It’s very common for us to make a mistake in our message and need to take it back. When using email services like Gmail, you can always unsend messages before reaching the recipients. This new feature is now an official part of Gmail since 2015 and it could save you from the damage of sending a wrong email.
Let’s take a look on how to enable the ‘unsend’ feature on Gmail.
1. First, log in to your Gmail account on desktop. Yup, for now, the setting is only accessible on the platform.
2. Go to the gears icon and select See all settings.
3. Under the General tab, set the Undo Send to 30 seconds.
4. Scroll to the very bottom and click Save Changes.
5. Now, every time you send an email to someone, Gmail will give you a 30-second window to Undo. It should be more than enough time if you suddenly changed your mind.
Albeit the setting is only available on Gmail desktop, the configuration will also be applied if you logged in to the mobile app version.
In addition, the mobile version has a ‘confirmation’ setting that lets you confirm a message before sending it. You may enable this function by going to the Gmail app > Settings > General settings > Confirm before sending. That way, it would stop you from sending the wrong message or to the wrong person.
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Additional Tips for Gmail’s Undo Send Feature
Make the Most of Undo Send
The Undo Send feature is a lifesaver, but it works best when paired with good email habits. Before sending an email, always double-check the recipient’s address, subject line, and attachments. This small step can save you from relying too heavily on the undo option.
Use Drafts for Important Emails
For critical communications, consider drafting your email and stepping away for a few minutes before sending. This gives you a fresh perspective when you return to review it. Gmail’s Save as Draft feature ensures your work is saved automatically.
Enable “Send Later” for Better Timing
Did you know Gmail allows you to schedule emails? If you’re unsure about sending an email immediately, use the Schedule Send option. This feature lets you pick a specific date and time for delivery, giving you more control over your messages.
Hyperlinks for Further Exploration
- Learn more about Gmail’s Undo Send feature.
- Explore tips on organizing your Gmail inbox.
By combining these strategies with the Undo Send feature, you can avoid common email mishaps and improve your overall communication efficiency.
