Applies ToOutlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2024 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016 Outlook 2013

Flags make it easier to find and track email messages in Outlook. You can flag messages for yourself, as visual reminders to take action later. You can also flag messages that you send to other people, to direct their attention or track their responses.

Review all flagged messages

In the Inbox

You can quickly sort the Inbox to display all flagged items together. Do one of the following:

  • In multi-line view, click Arranged by, and then click Flag: Start Date or Flag: Due Date.

  • In single-line view, click the Flag Status column header.

Use a Search Folder

Messages that you flag appear automatically in the For Follow Up Search Folder. If the folder was deleted, you can re-create the Search Folder.

  1. On the Folder tab, in the New group, click New Search Folder.

  2. In the New Search Folder dialog box, under Reading Mail, select Mail flagged for follow up, and then click OK.

Note:  The For Follow Up Search Folder displays the total message count, and not only the number of unread messages.

Use Instant Search

Instant Search can be used to find flagged items within the selected folder or across all mail folders.

  • On the Home tab, in the Find group, click Filter E-mail, and then click Flagged.

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Better together: Manage your flagged items with Outlook for iOS and Outlook for Android

Use Outlook Mobile together with Outlook for PC for additional features.

If you use Outlook for iOS or Outlook for Android, you can flag messages for follow-up directly from your mobile device. You can also view and clear flags on the go.

Review flagged responses from other people

If you want to search only for flagged responses from other people, sort the Sent Items folder or by use search.

Note:  This feature requires that the recipients also use Outlook.

Sort the Sent Items folder

You can quickly sort your Sent Items folder to display all flagged items together. Do one of the following:

  • In multi-line view, click Arranged by, and then click Flag: Start Date or Flag: Due Date.

  • In single-line view, click the Flag Status column header.

Search in your Sent Items folder

You can refine a search for flagged responses by using additional criteria — the message subject or sender.

  • Open the Sent Items folder, right-click the flagged message that you want to search, point to Find Related, and then click Messages in This Conversation or Messages from Sender.

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