Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How do I ask for read receipts

  • 7 replies
  • 11 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

more options

I have recently switched from Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook. These gave the account holder and option to request individual delivery notifications and or read receipts, or for all sent emails.

How do I do this in Thunderbird?

I have recently switched from Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook. These gave the account holder and option to request individual delivery notifications and or read receipts, or for all sent emails. How do I do this in Thunderbird?

Chosen solution

On a per email basis: click on 'Write' to create a new email. Write email then click on 'Options' in the top Menu bar select 'Return Receipts' and or Delivery Status Notification' click on 'Send'

To set up an auto always request a return receipt and determine how Thunderbird handles return receipts:

  • Tools > Options > Advanced > General Tab

or

  • 3bar menu icon > Options > Options > Advanced > General Tab
  • click on 'Return Receipts' button
  • choose settings.
  • click on OK
  • click on OK to save changes Options.

As you are new to Thunderbird, you may not have all your toolbars enabled. Most help refers to the toolbars and if you prefer you can display them. See image below:

Also some useful information to help you to keep a healthy Thunderbird:

Read this answer in context 👍 16

All Replies (7)

more options

Chosen Solution

On a per email basis: click on 'Write' to create a new email. Write email then click on 'Options' in the top Menu bar select 'Return Receipts' and or Delivery Status Notification' click on 'Send'

To set up an auto always request a return receipt and determine how Thunderbird handles return receipts:

  • Tools > Options > Advanced > General Tab

or

  • 3bar menu icon > Options > Options > Advanced > General Tab
  • click on 'Return Receipts' button
  • choose settings.
  • click on OK
  • click on OK to save changes Options.

As you are new to Thunderbird, you may not have all your toolbars enabled. Most help refers to the toolbars and if you prefer you can display them. See image below:

Also some useful information to help you to keep a healthy Thunderbird:

more options

I too would be interested in seeing a per recipient receipt request feature. The feature loses its value quickly if you turn it on for all outgoing e-mails and having to think about it isn't why we use e-mail.

more options

harshness: re: I too would be interested in seeing a per recipient receipt request feature.

Please read the 'Chosen Solution' as it gives full information on how to set up on a per email manual basis and also auto inclusion.

Please note that requesting a return receipt does not mean you will actually get one. The recipient would need to perform the action and it is not obligatory. So, if they choose not to acknowledge the request then there is nothing you can do about it.

more options

Toad-Hall said

harshness: re: I too would be interested in seeing a per recipient receipt request feature. Please read the 'Chosen Solution' as it gives full information on how to set up on a per email manual basis and also auto inclusion.

I'm well aware of the per-email receipt requests.

The "chosen solution" is a manual workaround for the fact that the feature isn't implemented.

Thunderbird goes to considerable trouble to allow flexibility in automatically determining when to respond to receipt requests to but it offers little flexibility in pre-determining who to send requests to.

more options

tre :The "chosen solution" is a manual workaround for the fact that the feature isn't implemented.

Return Receipt feature has always been in Thunderbird.

There are two options: Option 1: Manually per email basis You can set this manually when you create the message. See previous comment.

Option 2: Automatically in all emails sent If you want all your emails to go out automatically with a return receipt request. See previous comment. For those who are unsure. Q: What does 'Choose Settings' mean ? A: this means select all the prefernces you want in this section. Select: 'When sending messages, always request a return receipt' then look at the further options regarding what to do with that return receipt when it arrives and make a selection.

The lower part deals with what happens if someone requests a return receipt from you. Make any selections you require.


Additional: If you want to perform a request for return Receipt and would like a simple button to make it an easier one click option: then try this addon - it has received some good reports, so it may suit your purposes

more options

Toad-Hall said

tre :The "chosen solution" is a manual workaround for the fact that the feature isn't implemented. Return Receipt feature has always been in Thunderbird.

I'm not arguing that return receipt requests are implemented at some level.

I'm stating that I'd like the functionality to be enhanced by adding the ability to flag selected recipients in the address book for automatic return receipt requests.

This would be useful in multi-recipient lists so that not everyone on the list would get a receipt request and that I, as the sender, don't get bombarded by receipt acknowledgements from everyone on the list.

more options

harshness: Then your request has nothing to do with the question and solution asked and chosen by the original poster.

You should not hijack other peoples questions when you are asking a different question. That explains why my previous answers were geared to the original question.

If you would like to request an enhancement to a feature, you can post a request via the bug forum, so that the developers get to read your request for enhancement. https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/index.cgi This does not mean it will be implemented.

Please remember that requesting a return receipt does not necessarilly mean the recipient will send a return receipt.