How to cancel a scheduled email in outlook

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Ever hit “Send Later” in Outlook only to realize there’s a mistake? Maybe you sent it to the wrong person, included the wrong attachment, or just had second thoughts. Whatever the reason, knowing how to cancel a scheduled email in Outlook can save you from awkward or costly errors. 

Good news, we listed everything you need to know about where to find your scheduled emails and exactly how to stop them before it’s too late. Let’s fix that email before it’s out of your hands!

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Where Are Scheduled Emails Stored in Outlook?

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Before you can cancel a scheduled email, you need to know where to find it. In Outlook, scheduled emails don’t sit in your Sent folder like regular emails. Instead, they are temporarily stored in the Outbox until the scheduled time arrives.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Outlook Desktop (Windows & Mac): Open your Outbox folder in the left-hand panel. Your scheduled emails will be waiting there until they are sent.
• Outlook Web (Outlook.com): Unfortunately, the web version of Outlook doesn’t have a built-in scheduling feature unless you’re using third-party add-ons.
• Outlook Mobile (iOS & Android): Similar to the web version, mobile apps don’t support native email scheduling, so you won’t need to cancel scheduled emails here.

If your email is in the Outbox, you still have time to stop it. But if it has already left, things get trickier—more on that later.

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When to Cancel a Scheduled Email in Outlook

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Timing is absolutely EVERYTHING when it comes to canceling an email. You might need to stop a scheduled email in Outlook if:

• You noticed a typo or error: Misspelled names, incorrect details, or broken links can kill your credibility.
• You attached the wrong file: Sending confidential info to the wrong recipient can be a disaster.
• Your timing is off: Maybe the email is no longer relevant or needs an update before it’s sent.
• You’ve changed your mind: Sometimes, you just realize that hitting "send" wasn’t the right move.

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How to Stop a Scheduled Email in Outlook (Step-by-Step Guide)

On Outlook Desktop (Windows & Mac)

1. Open Outlook and go to the Outbox. Find the left-hand panel where your folders are listed. Click Outbox to locate your scheduled emails.
2. Double-click the email to open it. This prevents it from being sent while you decide what to do next.
3. Click "Delete" to remove it permanently. If you no longer need it, hit Delete and it will disappear for good without having it impact your email deliverability.
4. Edit and reschedule if needed. If you just want to make changes, click Drafts, update your email, and schedule it again.

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On Outlook Web (Outlook.com)

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1. Go to your Sent Items. Since the web version doesn’t natively support scheduling, check here to see if the email has already been sent.
2. Use the "Undo Send" feature. If you catch it within a few seconds, you may be able to stop the email before it’s fully delivered.
3. Consider recalling the email. If you're using Outlook with Microsoft 365 or Exchange, you might have a recall option (more on that below).

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On Outlook Mobile (iOS & Android)

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Unfortunately, the Outlook mobile app doesn’t support scheduled sending natively. If you used a third-party scheduling tool, check its settings to cancel the email before it’s sent.

What to Do If the Email Has Already Been Sent?

If the email has already left your Outbox, your options are limited, but you might still have a chance to fix things:

• Use Outlook’s Email Recall (Only for Microsoft 365 & Exchange users). Go to Sent Items, open the email, and select Recall This Message. This only works if the recipient hasn’t opened it yet.
• Send a follow-up email ASAP. If you made a mistake, send a quick correction email with the correct details.
• Contact the recipient directly. If it’s a major error, a phone call or direct message can help clear things up.

The key takeaway? Always double-check scheduled emails before sending them. Like ALWAYS!

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Conclusion: Stop Email Mistakes Before They Happen

Scheduling emails in Outlook is a great feature—until you realize something is wrong. But good news, acting quickly can save you from embarrassment, lost deals, or worse. Now that you know how to cancel scheduled emails, make sure you always double-check before hitting send.

And if you want to ensure your emails land in inboxes, not spam folders, test your deliverability now with Mailreach’s Free Spam Test!

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