How to Delay Sending Emails in Outlook

In today’s fast-paced world, sending prompt emails has become the norm. However, there may be times when you realize you’ve made a mistake in an email or simply want to schedule it for a more appropriate time. Fortunately, Microsoft Outlook provides you with the ability to delay sending emails. This article aims to answer common questions and guide you on how to delay sending emails in Outlook effectively.

Why should I delay sending emails in Outlook?

Delaying the sending of emails in Outlook offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to review and correct any errors or omissions in your message before it reaches the recipient’s inbox. Additionally, scheduling emails at specific times can ensure that they are more likely to be seen and responded to promptly, increasing the chances of receiving a positive outcome.

How can I delay the delivery of an email in Outlook?

To delay sending an email in Outlook, follow these steps:

Compose your email as usual.

Before clicking on the “Send” button, navigate to the “Options” tab on the ribbon.

In the “More Options” group, select “Delay Delivery.”

A dialog box will appear where you can set the desired date and time to send your email.

Click “Close” to confirm your selection, and then send your email as usual.

Can I set a rule to delay sending all my emails automatically?

While it is not possible to delay sending all emails by default in Outlook, you can create a rule to delay sending for specific messages. Here’s how:

Open Outlook and go to the “File” tab.

Select “Manage Rules & Alerts.”

In the dialog box, click “New Rule.”

Choose “Apply rule on messages I send” and click “Next.”

In the “Which condition(s) do you want to check?

” section, leave all checkboxes empty and click “Next.”
A warning will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm that the rule applies to all messages.

In “What do you want to do with the message?

” select “Defer delivery by a number of minutes.” Set the desired delay time and click “OK.”

Finally, name your rule and click “Finish.”

Is it possible to view or cancel a delayed email in Outlook?

Yes, Outlook allows you to view or cancel delayed emails. Here’s how:

Go to the “Outbox” folder in your email account.

Locate the email you want to view or cancel.

To view the email, double-click on it to open it in a new window.

To cancel the email, simply delete it from the “Outbox” folder.

Can I delay sending emails on my mobile device using Outlook?

Yes, you can delay sending emails on your mobile device using the Outlook app. The steps to do so are similar to delaying emails on a desktop:

Compose your email and tap on the three-dot menu icon.

Choose “Show message options.”

Set the desired date and time for sending the email.

Tap the checkmark icon to save the delay settings.

Continue with sending the email as usual.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to delay sending emails in Outlook, take advantage of this feature to enhance your email communication skills. Whether it’s to double-check information, choose the perfect timing, or simply maintain better control over your email flow, delaying the delivery can greatly benefit both you and your recipients. So, next time you’re about to hit that “Send” button, remember the power of delaying and use it wisely.