How To Turn Off Suggested Replies In Outlook

Outlook suggests quick replies based on your email content, but you can disable these automated response prompts. If you’re tired of seeing those pre-written responses pop up while reading emails, learning how to turn off suggested replies in outlook is a simple fix that declutters your inbox experience. This feature, designed to save time, can feel intrusive or distracting, especially if you prefer crafting your own messages from scratch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method to disable suggested replies across Outlook’s desktop, web, and mobile versions.

Suggested replies are a convenience tool that analyzes the text of an email and offers three short, clickable responses. While helpful for quick acknowledgments, many users find them unnecessary or even annoying. The good news? You can disable them in just a few clicks. Below, we cover all the steps, from the classic Outlook desktop app to Outlook.com and the mobile app for iOS and Android.

This section provides the core instructions for disabling suggested replies. Whether you use Outlook 2016, 2019, Microsoft 365, or the web version, the process is straightforward. We’ll break it down by platform so you can follow the exact steps for your setup.

Disable Suggested Replies In Outlook Desktop App (Windows And Mac)

The desktop version of Outlook, part of Microsoft 365 or standalone Office suites, includes suggested replies by default. Here’s how to turn them off:

Open Outlook on your computer.
Click on the File tab in the top-left corner.
Select Options from the left-hand menu. This opens the Outlook Options window.
In the Options window, click on Mail from the list on the left.
Scroll down to the Compose messages section.
Look for the checkbox labeled “Show suggested replies” or “Show suggested replies when replying to messages”.
Uncheck this box to disable the feature.
Click OK to save your changes.

That’s it. Once you uncheck the box, suggested replies will no longer appear when you open emails. If you’re using a Mac, the steps are similar: go to Outlook > Preferences > Compose and uncheck the same option.

Note: In some older versions of Outlook (like 2016 or 2019), the setting might be under File > Options > Mail > Message format. Look for a checkbox related to “suggested replies” or “quick responses.” If you can’t find it, try updating Outlook to the latest version.

Turn Off Suggested Replies In Outlook On The Web (Outlook.com)

For users who access Outlook through a browser—whether for personal accounts or work—the process is slightly different. Here’s how to disable suggested replies in Outlook on the web:

Log in to your Outlook.com or Office 365 account.
Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom of the settings pane.
In the Settings window, click on Mail from the left-hand menu.
Then click on Compose and reply.
Under the Compose messages section, find the toggle for “Show suggested replies”.
Set the toggle to Off.
Close the settings window. Your changes save automatically.

After turning off this toggle, suggested replies will no longer appear when you read emails in your browser. If you use multiple accounts, repeat these steps for each one.

One common issue: The toggle might be labeled slightly differently, like “Suggested replies” or “Quick replies.” If you can’t find it, use the search bar in settings to type “suggested replies” for a direct link.

Remove Suggested Replies In Outlook Mobile App (IOS And Android)

The Outlook mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android also includes suggested replies. Disabling them is quick but varies slightly by operating system.

On IPhone Or IPad:

Open the Outlook app on your iOS device.
Tap your profile picture or the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top-left corner.
Select the gear icon (Settings) at the bottom of the menu.
Tap on Mail or Compose (depending on your app version).
Look for the option “Suggested replies” or “Show suggested replies”.
Toggle the switch to Off.

On Android:

Open the Outlook app on your Android device.
Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner.
Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
Select Mail or Compose.
Find the “Suggested replies” option and toggle it off.

If you can’t find the setting, try updating the app to the latest version. Older versions might have the option under Notifications or Reading settings. Also, note that the mobile app’s settings sync with your account, so turning it off on one device may affect others if you use the same account.

Disable Suggested Replies In Outlook For Specific Accounts Or Folders

Outlook sometimes applies suggested replies globally, but you can’t disable them per folder or per email. However, if you use multiple accounts in the same Outlook profile, the setting applies to all accounts. To turn it off for just one account, you’d need to adjust the setting in that account’s web version or app separately.

For example, if you have a work account and a personal account in the same Outlook desktop app, the “Show suggested replies” checkbox affects both. There’s no folder-specific setting. If you want to keep it on for one account and off for another, consider using separate profiles or the web version for one account.

This limitation is a common frustration, but most users prefer a universal setting anyway. If you’re managing multiple accounts, the easiest fix is to disable suggested replies globally in the desktop app and then enable it only in the web version for specific accounts if needed.

Why You Might Want To Turn Off Suggested Replies

Suggested replies can be handy for quick “Thanks” or “Got it” responses, but they aren’t for everyone. Here are common reasons users disable them:

Distraction: The pop-up suggestions can interrupt your reading flow.
Privacy concerns: Some users worry about Microsoft analyzing email content to generate replies.
Inaccuracy: The suggestions sometimes misinterpret tone or context, leading to awkward responses.
Clutter: They take up screen space, especially on mobile devices with smaller screens.
Preference for manual replies: You might prefer writing personalized responses rather than using generic ones.

Whatever your reason, disabling them is a personal choice that can make your Outlook experience cleaner and more focused.

Troubleshooting: When Suggested Replies Won’t Turn Off

Sometimes, even after following the steps, suggested replies persist. Here are common fixes:

Restart Outlook: Close and reopen the app to apply changes.
Check for updates: Ensure Outlook is updated to the latest version. Old versions might not have the setting.
Clear cache: For the web version, clear your browser cache or try a different browser.
Reinstall the app: On mobile, uninstall and reinstall Outlook to reset settings.
Check group policy: If you’re using a work or school account, your IT admin might have enabled suggested replies via group policy. Contact your admin to disable it.
Toggle the setting off and on: Sometimes, toggling the setting off, saving, then toggling it on again and off can force a refresh.

If none of these work, try searching for “suggested replies” in Outlook’s help menu or Microsoft’s support site. The feature is relatively new, so occasional bugs exist.

How To Disable Suggested Replies In Outlook For Mac

Mac users of Outlook (Microsoft 365 or standalone) can follow these steps:

Open Outlook on your Mac.
Click on Outlook in the top menu bar.
Select Preferences.
Click on Compose (or Mail in some versions).
Uncheck the box next to “Show suggested replies”.
Close the Preferences window. Changes save automatically.

If you’re using an older version of Outlook for Mac, the option might be under Tools > Options > Mail. Look for a checkbox related to “suggested replies” or “quick responses.”

How To Disable Suggested Replies In Outlook 2016 And 2019

Outlook 2016 and 2019 (non-subscription versions) also have this feature, but the setting might be in a different location. Here’s how:

Open Outlook 2016 or 2019.
Click on File > Options.
Select Mail from the left menu.
Scroll to the Compose messages section.
Look for “Show suggested replies” or “Show suggested replies when replying to messages”.
Uncheck the box and click OK.

Note: In some builds of Outlook 2016, the setting might be under File > Options > General > Compose. If you can’t find it, try searching the Options window for “suggested.”

How To Turn Off Suggested Replies In Outlook For Business (Microsoft 365)

For business users with Microsoft 365, the steps are identical to the desktop app. However, if your organization uses Exchange Online, the setting might be controlled by your admin. In that case:

Check with your IT department to disable suggested replies at the tenant level.
Alternatively, use the web version of Outlook (Outlook on the web) to toggle it off for your account, as admin settings may override the desktop app.

If you’re an admin, you can disable suggested replies for all users via PowerShell or the Exchange admin center. This is advanced, so consult Microsoft’s documentation or your IT team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I turn off suggested replies in Outlook permanently?
To disable them permanently, follow the steps for your platform (desktop, web, or mobile) as outlined above. The setting stays off until you re-enable it. If it turns back on after an update, check for a new setting or reapply the change.

2. Why are suggested replies still showing after I disabled them?
This can happen if you didn’t save changes, if you’re using multiple accounts, or if the setting is overridden by group policy. Restart Outlook, clear cache, or contact your admin if it’s a work account.

3. Can I disable suggested replies for only certain emails or folders?
No, Outlook doesn’t offer per-folder or per-email settings for suggested replies. It’s a global setting that applies to all messages.

4. Does turning off suggested replies affect other features like quick steps or templates?
No, suggested replies are independent of Quick Steps, templates, or other automation. Disabling them only removes the pop-up suggestions.

5. How to turn off suggested replies in Outlook mobile without affecting desktop?
The mobile app setting is separate from the desktop app. You can disable it on mobile without changing desktop settings, and vice versa. Just follow the mobile steps above.

Final Thoughts

Disabling suggested replies in Outlook is a simple process that takes less than a minute. Whether you use the desktop app, web version, or mobile app, the steps are clear and easy to follow. By turning off this feature, you regain control over your inbox and avoid distractions from automated suggestions. Remember to check for updates if the setting doesn’t appear, and don’t hesitate to contact support if issues persist. Now you can enjoy a cleaner, more personalized email experience without those unwanted reply prompts.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with colleagues who might also want to disable suggested replies. And if you have other Outlook customization questions, leave a comment below—we’re happy to help.