Times without numbers, senders have sent emails to recipients they do not intend. Some other times, while the message was for the intended recipients, a sender may have quickly identified a mistake in the content, but rather too late as the send button has already been clicked. This scenario is a common experience in the 21st world of digital writing and electronic communications. Let’s get to know more on the topic “Does Deleting An Email Delete It From The Recipient? “
Deleting an email does not necessarily delete it from the recipient. This is because deleting an email from the recipient may be successful depending on the design or permissions embedded in the email tool by the email provider. While for an email provider, a sender may be able to recall a message within a specified timeline after sending the message, for another, a sender may only be able to recall a message if the message is still marked unread in the recipient’s email box at the time the recall (or deleting) is initiated. Yet, for other email providers, deleting an email is impossible. If you try to delete an email and it is unsuccessful, you should send a follow-up email using the same email thread of the email that you have already sent. In your follow-up email, it will be appropriate to be specific, courteous, and apt, pointing out the mistake that you made and affirm if the entire email should be ignored, or if the recipient should expect a follow up email. The panic that is experienced when there is a need to delete an email that is already sent is more than the diligence and care a sender will take before sending an email. Senders should carefully review the content of their emails and if possible, get a second-level review before sending them. But do not give up if you try and it does not work. Learn from the mistake, send an appropriate follow-up email to the recipient, and enjoy the rest of the day. Remember, a recipient may still have an email you have deleted.
What You Should Do To Delete An Email From The Recipient?
Let us assume that you have a dire need to delete or recall an email. One of the important things you should do is maintain your composure for the moment. Staying calm will help relax your nerves, help you take control of the circumstance, and avoid another mistake. It is more expensive to make another email mistake than to stay calm for a few seconds, then you may do the following.
1. Identify your mistake(s) or the exact reason to delete the email.
2. Identify your plan (do you have to modify a part of the email or entirely delete the email?) 3. (If you want to modify) Have your modified copy ready.
4. Review the list of recipients
5. Do a final review of your content.
6. Resend
How To Delete An Email?
While there may be a way to delete or recall emails, there is no guarantee that your recall action will be successful – for this reason, getting it right the first time is essential.
However, if your email provider allows you to delete an email, please carefully read the provider’s guide for this action. It is advisable to research on an email provider’s provision for deleting an email. When you need it, this will assist you in navigating the processes to completion.
These are some practical examples of how you can delete an email in these email providers – Gmail and Outlook.
Gmail
When you have sent an email and you can quickly detect the need to ‘delete’ it, you will see the undo button at the bottom of your screen – it may likely be beside the sent notification. Use this button to recall your message, and you may edit or delete it if this action is successful.
Outlook
The methods below will vary depending on the version of Outlook but take it as an open guide and you can follow the steps.
1. Open the email in a new window by double-clicking on it.
2. Click the Actions button.
3. From the options, click Recall This Message.
4. From the dialogue box that shows next, check the appropriate box if you want to delete unread copies or delete unread copies and replace them with a new message.
5. Click OK
6. If you choose to delete unread copies and replace them with a new message, a draft message will appear. Then you can edit your message and send it again.
Conclusion
Electronic communication is one of the advantages that we have in modern times. Arguably, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Users of electronic mail means of communication should put in extra diligence. After all, the first-level customer service satisfaction is premised on the potential to get it right the first time.
