How to reply to an email someone sent you by mistake

Updated November 12, 2026

Tell the sender it reached the wrong person so they can fix it. Keep it two or three lines. Don't read further into the message, forward it, or reply-all. If it contains sensitive details, say you've deleted it. Reply the same day, because a mistake can matter.

Reply

Same day. The sender may need to warn the right person or recall private details, and each hour makes that harder.

What your reply should say

1. Say clearly that you aren't the intended recipient, in the first line.
2. Mention that you haven't shared it, and that you'll delete it if asked.
3. If helpful, suggest who they might have meant, only if you know for sure.
4. Reply only to the sender, never reply-all.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Name],

I think this email reached me by mistake. I'm not [the person you meant / involved in this].

I haven't shared it with anyone. You may want to resend it to the right address.

Thank you, and sorry for any bother.

Please let me know if I can do anything else.

Best,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

This email came to me by mistake, and it seems to contain private information. I stopped reading and have not shared or forwarded it.

I'll delete it now. If you'd like me to confirm once that's done, tell me.

I wanted you to know quickly, in case you need to take any other steps on your side.

Best,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I believe this was meant for someone else. I'm [your role], not [their role].

You might have meant [Name or address], who has a similar address. I haven't forwarded it.

Hope you find them quickly.

I did not read past the first lines once I saw it was not for me.

Best,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are a few days late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Name],

Sorry I'm only replying now. I found this email in my inbox, and I think it was sent to me by mistake.

I'm not the person you meant. I haven't shared or acted on it, and I'm deleting it. You may want to resend it to the right person.

Best,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Hitting reply-all, which spreads the mistake to everyone on the thread.
• Forwarding it to a colleague to ask what to do. That shares it further.
• Acting on any instructions, links or attachments inside it.
• Making jokes about the content, especially if it was personal.
• Staying silent. The sender may never find out it went astray.

Questions people ask

Should I delete the email or keep it?

Delete it once you've told the sender, unless it's from your workplace and your policy says to report misdirected mail. If it holds sensitive data, ask your IT team or check your company's rules. Otherwise, a quick note and deletion is usual.

What if the sender doesn't answer?

You've done your part. If it holds serious private details and it's work-related, tell your manager or IT. Don't try to track down the right person yourself or forward it. Keep your note in case it's ever asked about. Check your workplace rules if it is a work account, since some employers want misdirected messages reported.

More reply guides

• How to reply to a condolence email
• How to reply to a rude email
• How to reply to an email that guilt-trips you
• How to reply to an invitation you want to decline
• How to reply to birthday wishes
• How to reply to a holiday greeting email

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.