{"id":112326,"date":"2026-11-02T15:05:01","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/glossary\/read-receipts\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T15:05:05","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:05:05","slug":"read-receipts","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/read-receipts\/","title":{"rendered":"Read receipts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A read receipt is an automatic notification you get when the recipient opens the email you sent them, as long as they agree to send it.<\/strong> You request it while writing the message, and it arrives as another email with the date and time it was opened.<\/p>\n\n

It’s useful for important emails: a quote, a document delivery or a notice with a deadline. But it has a limit: the recipient decides whether to send it or not.<\/p>\n\n

What is a read receipt?<\/h2>\n\n

It’s a request that travels hidden inside your email. When the recipient opens it, their email program asks them whether they want to let you know, or notifies you directly if it’s set up to do so.<\/p>\n\n

Don’t confuse it with other similar notifications:<\/p>\n\n

Notification<\/th>What it confirms<\/th>Who controls it<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Delivery receipt<\/td>That the email reached the mailbox<\/td>The recipient’s server<\/td><\/tr>
Read receipt<\/td>That the email was opened<\/td>The recipient<\/td><\/tr>
Open tracking<\/td>That the email’s images were loaded<\/td>The sending tool<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

The first two are for individual emails. The third is the one email marketing<\/a> tools use to measure newsletters.<\/p>\n\n

How to request a read receipt in Gmail<\/h2>\n\n

In Gmail, only work or school accounts on Google Workspace<\/a> can request one. It isn’t possible with a personal @gmail.com account.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The company’s administrator also has to have turned it on. If it’s on, follow these steps on your computer:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  1. Open Gmail<\/a> and click Compose<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Write the message as usual.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. At the bottom right, click More options<\/strong> (the three dots).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Choose Request read receipt<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Send the email.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    Gmail doesn’t send read receipts to mailing lists, groups or aliases. And Google itself warns that they shouldn’t be used to certify delivery.<\/p>\n\n

    \"How<\/figure>\n\n

    How to request a read receipt in Outlook<\/h2>\n\n

    The steps depend on the version of Outlook<\/a> you use:<\/p>\n\n