Setting Outlook to always BCC yourself creates a permanent record of sent messages. If you have ever wondered how to always bcc myself in outlook, this guide will walk you through the exact steps for both desktop and web versions.
Many people forget to add themselves to the BCC field every time they send an email. This can lead to missing important conversations or losing track of what you sent. By automating this process, you ensure every outgoing message lands in your inbox automatically.
Let us get straight into the methods. You will learn how to set up rules, use templates, and even tweak Outlook settings for a permanent solution.
Why BCC Yourself In Outlook?
BCC stands for blind carbon copy. When you BCC yourself, no one else sees that you received a copy. This is useful for keeping a personal archive without cluttering other recipients’ inboxes.
Here are a few reasons to do this:
- You never lose track of sent emails.
- You can search for messages you sent days or weeks ago.
- It helps with compliance or record-keeping in professional settings.
- You avoid relying on the Sent Items folder, which can be deleted accidentally.
Now, let us move to the actual setup.
How To Always Bcc Myself In Outlook
This section covers the most reliable method. You will use Outlook’s built-in rules feature. This works for Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365 desktop versions.
Step 1: Open The Rules Wizard
First, open Outlook on your desktop. Click on the File tab in the top-left corner. Then select Manage Rules & Alerts from the menu.
A new window will open. Click on New Rule to start creating your custom rule.
Step 2: Choose A Template
In the Rules Wizard, you will see several templates. Scroll down and select Apply rule on messages I send. This is under the “Start from a blank rule” section.
Click Next to proceed.
Step 3: Set Conditions (Optional)
You can choose conditions like “sent only to me” or “with specific words in the subject.” For a blanket rule that BCCs you on every email, leave all conditions unchecked. Just click Next.
A pop-up will ask if you want the rule to apply to all messages you send. Click Yes.
Step 4: Add The BCC Action
Now you need to tell Outlook what to do. Check the box that says BCC the message to people or BCC someone. The exact wording may vary slightly by version.
In the bottom pane, click on the underlined word people or someone. A new window will open where you can enter your email address.
Type your email address and click OK. Then click Next.
Step 5: Name And Finish
Give your rule a name like “Always BCC Myself.” Make sure the box Turn on this rule is checked. Click Finish.
You are done. Now every email you send will automatically include your email address in the BCC field.
Alternative Method: Using A Template
If rules do not work for you, or if you use Outlook on the web, a template can help. This method requires a few extra steps but is just as effective.
Create A Template With BCC Pre-Filled
Open a new email message. In the BCC field, add your email address. You may need to enable the BCC field first if it is hidden. Click Options > BCC to show it.
Once the BCC field is visible, type your email address. Then go to File > Save As. Choose Outlook Template (*.oft) as the file type. Name it something like “BCC Myself Template.”
To use this template, double-click the file. It will open a new email with your BCC already filled in. You just need to add the recipient and subject.
Set The Template As Default
You can make this template open every time you click New Email. Go to File > Options > Mail. Under the “Compose messages” section, click Stationery and Fonts.
In the new window, click Theme and then Browse. Find your saved template and select it. Click OK.
Now every new email will start with your BCC address already there. This is a solid workaround if rules are not your thing.
How To Always Bcc Myself In Outlook Web
Outlook on the web (OWA) does not support rules for BCC. But you can use a browser extension or a simple workaround.
Use A Browser Extension
Extensions like “BCC for Outlook” or “Auto BCC” can add this functionality. Search your browser’s extension store for “Outlook BCC” and install one.
After installation, you will see a new button in your Outlook web interface. Configure it to always add your email to the BCC field.
Manual Workaround
If you prefer not to use extensions, you can create a signature that includes your email in the BCC field. This does not work automatically, but it reminds you to add it.
Go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Compose and reply. Create a new signature that says “BCC: yourname@example.com” at the bottom. Every time you compose a message, you will see the reminder and can manually add yourself.
It is not fully automatic, but it helps.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the rule does not work as expected. Here are a few fixes.
Rule Not Applying To All Emails
Check that your rule is enabled. Go to File > Manage Rules & Alerts. Make sure the checkbox next to your rule is checked.
Also, ensure the rule is not set to stop processing further rules. If it is, other rules might interfere.
BCC Field Not Showing In Sent Items
When you send an email, the BCC field is hidden in the Sent Items folder. To see it, open the sent message and click on the BCC button in the header. It will expand and show the addresses.
Rule Only Works For New Emails, Not Replies
By default, rules apply to new messages only. To include replies and forwards, edit your rule. In the Rules Wizard, click on the condition sent only to me or add the condition where my name is in the To box. This can be tricky, so test it.
Advanced: Using VBA For Full Automation
If you are comfortable with code, you can use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to force BCC on every email. This is the most powerful method.
Enable Developer Tab
First, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Check the box for Developer in the right pane. Click OK.
Insert The Code
Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor. In the left pane, find ThisOutlookSession and double-click it. Paste the following code:
Private Sub Application_ItemSend(ByVal Item As Object, Cancel As Boolean)
Dim objMail As Outlook.MailItem
If TypeOf Item Is Outlook.MailItem Then
Set objMail = Item
objMail.BCC = "youremail@example.com"
objMail.Save
End If
End Sub
Replace “youremail@example.com” with your actual email address. Close the editor and save.
Test The Code
Send a test email. Check the Sent Items folder and open the message. You should see your email in the BCC field. If not, restart Outlook and try again.
This method works for all versions of Outlook that support VBA. It is reliable and requires no extra software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I BCC Myself On Every Email Automatically In Outlook?
Yes. Use the Rules Wizard or VBA code. Both methods work well for desktop versions. For web version, use a browser extension.
Does BCC Myself Affect Other Recipients?
No. BCC is invisible to all other recipients. They will not know you received a copy.
Will The Rule Work If I Send Emails From My Phone?
No. Rules set in the desktop version do not sync to the Outlook mobile app. You would need to set up a similar rule on your phone or use a different method.
Can I BCC Multiple People Automatically?
Yes. In the Rules Wizard, you can add multiple email addresses in the BCC field. Separate them with semicolons.
What If I Change My Email Address?
You need to update the rule or VBA code with your new address. Otherwise, the BCC will fail or send to the old address.
Final Tips For Keeping Your Archive Organized
Once you set up automatic BCC, you will receive a copy of every email you send. This can clutter your inbox quickly. Here are a few tips to manage it.
- Create a folder called “Sent Copies” and move BCC emails there automatically using a rule.
- Use categories or flags to mark BCC emails for easy searching.
- Set up a second rule that moves BCC emails to a separate folder right after they arrive.
To create a folder rule, go to Manage Rules & Alerts again. Create a new rule that applies to messages you receive where your email is in the BCC field. Move those messages to a specific folder.
This keeps your main inbox clean while still preserving a record of everything you sent.
Now you know exactly how to always bcc myself in outlook. Whether you use the Rules Wizard, a template, a browser extension, or VBA, you have a solution that fits your workflow. Test the method you choose and adjust as needed. Your future self will thank you for never missing a sent message again.