How to Schedule Email in Microsoft Outlook

When writing the message, open the Options tab from the desktop app and select three dots > Delay Delivery to choose when to send the email

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on May 6, 2024
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • Desktop: Compose your email, then go to Options > three dots > Delay Delivery > Do not deliver before.
  • Website: Select the arrow next to the send button, then select Schedule send.
  • App: Tap the three dots after you write the email, then tap Schedule Send.

This article explains how to schedule emails in Microsoft Outlook. Instructions apply to the desktop app, Outlook on the web, and the mobile app.

How to Delay Sending an Email in the Outlook Desktop App

Outlook lets you specify exactly when you'd like your email to be sent. This option is called Delay Delivery. Here's where to find it and how to use it:

  1. When writing an email, but before you send it, select the Options tab.

  2. Select the three dots and then choose Delay Delivery.

    The more options menu open in Outlook

  3. Tick the box next to Do not deliver before.

  4. Choose the date and time when you want to send the message.

    Delivery options open in an Outlook properties window

  5. Select Close on the properties window, and then select Send to set up the delayed email. This puts your message in the Outbox folder until the time you specified arrives, and then it is sent.

How to Schedule Emails to Send Later on Outlook.com

Follow these steps if you want to send an email in the future from the Outlook website:

These steps also work for the new Outlook for Windows.

  1. When you're finished writing your email, select the arrow next to the Send button and choose Schedule send.

    The Schedule send option at Outlook.com

  2. Pick one of the recommended times, such as Tomorrow morning, or select Custom time to pick exactly when the email should be sent.

  3. Select Send to schedule it.

    A custom date and time chosen for when to send an email in the future at Outlook.com

How to Use 'Schedule Send' in the Outlook Mobile App

The app works a lot like Outlook.com. Here's where to find the email schedule button in the app:

  1. Fill out the email as you normally would and then tap the three dots > Schedule Send.

  2. Tap a recommended time from the list or pick Choose a time to be more specific.

  3. Define the date and time the email should send, and then tap Schedule.

    Scheduling an email to be sent later in the Outlook app
FAQ
  • How do I delay sending an email in Outlook 2021?

    After composing your message, select the drop-down arrow on the Send button, then select Send Later. Enter a time and date, then select Send.

  • How do I delay sending an email in Outlook online (Outlook.com)?

    Write the message and then select the drop-down arrow next to the Send button. Select Schedule send, choose a date and time, and then press Send.

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