How to Unsend an Email in AOL

Recall an email using AOL Desktop Gold

AOL Gold (and AOL Mail in general) no longer offer this feature but this article remains for archive purposes. If this feature appeals to you, however, consider switching to Gmail. There is an 'unsend' feature there.

AOL uses a proprietary system to deliver emails between members that allow you to unsend an email you have already sent as long as the recipients used AOL email addresses. If you typed an angry message and now want to make sure the recipient doesn't see it, or if you accidentally sent the wrong message to an even wronger person, or if you changed your mind in general, you can unsend an email in AOL, but only if you use AOL Desktop Gold software.

How to Take Back an Email You Sent in AOL

Unsending messages is currently available only in the paid AOL Desktop Gold software. You cannot unsend an email from the online AOL Mail or the AOL mobile app.

  1. Open AOL Desktop Gold on your computer.

  2. Go to the Send mail folder.

  3. Place a check in the box in front of the message you want to unsend.

  4. Click the Unsend button.

  5. Click Unsend again.

Know AOL's Limits

You can unsend an email only if:

  • You sent the message to AOL recipients. You cannot retrieve an email if delivered to internet recipients, not even from the AOL recipients.
  • You sent the message from AOL Gold Desktop, not from an email client or app.
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