Using BCC in Outlook protects recipient privacy when sending to multiple addresses. If you’ve ever wondered how to add bcc in outlook, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every version of Outlook—desktop, web, and mobile—with clear steps and screenshots in mind. By the end, you’ll be a BCC pro.
What Is BCC And Why Use It
BCC stands for Blind Carbon Copy. When you add someone to the BCC field, other recipients cannot see that person’s email address. This is different from the CC (Carbon Copy) field, where everyone can see who else got the message.
Using BCC is essential for privacy. For example, if you’re emailing a group of clients, you don’t want to expose everyone’s email to each other. It also helps reduce reply-all chaos and keeps your communication professional.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook On Desktop (Windows)
The desktop version of Outlook for Windows is the most common. Here’s how to find and use the BCC field.
Step 1: Open A New Email
Click “New Email” in the top-left corner of the Outlook window. A blank message window will open.
Step 2: Locate The BCC Button
In the message window, look for the “Options” tab in the ribbon at the top. Click it. You’ll see a “BCC” button on the left side. Click it once, and the BCC field will appear below the CC field.
Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + B. This toggles the BCC field on and off.
Step 3: Add Recipients To BCC
Type the email addresses in the BCC field, separated by semicolons. You can also click the “BCC” button to open your address book and select contacts.
Step 4: Compose And Send
Write your email, add a subject, and hit Send. The BCC recipients will receive the email, but their addresses remain hidden from everyone else.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook On Mac
Outlook for Mac works a bit differently. Here’s the process.
Step 1: Open A New Message
Click “New Email” in the toolbar.
Step 2: Show The BCC Field
In the new message window, look at the top of the message header. You’ll see a small “BCC” button or a dropdown arrow next to the “To” field. Click it to reveal the BCC line.
Step 3: Enter BCC Addresses
Type or paste addresses into the BCC field. Use commas or semicolons to separate them.
Step 4: Send Your Email
Once you’re done, click Send. The BCC field works exactly like on Windows.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook On The Web (Outlook.com)
Using Outlook in a browser? The web version is similar but has its own quirks.
Step 1: Start A New Email
Click “New message” in the top-left corner.
Step 2: Find The BCC Option
In the new message window, look at the top of the “To” field. You’ll see a “CC” and “BCC” link. Click “BCC” to add the field.
Step 3: Add Recipients
Type email addresses in the BCC box. You can also click the “BCC” link to open your contacts.
Step 4: Send
Compose your message and click Send. Easy.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook Mobile App (IOS And Android)
The Outlook mobile app is popular for on-the-go emailing. Here’s how to enable BCC.
Step 1: Tap The Compose Icon
Open the Outlook app and tap the pencil or plus icon to start a new email.
Step 2: Tap The Three Dots
In the new email screen, look for three dots (more options) in the top-right corner. Tap them.
Step 3: Select “Show BCC”
A menu will appear. Tap “Show BCC” or “BCC” to add the field.
Step 4: Enter BCC Addresses
Type the addresses in the BCC field. On mobile, you can also paste from your clipboard.
Step 5: Send
Tap the send arrow. Your BCC recipients are hidden.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook For Office 365 (New Outlook)
Microsoft is rolling out a new Outlook experience. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Open New Email
Click “New mail” in the top-left.
Step 2: Click The “…” More Options
In the message header, you’ll see three dots next to the “To” field. Click them.
Step 3: Select “BCC”
From the dropdown, choose “BCC.” The field appears.
Step 4: Add Recipients
Type addresses and send. The new Outlook keeps things simple.
Common Mistakes When Using BCC
Even experienced users make errors. Here are pitfalls to avoid.
- Forgetting to add the BCC field before typing recipients. Always show the field first.
- Using BCC for reply-all prevention. BCC doesn’t stop reply-all if someone in the To or CC field replies.
- Putting the primary recipient in BCC. If you want someone to see the email, put them in To or CC.
- Assuming BCC is private from the sender. The sender can always see who was BCC’d.
- Not checking the BCC list before sending. Double-check for typos.
Tips For Using BCC Effectively
Make the most of BCC with these strategies.
- Use BCC for mass emails like newsletters or announcements.
- Always put your own email in the To field if you’re sending to a large BCC list. This prevents the email from looking empty.
- Keep BCC lists short when possible. Some email servers limit BCC recipients.
- Use BCC to introduce people without sharing their addresses.
- Consider using a mail merge for very large lists instead of BCC.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook For Multiple Recipients
Adding many people to BCC is straightforward. Just separate each address with a semicolon (;) on desktop or a comma (,) on web and mobile. You can also copy and paste a list from a spreadsheet.
If you have a long list, type it in a text editor first to avoid mistakes. Then paste it into the BCC field. Outlook will automatically parse the addresses.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook When Replying Or Forwarding
You can also use BCC when replying or forwarding emails. Here’s how.
For Replies
Click “Reply” or “Reply All.” Then, in the reply window, click the BCC button (or use the shortcut) to add hidden recipients. This is useful if you want to loop in someone without others knowing.
For Forwards
Click “Forward.” The BCC field works the same way. Add hidden recipients before sending the forwarded message.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook Using Quick Steps
Outlook’s Quick Steps feature can automate adding BCC. Here’s a simple setup.
- Go to the “Home” tab in Outlook.
- Click “Quick Steps” in the ribbon.
- Select “New Quick Step” and choose “Custom.”
- Name it something like “BCC to Manager.”
- Under “Actions,” choose “Add BCC” and enter the address.
- Click “Finish.” Now you can apply this Quick Step to any email with one click.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook For A Distribution List
If you have a contact group (distribution list) in Outlook, you can add it to the BCC field. Just type the group’s name in the BCC field. All members of the group will receive the email, but their individual addresses remain hidden from each other.
Be careful: If the group is set to expand, recipients might see the group name but not the members. Test it first.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook And Keep It Visible
Some users want the BCC field to always show by default. Here’s how to make it permanent.
On Windows Desktop
Go to “File” > “Options” > “Mail.” Under “Send messages,” check the box that says “Always show BCC field.” Click OK. Now every new email will have the BCC field visible.
On Mac
In Outlook for Mac, go to “Outlook” > “Preferences” > “Composing.” Check “Always show BCC field.”
On Web
Unfortunately, the web version doesn’t have a permanent setting. You’ll need to click “BCC” each time you compose a new email.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook For A Calendar Invitation
You can also use BCC when sending meeting requests. In the calendar, create a new meeting. In the invitation window, click the BCC button (same as email). Add hidden attendees. They will receive the invitation, but other attendees won’t see them.
This is useful for inviting observers or assistants without cluttering the attendee list.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook And Avoid Spam Filters
Using BCC doesn’t automatically trigger spam filters, but there are best practices.
- Don’t use all caps or excessive exclamation marks.
- Avoid spammy words like “free” or “guaranteed.”
- Keep your BCC list clean and up to date.
- Use a clear subject line.
- If sending to many BCC recipients, consider using a bulk email service instead.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook For A Shared Mailbox
If you have access to a shared mailbox, you can add BCC just like in your own mailbox. Open a new email from the shared mailbox (by changing the “From” field). Then show the BCC field and add recipients. The BCC behavior is the same.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook And Track Responses
BCC doesn’t affect read receipts or delivery notifications. If you request a read receipt, only the To and CC recipients will trigger it. BCC recipients won’t send a receipt unless they manually respond.
For tracking, consider using a third-party email tracking tool that works with BCC.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook For A Rule
You can create a rule in Outlook to automatically BCC someone on certain emails. For example, BCC your manager on all emails to a specific client.
- Go to “File” > “Manage Rules & Alerts.”
- Click “New Rule.”
- Choose “Apply rule on messages I send.”
- Set conditions (e.g., sent to a specific address).
- Under actions, check “BCC the message to people or public group.”
- Enter the BCC address.
- Finish the rule.
Now every email meeting your conditions will automatically include the BCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Add BCC After I’ve Already Started Typing An Email?
Yes. Just click the BCC button or use the shortcut. The field will appear, and you can add recipients without losing your draft.
Does BCC Work The Same In Outlook For Windows And Mac?
Mostly yes. The steps are similar, but the button location may vary. On Mac, you often need to click a dropdown to show BCC.
How Many People Can I Add To BCC In Outlook?
Outlook doesn’t have a strict limit, but your email server might. For very large lists, use a mailing list service.
Can BCC Recipients See Each Other?
No. That’s the whole point of BCC. Each BCC recipient only sees their own address in the BCC field.
Is It Rude To Use BCC?
It depends on context. For mass emails, it’s polite. For one-on-one emails, it can be seen as sneaky. Use good judgment.
How To Add Bcc In Outlook: Final Thoughts
Now you know how to add bcc in outlook across all platforms. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, web, or mobile, the process is simple once you know where to look. Use BCC to protect privacy, reduce clutter, and send professional group emails.
Remember to always show the BCC field before typing recipients. Double-check your list before sending. And if you send a lot of group emails, consider making the BCC field permanent in your settings.
With these steps, you’ll never accidentally expose someone’s email again. Happy emailing.