You know that feeling when you’ve just hit “send”, but you’re not sure about it? That’s when the question “How do I cancel a sent email?” crosses your mind.

Having a few seconds to cancel a sent email is one of the tools that’s most appreciated by Gmail users. However, how would you feel if you had a little more time to do so?

It’s possible to extend the time that Gmail gives you to cancel a sent email. We tell you how to do it.

Also read: How to google like a pro and avoid fake news

How to cancel a sent email with more time

That feeling of regret after having hit “send” on an email is very common. Maybe it’s not because you didn’t want to send the email but perhaps you just selected “reply to all” or you sent it to the wrong contact.

The good news is that, if you were wondering how to cancel a sent email, we can tell you it’s not only possible, but you can have up to 30 seconds to do so, at least in Gmail.

It may interest you: Booktubers and booktokers: Influencers that get you reading

? “Oops I did it again" ? Sent that email accidentally? Learn how to unsend an email here → https://t.co/48V1QfhDMw pic.twitter.com/Jrm1rsj7lQ

— Gmail (@gmail) August 10, 2021

How much time does Gmail give you?

When someone opens a Gmail account, by default they have a standard five-second window that allows them to cancel a sent email.

This notice appears as a small window in the lower left corner of the computer screen and allows you to cancel a sent email.

If you’re not sure what you sent or you realize the email address was wrong, or that you shouldn’t have sent that information, simply go to the “undo” option.

However, a five-second window may not be enough time for some people or in certain situations.

This period can be lengthened to 30 seconds, i.e. the email will be sent effectively half a minute after the user has clicked “send.”

The delayed delivery feature is a second chance to rethink an email that can save users, at the very least, from having to send a second email with explanations or apologies.

How to activate the function in Gmail

1. Enter your Gmail account.
2. Go to the upper right corner and click on “Settings”, which is identified by a gear symbol.
3. Choose the option “See all settings”, to view the complete settings for your email.
4. Make sure you’re on the “General” tab.
5. Look for the fourth option listed: “Undo Send.”
6. Select the time you want Gmail to give you to change your mind: you can select 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds.
7. Go to the bottom of the page and click “Save changes.”

So, by following these steps you will now have those additional seconds to decide whether you’re going to let that email that’s going around in your head reach the inbox of the person it was being sent to.

When activated, the options “undo” and “view message” will appear in a blue box with the option to cancel the sent email.

Both are available to save you from a hard time, whether you decide to permanently cancel or correct your email and return to the draft version.

(With information from The Verge)