How to know whether sent mail is read or not

Unfortunately, there's no foolproof way to know for certain whether a sent email has been read or not. However, here are some methods that can give you an indication:

  1. Read Receipt: Some email providers, like Gmail, allow you to request a read receipt from the recipient. This will send a notification to your email when the recipient opens the email. To request a read receipt in Gmail, go to the "Settings" > "General" > "Sending" and check the box next to "Request read receipts."
  2. Tracking: Many email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook, offer tracking features that allow you to see when an email is opened. These features use tracking pixels or images that are embedded in the email. When the recipient opens the email, the tracking pixel is loaded, and the email provider can track the open.
  3. Click-through tracking: Similar to tracking, some email providers allow you to track clicks on links within the email. This can give you an idea of whether the recipient has opened the email and clicked on any links.
  4. Bounce notifications: If the email is bounced back to you due to a non-existent email address or other issues, you'll receive a notification. This can indicate that the email was not delivered or read.
  5. Follow-up emails: You can send a follow-up email to the recipient to check if they've read the original email. This can be a polite way to gauge interest or response.
  6. Email client notifications: Some email clients, like Microsoft Outlook, can notify you when an email is opened or read. Check your email client's settings to see if this feature is available.
  7. Third-party tools: There are various third-party tools and services that offer email tracking and read receipt features. These tools can provide more detailed insights into email engagement, including opens, clicks, and reads.

Keep in mind that these methods are not foolproof, and there are ways for recipients to bypass them. For example, some email clients may block tracking pixels or images, and recipients can always delete or ignore emails without opening them.