How to Tell If a Message Is Read on Outlook Email

When you send an important email message and you do not receive a quick response, you may wonder if the recipient has read the message yet. Outlook provides a feature that allows you to find out. When you attach a read receipt to the message prior to sending it, you will receive notification when the recipient reads the email.

Receive notification when your message is read.

Step

Open or create the email message to which you want to attach a read receipt.

Step

Click the "Options" button on the message toolbar in Outlook 2003, or go to the "Options" tab of the message ribbon in Outlook 2007.

Step

Check the "Request a Read Receipt for This Message" box.

Step

Click "Send." You will receive an email message notifying you of the date and time the recipient opens your email message. In Outlook 2007, you can also open the message in the "Sent" folder and go to the "Message" tab. If the "Tracking" button appears, the recipient has read the message. Click the button to view the details.