Emails are the backbone of modern communications. However, the infamous typo-ridden email, the accidentally forwarded confidential message, or the hasty response often leave us wishing we could retract our words.
The good news is that technology has evolved to accommodate this human error. With the ability to unsend emails, you can now rectify those oh-so-common mishaps.
Before we master email recalls, let's understand the driving force behind this need. The reasons to unsend an email are varied, ranging from typos and attachment mishaps to more critical issues such as sending an unintended email or a message containing sensitive information. The urgency to unsend often stems from the desire to maintain professionalism, safeguard personal relationships, and avoid potentially damaging consequences.
And people realize this. When we surveyed insurance brokers, lawyers, and finance professionals far and wide, nearly 3 out of 4 admitted to, mainly due to Outlook address auto-complete, having accidentally sent sensitive information to the wrong recipient.
The process of recalling an email is not uniform across all email providers. Below, we provide detailed instructions on how to unsend emails in Outlook, Gmail, and Yahoo.
The Outlook's inbuilt email recall succeeds or fails. And even if you succeed, it is hard to say if the information has already been viewed, read, or captured by the recipient. It creates complications, especially when the said information is sensitive. Further, what if a cybercriminal was secretly eavesdropping on either of your emails?
This is where the role of Document Control Systems shines through. A document control system not only protects your information but also should give you the power of control even after it is sent, read, or even leaked.
Advancements in technology can prevent cybercrime through mis-sent documents. They run inside your existing email service provider like Microsoft 365, saving extra steps and complications.
On Gmail, the "undo send" message is only accessible for a maximum of 30 seconds after you hit send. But you can always opt for a solution for your email service provider and enhance the features.
Some advanced solutions in the market allow the sender to control the emails and documents even after the recipient has opened or read them. They allow you to unsend, restrict access, or delete any trace of the mis-sent document after being sent or read.
Unfortunately, Yahoo doesn't let their users unsend or undo a sent email.
But you can always choose solutions for your email service provider and enhance the features. Some advanced tools in the market even allow the sender to control the emails and documents even after the recipient has opened or read them. They allow you to unsend, restrict access, or delete any trace of the mis-sent document after being sent or read.
No. But you can opt for an email solution that offers you the ability to unsend emails and attachments even after sent/read.
In some cases, recipients may be notified about the recall attempt, depending on the email provider.
No, email recall inbuilt is not foolproof. Its success depends on various factors, including the recipient's settings and email server behavior.
But you can opt for an email solution that offers you the ability to unsend emails and attachments even after sent/read.
