Easy Tech TutsHow to Add a Follow Up Reminder to a Sent Email in Outlook Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Chasing down important client deliverables shouldn't rely on sticky notes or memory alone. Outlook's follow-up flag system lets you attach a reminder to an email before you send it, or add one after the fact from your Sent Items folder. This guide covers both methods plus flagging for the recipient.
01Flag before sending
Open a new email, click into the body, then go to the Message tab and open the Follow Up dropdown, then select Add Reminder.
02Set the reminder details
Check Flag for Me, pick a start date, a due date, and check the Reminder alert box.
03Flag for the recipient too
Check the Flag for Recipients option if you want a matching tracking prompt to appear on their screen as well.
04Send the message
Click OK to lock the reminder, finish your message, and click Send.
05Add a reminder after sending
Open your Sent Items folder, find the email, right-click the small flag icon on the message row, and select Add Reminder.
06Check your task list
Open the To-Do or Task panel in the lower application tray to confirm your reminder appears among your active items.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a reminder to an email I already sent?
Yes, open the message in your Sent Items folder and use the flag icon on the message row to add a reminder retroactively.
Does flagging for the recipient force them to see a reminder?
It adds a tracking prompt to their copy of the message, though how prominently it displays depends on their own mail client.
Where do my follow-up reminders show up?
They appear in the centralized To-Do or Task panel in the lower application tray.
Can I set both a start date and a due date?
Yes, the reminder dialog lets you specify a start date and a separate due date along with an alert.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
