How to Unsend an Email in Gmail

It happens fast. You click Send, then notice a spelling mistake, a missing attachment, or the wrong recipient. We’ve all been there! The good news is that Gmail has a smart feature called Undo Send which allows you to take back an email before it’s actually sent. But you must turn it on first.

What Is Gmail’s Undo Send Feature?

Undo Send in Gmail lets you cancel an email for a few seconds after hitting Send. You can stop the message from being delivered, make corrections, and send it again. It’s one of Gmail’s most useful tools, especially if you send many emails daily.

Tip: You can choose a cancellation time from 5 to 30 seconds. The longer you set, the more time you have to undo an email.

How to Turn On Undo Send in Gmail

Step 1: Open Gmail Settings

  • Open Gmail on your computer.
  • Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
  • Select See all settings.

Step 2: Enable Undo Send

  • In the General tab, scroll down to Undo Send.
  • Check the box for Enable Undo Send.
  • Choose a cancellation period between 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds.

Step 3: Save the Settings

  • Scroll to the bottom of the page.
  • Click Save Changes.

Note: You can’t unsend an email after the cancellation time ends. Once it’s gone, it’s really gone.

How to Use Undo Send After Sending an Email

Once you’ve enabled the feature, using it is simple:

  • Send an email as usual.
  • After clicking Send, look at the bottom-left corner of your Gmail window.
  • You’ll see a message that says “Message sent” with an Undo option beside it.
  • Click Undo within the chosen time limit.
  • The email will reopen so you can edit or delete it.

Pro Tip: If you often make changes after sending, set the timer to 30 seconds for safety.

How to Unsend an Email on Mobile

The Gmail mobile app also supports Undo Send. Here’s how:

  • Open the Gmail app on your Android or iPhone.
  • Compose and send an email.
  • Right after sending, you’ll see an Undo option at the bottom of your screen.
  • Tap Undo quickly before it disappears.
  • Your email will reopen for editing or deletion.

Why This Feature Matters

Undo Send can prevent big mistakes — like sending a personal message to a client or forgetting an important file. It also saves you from embarrassment and helps maintain professionalism in communication.

It’s a small feature that can make a huge difference in your daily email routine. Once you use it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

5 FAQs on How to Unsend an Email in Gmail

1. Can I unsend an email after 30 seconds?

No. Gmail only allows you to cancel an email within your chosen time limit (maximum 30 seconds).

2. Does Undo Send work for all emails?

Yes, it works for all emails sent through Gmail on desktop or mobile — as long as you act within the time limit.

3. Can I change the undo time later?

Yes. You can go back to Gmail settings anytime and adjust the Undo Send period as needed.

4. What happens when I click Undo?

The sent email stops from being delivered and reopens in the compose window for editing or deleting.

5. Is Undo Send available in all Gmail accounts?

Yes, the feature is available for all Gmail users — both free and Google Workspace accounts.

Conclusion

Accidentally sent an email too soon? Don’t panic. Gmail’s Undo Send feature gives you a few seconds to rethink, revise, or remove your email. Just enable it in settings, choose your time limit, and you’ll always have a chance to correct your mistakes before they reach anyone’s inbox.

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