Have you ever written an important email but wanted it to reach someone at the perfect time? Microsoft Outlook allows you to schedule emails so they are automatically sent later instead of being delivered immediately.
Whether you use Outlook on Windows, Mac, Web, Outlook.com, Android, or iPhone, you can schedule emails easily. This feature is useful for professionals, marketers, students, business owners, and anyone who wants better control over email communication.
In this complete guide, we will explain how to schedule an email in Outlook step by step, how to cancel scheduled emails, and how to fix common scheduling problems.
What Does Schedule Email Mean in Outlook?
Scheduling an email means writing your message now but choosing a future date and time for Outlook to send it automatically.
For example:
- Write an email on Friday night but send it Monday morning.
- Send international emails according to another country’s working hours.
- Prepare birthday or reminder emails in advance.
- Avoid sending work emails outside office hours.
Outlook stores the email until your selected delivery time and then sends it automatically.
How to Schedule an Email in New Outlook (Windows)
The new Outlook application uses the same scheduling method as Outlook Web.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Outlook and Create a New Email
Open the Outlook app on your computer.
Click:
New Mail
or
New Email
Step 2: Write Your Email
Enter:
- Recipient email address
- Subject line
- Email message
- Attachments (if required)
Before clicking Send, review your email carefully.
Step 3: Click the Send Dropdown Arrow
Instead of clicking the normal Send button, click the small arrow next to Send.
You will see an option:
Schedule Send
Step 4: Choose Date and Time
Outlook provides suggested timings, such as:
- Tomorrow morning
- Tomorrow afternoon
You can also select:
Custom time
Choose your preferred:
- Date
- Time
Then click:
Send
Your email is now scheduled.
How to Schedule Email in Outlook Web Version
If you use Outlook through your browser, follow these steps:
- Open Outlook Web and sign in.
- Click New Mail.
- Write your email message.
- Click the arrow beside the Send button.
- Select Schedule send.
- Choose your preferred date and time.
- Confirm the schedule.
Your email will remain scheduled until the selected delivery time.
How to Schedule Email in Classic Outlook Desktop
Many users still use the classic Outlook version. The process is slightly different.
Step 1: Create New Email
Open Outlook desktop.
Click:
Home → New Email
Step 2: Open Delay Delivery
After writing your email:
Go to:
Options tab → Delay Delivery
Step 3: Select Delivery Time
A Properties window will open.
Under:
Delivery options
Enable:
Do not deliver before
Now select:
- Date
- Time
Click:
Close
Step 4: Send Your Email
Click Send.
Your email will stay in the Outbox folder until the scheduled delivery time.
How to Schedule Email in Outlook on Mac
Outlook for Mac also supports scheduled sending.
Steps:
- Open Outlook Mac application.
- Click New Email.
- Write your message.
- Click the dropdown arrow beside Send.
- Select Schedule Send.
- Choose date and time.
- Confirm.
How to Schedule Email in Outlook Mobile App
Android and iPhone Steps
Open the Outlook mobile application.
Follow these steps:
- Tap the compose button.
- Write your email.
- Add recipient, subject, and message.
- Tap the three-dot menu near the Send button.
- Choose Schedule Send.
- Select your preferred date and time.
- Tap Schedule.
Your email will automatically send later.
How to Cancel a Scheduled Email in Outlook
Sometimes you may want to edit or cancel a scheduled email.
New Outlook / Outlook Web
- Open the Drafts folder.
- Find the scheduled email.
- Open the message.
- Select Cancel Send.
- Edit or delete the email.
Classic Outlook
- Open the Outbox folder.
- Open the scheduled email.
- Go to Options.
- Remove Delay Delivery settings.
- Send immediately or delete the message.
Why Can’t I Schedule an Email in Outlook?
Some users cannot find the Schedule Send option.
Here are the most common reasons:
1. You Are Using an Old Outlook Version
Update Outlook:
File → Office Account → Update Options
Keeping Outlook updated ensures you have the latest features.
2. Your Account Type Does Not Support Scheduling
Some email accounts may not support scheduling features. This depends on how your account connects with Outlook.
3. Outlook Is Offline
Make sure:
- Internet connection is working.
- Outlook is connected to your account.
4. You Are Using Classic Outlook
Classic Outlook does not show the Schedule Send option.
Instead, use:
Options → Delay Delivery
Schedule Send vs Delay Delivery in Outlook
Many users confuse these two features.
| Feature | Schedule Send | Delay Delivery |
| Available in | New Outlook/Web | Classic Outlook |
| Method | Send dropdown menu | Options menu |
| Ease of use | Easy | More advanced |
| Custom timing | Yes | Yes |
Benefits of Scheduling Emails in Outlook
1. Better Productivity
You can write emails whenever you have time and schedule them for the perfect moment.
2. Professional Communication
Your emails arrive during appropriate business hours.
3. International Work
Schedule emails according to different time zones.
4. Avoid Mistakes
Scheduling gives you extra time to review important messages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I schedule an email in Outlook for free?
Yes. Outlook users can schedule emails without paying extra.
Does Outlook need to be open for scheduled emails?
New Outlook and Outlook Web handle scheduled emails through Microsoft’s services. Classic Outlook may require Outlook to remain connected depending on the setup.
Can I edit a scheduled email?
Yes. Open the scheduled email, cancel it, make changes, and schedule it again.
Can I schedule recurring emails in Outlook?
The normal Schedule Send feature is designed for individual emails. For recurring emails, you may need Power Automate or Outlook automation tools.
Conclusion
Scheduling an email in Outlook is a simple but powerful feature that helps you manage communication more effectively.
Whether you use New Outlook, Classic Outlook, Outlook Web, Mac, Android, or iPhone, you can easily control when your emails are delivered.
The basic process is:
Write Email → Click Send Dropdown → Select Schedule Send → Choose Date & Time → Confirm
By using Outlook email scheduling correctly, you can improve productivity, maintain professional communication, and avoid sending emails at inconvenient times.
