How to Find Out if an Email Is Read

Pay close attention to whether your emails are read.

To find out if an email has been read, you must use an email account that has one of two things: a read/not read sent mail label, or an email verification receipt. Most Web mail or free email programs do not have these options. But most private email programs, such as your college email or work email, offer them. To make sure your email has what you are looking for, speak to your tech support person or your Internet service provider.

Things You'll Need

• Email account with read/not read classification
• Email account with send/read receipts

Instructions

Read/Not Read Classification

1. Sign up for an email account that classifies your sent messages as read or not read. MySpace email has this function when you send a message to other MySpace users. Other private companies, such as your college email, your work email or your ISP email, might also have this function.

2. Enable the read/not read classification, if you need too. Most programs do not require you to enable the classification. If the program has it, it will be there.

3. Look in your "Sent" mail list or folder to see whether a message has been read or not. Most programs will actually say "read" or "delivered." Some list this under "Message Status."

Read Mail Receipt

1. Use an email program that allows you to send a message with a receipt. Many programs, such as server-based emails used at work or universities, and even some free email services, like Hotmail, allow you to send receipts. Microsoft Outlook also has receipts.

2. Find your email options. Usually they are in "Options" or "Features" or "Security" or "Privacy." Select "On" for email receipts. If there are different types of receipts listed, check "Read Receipt."

3. Send a message to someone. When the message is delivered, you should get a delivery confirmation. When the message is read, you should get a read confirmation. The read receipts only show that the message has been displayed on a screen. They do not show that the message has been read or understood.

References

• Microsoft: Read Receipts