How to Schedule an Email in Outlook: Step-by-Step Guide [2024]

By
Ibrahim Mohammed
October 8, 2024
5 min read
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Sending emails at the right time can make all the difference, but waiting around to hit "send" at the perfect moment can be a hassle. 

You’re here because you want to know how to schedule an email in Outlook to make sure your emails reach your audience at the ideal time. 

I understand—you want more control over your communication, whether it’s to boost productivity or make sure important messages aren’t missed.

Maybe you've tried manually sending emails but found it hard to keep up, or perhaps you're exploring better ways to automate your communication. Either way, you’re in the right place.

You might be asking: "How do I schedule an email in Outlook to get the most out of my email outreach without making it complicated?"

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

🧐 How to Schedule an Email in Outlook: Find detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to schedule email in Outlook on both desktop and mobile versions, ensuring you can do it from anywhere.

📊 Benefits of Scheduling Emails: Understand why scheduling emails in Outlook can improve your productivity, including managing different time zones and choosing the best time for response rates.

🔍 Editing or Canceling Scheduled Emails: Learn how to modify or cancel scheduled emails to stay in control, along with how to manage emails offline in Outlook.

🚀 How Salesforge Enhances Your Email Scheduling: Discover how Salesforge can enhance your email scheduling, offering advanced features that make sending large-scale, personalized emails even easier.

🛠️ Solving Common Issues: We’ll cover some common problems users face when trying to schedule emails in Outlook and how Salesforge can help overcome those challenges smoothly.

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to schedule an email in Outlook efficiently, edit and manage them as needed, and even tackle common scheduling issues.

This guide will help you make the most of Outlook’s features, ensuring your emails land at just the right time.

Stay with me, and let's master Outlook email scheduling for 2024! ✉️

How to Schedule an Email in Outlook?

Let’s break down how you can do this on both desktop and mobile, so your emails always arrive when they’re most effective.

How to Schedule an Email in Outlook on a Desktop?

If you’re using the desktop version of Outlook, here’s how you can schedule your email step by step:

Step 1: Compose Your Email

Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Example Email in Outlook

Start by opening Outlook and writing your email. Make sure it’s ready with all the details, including the recipient and subject.

Step 2: Find the Dropdown Next to 'Send'

 Outlook-schedule-send-feature ‍
This image shows the Outlook schedule send feature 

Look at the top of your email window. Next to the 'Send' button, you’ll see a small dropdown arrow. Click on it.

Step 3: Select ‘Schedule Send’

Scheduling-Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Scheduling Example Email in Outlook

In the dropdown menu, choose ‘Schedule send’. This is how you schedule your email in Outlook to be sent at a later time.

Step 4: Choose a Default Option or Set a Custom Time

 Scheduling-Example-Email-in-Outlook-with-custom-date-and-time‍
This image shows the Scheduling Example Email with custom date and time in Outlook

You’ll see a few default options for scheduling, like ‘Tomorrow morning’. If those don’t work, you can pick a custom date and time.

Step 5: Click ‘Send’

After setting your time, click ‘Send’. The email will wait in your Outbox until the scheduled time arrives.

Also Read: How to Send Thousands of Emails with Ease

How to Schedule an Email Send in Outlook App?

For those using the Outlook app on their phone, scheduling is just as easy. Here’s how to schedule email in Outlook on mobile:

Step 1: Compose Your Email

Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Example Email in Outlook

Open the Outlook app and start composing a new email. Add the recipient, subject, and body, just like you normally would.

Step 2: Tap the Plus Icon Next to Attach Files Icon

 More-Options-in-Outlook-App
This image shows the More Options in Outlook App

Once your email is ready, tap the Plus Icon arrow next to the Attach Files Icon.

Step 3: Select ‘Schedule Send’

From the options available, tap ‘Schedule send’. This is how you set your email to send at a later time.

Step 4: Choose a Default Time or Set a Custom Time

Schedule-Send-Option-in-Outlook-App
This image shows the Schedule Send Option in Outlook App

You can select a preset option, like ‘Tomorrow morning’, or set your own specific date and time.

Step 5: Confirm and Tap ‘Schedule’

Scheduling-Email-in-Outlook-App-with-custom-date-and-time
This image shows the Scheduling Email App with custom date and time in Outlook

After selecting the time, tap ‘Schedule’. The email will be sent automatically at the time you’ve scheduled.

Now that you know how to schedule an email in Outlook on both desktop and mobile, let's take a closer look at the benefits of scheduling emails. 

How to Use Outlook's Scheduling Feature Effectively

Scheduling emails in Outlook can greatly improve your communication. Here’s how to use it effectively: 

1. Manage Different Time Zones

To ensure your email is seen, schedule it according to your recipient’s time zone. For example, if it's 5 PM your time but morning for them, schedule it for their morning hours. This shows consideration and increases the chances of your email being read.

Steps Overview:

  • Write your email.
Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Example Email in Outlook
  • Use Outlook’s scheduling feature to pick a delivery time that matches the recipient’s work hours.

Scheduling-Example-Email-in-Outlook-with-custom-date-and-time
This image shows the Scheduling Example Email with custom date and time in Outlook

 Scheduled-an-Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Scheduled an Example Email in Outlook
Also Read: Why You Should Personalize Your Cold Emails

2. Schedule For Optimal Work Hours

Emails sent during work hours, especially early morning or after lunch, are more likely to receive prompt responses. Use Outlook’s scheduling option to ensure your emails land in their inbox when they’re most active.

Best Times to Send:

  • Morning (9-10 AM): When people usually check emails.
  • After Lunch (1-2 PM): When engagement is high.

3. Scheduling Reminder Emails

Use Outlook’s scheduling to set follow-up reminders for meetings or deadlines. For example, draft a reminder email and schedule it to be sent a day before a deadline, ensuring your team stays informed without manual follow-ups.

Steps Overview:

  • Prepare your reminder email.
  • Schedule it a day or two before the event.

Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Example Email in Outlook

Scheduling-Example-Email-in-Outlook-with-custom-date-and-time
This image shows the Scheduling Example Email with custom date and time in Outlook

Scheduled-an-Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Scheduled an Example Email in Outlook

Using Outlook’s scheduling feature is all about timing—know your audience and send your messages when they’re most likely to engage. 

This feature ensures that your emails are effective and timely, whether you’re managing time zones, scheduling for optimal work hours, or setting reminders.

How Salesforge Can Take Your Email Scheduling to the Next Level

While Outlook’s scheduling feature works well for individual messages, sometimes you need something more powerful—especially for managing large-scale campaigns. This is where Salesforge comes into play.

1. Advanced Scheduling for Large-Scale Campaigns

Scheduling-Emails-on-Saleforge.ai
This image shows Scheduling Emails on Saleforge.ai

If you’re dealing with multiple leads and want to ensure optimal timing, Salesforge’s smart scheduling allows you to automate bulk email sends to thousands of contacts. Unlike Outlook’s one-on-one approach, Salesforge is designed for scale.

Steps Overview:

  • Write your email and use Salesforge’s scheduling to reach a global audience at the right time.

  • Automate multiple campaigns for consistent outreach without manual adjustments.

2. Hyper-Personalized Campaigns for Better Results

 generate-email-preview-using-AI
This image shows how to generate email preview using AI

Salesforge doesn't just send emails—it makes each one count. The platform uses AI to personalize your campaigns, making them more relevant and engaging than Outlook's basic scheduling.

  • Personalization: Customize emails to match each recipient’s interests.
  • Advanced Features: Let AI create engaging messages tailored to past behavior.

3. Optimized Timing for Maximum Impact

 Campaign-performance-dashboard-in-Salesforge
This image shows the Campaign performance dashboard in Salesforge

With Salesforge, you can determine when your audience is most active. The platform’s AI recommends the best time to send emails, ensuring each one is read when engagement is highest.

  • AI Insights: Find out when recipients are most responsive.
  • Time Zone Adjustment: Automatically adjust for different time zones for optimal delivery.

4. Easy Integration with Existing Tools

Salesforge also integrates easily with Outlook, allowing you to combine both platforms for a seamless workflow. You can manage large-scale campaigns and still utilize Outlook’s familiar interface.

Salesforge-integration-with-Outlook
This image shows the integration of Salesforge with Outlook
  • Integration: Sync Salesforge with Outlook for enhanced scheduling and personalization.
  • Familiar Tools: Keep using the tools you know while adding powerful features.

Using Outlook’s scheduling feature is an excellent way to manage individual emails effectively. But if you’re handling large-scale outreach, Salesforge enhances your ability to personalize, automate, and optimize email scheduling. 

By combining Outlook with Salesforge, you ensure your emails always reach the right audience at the right time, maximizing both efficiency and engagement.

How to Edit or Cancel a Scheduled Email in Outlook?

After scheduling an email in Outlook, you may need to make changes or cancel it altogether. Here’s a quick guide on how to edit or cancel a scheduled email in Outlook:

How to Edit a Scheduled Email in Outlook?

If you’ve scheduled an email but realized you need to make changes, don’t worry—Outlook allows you to edit it before it’s sent. Here's how you can do it:

1. Go to Your ‘Drafts’ Folder

Navigate to your ‘Drafts’ folder in Outlook where scheduled emails are stored.

Drafts-folder-in-Outlook
This image shows the Drafts folder in Outlook

2. Open the Scheduled Email

Find and double-click the email you want to edit to open it.

3. Edit the Content

Modify the email content, recipient list, or attachments as needed.

Editing-Scheduled-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Editing Scheduled Email in Outlook

4. Update the Scheduled Time

Click the dropdown arrow next to 'Send,' select ‘Schedule send,’ and choose a new time if needed.

 Scheduling-Example-Email-in-Outlook-with-updated-date-and-time‍
This image shows the Scheduling Example Email with updated date and time in Outlook

5. Click ‘Save and Close’

Click ‘Save and Close’ to update the scheduled email. It will remain in your Drafts folder until the new send time.

Also Read: The Power of Persuasion: How to Structure Your Cold Emails for Maximum Impact

How to Cancel a Scheduled Email in Outlook?

Sometimes you may decide that you don’t need to send the email at all. Canceling a scheduled email in Outlook is simple if you follow these steps:

1. Go to Your ‘Drafts’

Access your ‘Drafts’ folder where the scheduled email is located.

Drafts-folder-in-Outlook
This image shows the Drafts folder in Outlook

2. Select the Email You Want to Cancel

Click on the scheduled email that you want to cancel.

3. Delete the Email

Press 'Delete' or right-click and choose 'Delete' to remove the email from Drafts.

4. Check the ‘Deleted Items’ Folder

To ensure it’s completely removed, empty your ‘Deleted Items’ folder.

 Deleted-Items-folder-in-Outlook
This image shows the Deleted Items folder in Outlook

Whether you need to edit or cancel a scheduled email, Outlook makes it easy to manage your messages effectively. This way, you can stay in full control of your communication and make adjustments whenever necessary.

How to Schedule an Email Send While Offline in Outlook?

Yes, you can schedule an email in Outlook even if you're offline. Here's how to do it:.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scheduling Emails While Offline

If you don’t have internet access but still need to get your emails ready, follow these steps to ensure they are sent automatically once you reconnect:

1. Compose Your Email

Write your email as usual, including recipients, subject, and attachments. You can draft messages even without an internet connection.

Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Example Email in Outlook

2. Select the ‘Send’ Button

After drafting, click 'Send'. Since you're offline, the email will be stored in your ‘Outbox’ folder.

Scheduling-Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Scheduling Example Email in Outlook

3. Schedule the Send Time

Go to the ‘Options’ tab, click ‘Delay Delivery’, and set the date and time for the email to be sent once you’re back online.

 Scheduling-Example-Email-in-Outloo--with-custom-date-and-time
This image shows the  Scheduling Example Email with custom date and time in Outlook

4. Reconnect to the Internet

When you’re back online, Outlook will automatically send the scheduled email at the specified time—no manual action needed.

 Scheduled-Example-Email-in-Outlook
This image shows the Scheduled Example Email in Outlook

By learning how to schedule emails in Outlook while offline, you can maintain productivity and ensure your messages are ready to go once you reconnect. 

This feature is particularly useful when traveling or during internet outages, keeping your communication uninterrupted.

Also Read: Email Deliverability Terms Explained

5 Common Issues When Scheduling Emails in Outlook

Scheduling emails in Outlook can be a great time-saver, but it’s not without challenges. Here are some common issues you might face:

1. Emails Stuck in Drafts or Outbox

Scheduled emails can sometimes get stuck in the Drafts or Outbox folder if Outlook is offline or if there are network issues at the time of sending.

2. Incorrect Time Zone Settings

Emails may be sent at unexpected times due to incorrect time zone settings. Ensure your system’s time zone matches your intended schedule to avoid issues.

3. Changes Not Saving After Editing

When editing a scheduled email, sometimes changes don’t save properly, causing the email to be sent with outdated information. Double-check that all edits are saved before closing.

4. Scheduled Emails Sent Immediately

If a scheduled email is sent immediately instead of at the specified time, it could be because the scheduling option wasn’t set correctly. Review the steps to ensure proper setup.

5. Email Remains Unsent Due to Large Attachments

Large attachments can cause scheduled emails to remain in the Outbox, preventing them from being sent. Consider compressing attachments or using cloud storage links.

Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot and avoid common problems when scheduling emails in Outlook, ensuring your messages are sent exactly as planned.

Also Read: How to Send an Email to Multiple Recipients Individually? [3 Proven Methods You Need To Know]

Conclusion

Scheduling emails can make a significant difference in how you manage communication, ensuring messages are sent at the optimal time. Here’s a recap of what we covered:

Key Takeaways:

  • How to Schedule an Email in Outlook: Step-by-step guides for scheduling emails on desktop and mobile, so you can send messages at your convenience.

  • Benefits of Scheduling Emails: Managing different time zones and improving response rates by sending emails at the right time.

  • Editing or Canceling Scheduled Emails: Easily modify or cancel scheduled emails if needed, giving you full control.

  • Scheduling While Offline: Learn how to schedule emails even when offline, so they’re ready to send when you reconnect.

  • Common Issues and Solutions: Identified issues like emails getting stuck or incorrect time zones, and how tools like Salesforge can help with advanced scheduling features.

Why Salesforge?

If you need advanced scheduling capabilities, like bulk scheduling or smart time zone management, Salesforge is a powerful solution. 

It takes everything you learned about scheduling in Outlook and enhances it—ensuring your emails are delivered to the right person at the right time, every time.

Ready to elevate your email outreach? Give Salesforge a try and make your communication seamless and effective.

Ibrahim Mohammed
Senior CSM