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[Pictures] How to undo a sent email in Gmail

Gmail inbox interface with red prohibition symbol

We've all accidentally sent an email too early, without a specific attachment, or to the wrong address. It can be devastating, especially if your email needs to be HIPAA compliant for healthcare.

 

Lean how to undo a sent HIPAA email in Gmail

 

Regardless of how it happened, an accidental email can make you seem too eager, too rushed, or worse: make you violate HIPAA. Sending protected health information (PHI) accidentally or to the wrong recipient (don't always trust auto-fill!) is one of the most common causes for data breaches.

Luckily, there is a free and easy way to undo a sent email. Anyone can set it up, and we're going to show you how. We've looked at how to undo sent emails in other email providers:

 

 

This post will cover how to undo a sent email in Gmail.

 

How do I recall a sent Gmail? 

 

Every Gmail and Google Workspace account includes a free little feature called Undo Send. With Undo Send, you can recall an email seconds after sending it.

 

How do I recall a sent HIPAA email with Gmail? 

 

1. Open Gmail and go into your Settings Gmail inbox interface with settings menu highlighted

 

2. Find the "Undo Send" section and check the box

Gmail settings menu with arrow pointing to Settings option

 

3. Choose how long (or short) you want your send cancellation period to be

 Gmail Settings page showing the Undo Send feature with a 10-second send cancellation period enabled

 

4. Finally, save your changes to put the undo send feature into effect

 Gmail Settings page showing Undo Send feature with a dropdown menu to select cancellation period in seconds

 

 Gmail Settings page showing vacation responder and undo send options

 

How "undo send" works in Gmail 

 

Below, I composed an email containing top secret proprietary business information and accidentally clicked send – oh no!

 

Gmail inbox with an undo send popup window displayed after sending an email

 

Gmail quickly confirmed my email was sent. But after enabling the "Undo Send" feature, now the option "undo" appears.

Gmail inbox showing a confirmation message 'Your message has been sent' with an 'Undo' link highlighted

 

Almost immediately after selecting the "undo" button, my original email returned, and Gmail confirmed that my sent email was retracted. Gmail inbox showing undo notification banner with 'Sending has been undone' message

 

Prevent accidental HIPAA email from being sent with Paubox Email Suite Premium

 

Even with an undo send feature enabled, you can still miss the window to retract your email. And it happens – we're only human.

With Paubox Email Suite Premium, you can make sure no emails - especially those containing sensitive information - slip through the cracks. Paubox Email Solutions ensures that any email secured with our patented technology is encrypted and HIPAA compliant.

No more worries about user error and emails accidentally sent that can be very costly to your organization.

 

HIPAA email concerns? Paubox has your back

 

Paubox Email Suite Premium allows you to set customizable rules so no sensitive data gets sent accidentally or maliciously. Social security numbers, proprietary information, PHI, and more can be recognized and "quarantined" from being sent out until you give the final approval.

Accidents happen, and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

 

Try Paubox Email Suite for FREE today.
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