail) or 10 seconds (classic Gmail) to unsend your message.
-
Edit your unsent email: Your email will reopen as a draft, allowing you to make changes.
-
Adjust the send cancellation period: If you want to change the time in which you can recall an email, follow these steps:
- Click on your profile picture.
- Select “Settings”.
- Click on the “Send cancellation period” located in the General tab.
- Choose a desired time in seconds (e.g., 20).
- Scroll down and click “Save Changes”.
How to Recall Emails on an iPhone
Recalling emails is also possible using the Gmail app for iPhone and iPad. However, it’s important to note that this feature is not available for Android devices. Android users can, however, enable a setting that prompts Gmail to confirm before sending an email. Here’s how to recall an email on an iPhone:
-
Open the Gmail app: Tap on the icon with the letter “M” on a white background. If you’re not logged in, enter your email address and password.
-
Compose your email: Tap on the pencil icon in the lower-right corner of the screen to open a new email form.
-
Enter recipient details: Type your recipient’s email address in the “To” text box, and fill in the subject line and body text.
-
Send your email: Tap on the “Send” icon.
-
Click on Undo: The option to “UNDO” will appear in the lower-left corner of the screen. Click on it within 5 seconds of sending the email.
-
Edit and make changes: Your email is now recalled, giving you the opportunity to edit and make any necessary changes.
Tips to Avoid the Need to Unsend Emails
While it’s great to know how to unsend an email, it’s even better to avoid situations where you have to recall an email. Here are a few tips to help you avoid those moments of panic:
Don’t forget the attachment
Before hitting the send button, double-check to make sure you’ve attached any necessary documents or files. It’s easy to overlook this detail and end up sending a follow-up email to correct your mistake.
Reply to everything that matters
When replying to a lengthy email, carefully review all the questions and make sure you provide comprehensive answers. This prevents the need for follow-up emails to clarify any missed points.
Take your time to reply
If an email doesn’t require an immediate response, take a moment to prioritize your tasks. Rushing to reply often leads to mistakes. However, be sure to set a reminder so that important emails don’t go unanswered.
You can always count on Mr Reviews to provide helpful guides and tutorials. Whether it’s learning how to unsend an email or adding an email to the safe sender list in Gmail, we’re here to assist you.
Bottom Line
Mistakes happen, and sending the wrong email can be an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, Gmail offers a solution for undoing sent emails, both on the desktop version and the app for iPhones and iPads. Our guide on how to undo sending an email in Gmail after an hour provides step-by-step instructions to help you recall an email. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check your emails before sending them to avoid the need for an “unsending” situation.
FAQs:
1. How do I unsend an email in Gmail after 24 hours?
On Gmail, you can unsend your email within 6 seconds by hitting the “unsend” button. However, you can adjust the send cancellation period to extend the default duration.
2. Can I erase an email that I already sent?
Unfortunately, you can’t erase an email once it’s been sent. However, you can use the “unsend” feature to recall the email and make edits. For more details, check out our guide on how to undo sending an email in Gmail after an hour.