How to auto forward emails in Gmail

Auto forwarding in Gmail can save hours each week by routing emails exactly where they need to go: automatically. Whether you manage multiple accounts, coordinate across a team, or simply want a cleaner inbox, setting up forwarding helps keep communication organized and accessible.

Gmail makes it easy to auto forward emails to another account, either for every incoming message or for specific ones based on filters. Once it’s set up, your messages move seamlessly without you having to lift a finger.

This guide walks you through how to set up Gmail auto forwarding, adjust or stop it, and troubleshoot common issues. You’ll also learn how to forward messages on mobile and how to stay secure when automating your inbox.

Outlook user? Check out our guide on how to auto forward emails in Outlook

Reasons to use auto forwarding in Gmail

Auto forwarding is a practical way to stay in control of your communication when your inbox is constantly moving. Whether you manage client accounts, coordinate across teams, or simply want fewer logins to check each day, forwarding helps you keep everything in one place.

According to recent CloudHQ data, 86% of professionals have at least three email addresses, and 42% check their inboxes 3 to 5 times per day. That constant switching eats into focus and productivity. Setting up Gmail auto forwarding can mean one less inbox to monitor and fewer chances of missing something important.

Here are some of the most common reasons professionals set it up:

• Centralize multiple accounts: If you use different Gmail addresses for personal, team, or project work, forwarding everything to one inbox keeps messages from slipping through the cracks.
• Ensure continuity during absences: When you are away from work, forwarding your emails to a colleague helps projects stay on track without requiring constant updates.
• Share information automatically: Forwarding can route specific types of emails, like invoices or customer inquiries, directly to the right department for quicker handling.
• Reduce inbox clutter: By forwarding certain messages elsewhere, you can focus on what matters most in your main inbox and avoid constant switching between tabs.
• Back up important communication: Keeping a copy of all incoming messages in another account creates a simple backup system that adds peace of mind.
• Save time on repetitive tasks: Automating forwarding eliminates the need to manually resend information, helping you stay efficient and focused.

When used thoughtfully, Gmail auto forwarding is one of the simplest ways to streamline communication. For professionals who manage a high volume of emails, it turns scattered information into a clear, centralized workflow.

Related read: What are email read receipts and how do they work?

How to automatically forward all emails in Gmail (desktop)

If you want every incoming message to appear in another inbox, Gmail’s built-in forwarding feature makes it simple to set up.

1. Open Gmail on your desktop.
2. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner and choose See all settings.

1. Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.

1. Under Forwarding, click Add a forwarding address.

1. Enter the destination email address and click Next → Proceed → OK.

1. Gmail will send a confirmation code to the destination email. Open that inbox, find the verification email, and click the confirmation link.
2. Return to Settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
3. Choose Forward a copy of incoming mail to [your forwarding address].

1. Decide what happens to the original message in Gmail. You can:
2. • Keep Gmail’s copy in the Inbox
   • Archive Gmail’s copy
   • Delete Gmail’s copy

Once confirmed, Gmail automatically forwards all incoming emails to the chosen address.

Security tip: Forward messages only to accounts you trust. If your inbox includes sensitive information, use strong passwords and enable two-step verification on both accounts.

How to automatically forward specific emails in Gmail

If you only want certain messages to forward automatically, Gmail filters make that possible. You can create custom rules to forward messages from specific senders, with particular subjects, or containing certain keywords.

Here is how to set it up:

1. In Gmail, click the Search bar drop-down arrow to open advanced search filters.
2. Enter your desired criteria such as:
3. • A sender’s address (for example, from:client@company.com)
   • A subject line keyword (for example, “invoice”)
   • A domain (for example, @yourcompany.com)
4. Click Create filter.
5. Check Forward it to, then select your verified forwarding address.
6. Click Create filter again to save your settings.

Tip: Combine filters with labels to stay organized. Labels let you track forwarded emails more easily and keep your inbox structured.

How to forward emails in the Gmail mobile app

The Gmail mobile app on Android and iOS does not support automatic forwarding. However, there are simple ways to manage it.

Option 1: Use a desktop browser

You can create or edit forwarding rules through Gmail on a computer. Once set up, the forwarding applies across all your devices, including mobile.

Option 2: Use automation tools

If you need mobile-based automation, tools like Fyxer can help. These platforms integrate with Gmail to forward emails or create smart workflows based on sender, subject, or keyword.

Manual forwarding on mobile

You can forward messages one at a time using the app:

1. Open the Gmail app.
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of an email.
3. Tap Forward.
4. Enter the recipient’s email address and tap Send.

If you regularly forward messages from your phone, consider setting up automatic forwarding rules from your desktop to save time.

How to stop or edit auto forwarding in Gmail

You can change or disable forwarding at any time.

1. Open Gmail on a desktop browser.
2. Go to Settings → See all settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
3. Under Forwarding, select Disable forwarding or choose a different address.
4. To remove filters, go to Settings → Filters and Blocked Addresses, find the rule you created, and click Delete or Edit.

Tip: Review your filters and forwarding settings regularly, especially if multiple accounts send messages to one inbox. This helps avoid duplicate emails or unnecessary storage use.

Common auto forwarding in Gmail problems and fixes

Even though Gmail’s forwarding system is reliable, small setup errors or security restrictions can interrupt the process.

Verification email not received

• Check the Spam or Promotions folder for Gmail’s confirmation message.
• Delete the forwarding rule and try adding the address again if the email does not arrive.

Forwarding not working

• Make sure the forwarding address is verified.
• Check that forwarding is enabled under Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
• Try disabling and re-enabling the rule to refresh the connection.

Work account restrictions

Some Google Workspace administrators disable forwarding to protect sensitive data. Contact your admin if forwarding options are grayed out.

Duplicate messages

If you receive multiple copies of the same email, two or more filters may be forwarding the same messages. Check your filters and adjust or remove overlaps.

Note: Auto forwarding applies only to new emails. To move old messages, use Gmail’s search filters and manually forward them or use the import option through IMAP.

Tips for managing forwarded emails efficiently

Automatic forwarding can quickly become disorganized if not maintained. Use these habits to keep your inbox clean and efficient:

• Use labels and filters in the destination inbox so forwarded emails stay organized.
• Check forwarding rules monthly to make sure they still match your workflow.
• Keep Gmail’s copy of messages until you confirm that everything forwards correctly.
• Combine auto forwarding with autoresponders to let senders know their message is being handled.
• Archive old threads regularly to maintain performance and storage space.
• Use Fyxer to handle repetitive tasks such as categorizing forwarded messages or sending quick replies, allowing you to focus on high-value work.

Streamlining your inbox with Gmail auto forwarding

Auto forwarding emails in Gmail is a reliable way to streamline communication and save time. Whether you are forwarding everything to one account or filtering specific messages to your team, it helps you stay focused and in control.

Managing these workflows manually can still take effort. Fyxer helps professionals organize their inboxes, automate email actions, and maintain focus throughout the day. With smart sorting, categorization, and drafting tools, Fyxer handles the small details so you can concentrate on what matters most.

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Email forwarding in Gmail FAQs

Can I forward emails to multiple addresses in Gmail?

Not directly. Gmail’s built-in feature allows forwarding to only one address at a time. However, you can create separate filters for each recipient or use automation tools like Fyxer or Zapier to forward emails to multiple people at once. This setup is useful for teams who share inbox responsibilities or need to route information to different departments automatically.

Can I forward old emails automatically?

No. Gmail’s forwarding feature only works for messages received after the rule is created. To move older emails, you will need to forward them manually or use the import option through IMAP. If you regularly need to share historical messages, consider setting up an archive folder or using Fyxer to categorize and move them efficiently.

Can I use Gmail auto forwarding with my work account?

Sometimes. Google Workspace administrators can restrict or disable forwarding to protect sensitive data or maintain compliance with company policies. If you do not see the forwarding option in your settings, check with your IT department. Many organizations allow internal forwarding but limit external addresses for security reasons, so always confirm what your account permissions allow.

Does auto forwarding include attachments?

Yes. When Gmail forwards messages automatically, attachments are included with the original email. This ensures that files such as invoices, presentations, or project documents reach the right destination without any manual steps. For larger attachments, always make sure the receiving inbox has enough storage space to handle incoming files.

Can I set up auto forwarding without verification?

No. Gmail requires every forwarding address to be verified before it can be activated. This process prevents spam, phishing, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Once verified, you can safely enable forwarding knowing that all messages go to a confirmed and trusted destination.

How can I tell if forwarding is active?

Open Settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP in Gmail. If forwarding is active, you will see the forwarding address listed along with options for what happens to Gmail’s copy of each message. You can test it by sending yourself a quick email and checking that it arrives in the destination inbox. Regularly reviewing this setting helps you stay in control of where your messages are going.

Does Gmail notify recipients that emails are auto forwarded?

No. Forwarded messages appear in the recipient’s inbox just like any other incoming email. The process is seamless, and the recipient will not see any “auto forwarded” label or notice. This keeps communication professional and ensures that messages arrive exactly as intended without confusion or extra headers.