You get mails every day that you have to share — receipt, project report, meeting minutes, or a pal comment from your buddy. No more copying-pasting since Gmail has a simpler and cleaner alternative: forwarding.
Maybe the most useful thing that a communications management individual needs to understand is how to forward Gmail. One can do them one at a time, in bulk as messages, or even set it so that all of one’s mail from one account gets forwarded automatically to another account.
This tutorial guides you through all desktop and mobile handbooks and automated steps with buttery-smooth recommendations on forwarding attachments, threads, and even the entire conversation without leaving the thread.
What Is Gmail Email Forwarding
Email forwarding simply sending a pre-written message (or copy) to another mail box.
Gmail auto-appends when forwarding an e-mail:
- Original message text
- Attachments
- Date and sender information
You can even include your own note. Or you can sign it before forwarding it.
Example:
Suppose your colleague e-mailed you a report. Send it off to your boss with the final comment. “Here’s the latest information you requested.”
That’s faster, neater and more professional than re-typing.
Why Use Gmail Forwarding
Forwarding isn’t just handy — it’s team-working and an archive facility.
Here’s why you’ll love having it:
- Send forward off without re-typing.
- Save all versions of a project in one thread.
- Forward receipts or invoices to accounts.
- Align your team.
- Auto-forward crucial emails between accounts.
One auto-rule or forward, Gmail has you covered.
Forward a Single Email in Gmail (Desktop)
Log into Gmail
Visit mail.google.com and log in.
Select the Email
Select the email that you want to forward from your inbox.
Click the Forward Button
Click Forward at the bottom of the message.
Add the Recipient
Add the recipient’s email address in the To field.
Write Your Note (Optional)
Add a note above the quoted text if needed.
Click Send
Click Send, and Gmail sends the mail with attachments.
That’s it — your forwarded message is on its way.
Sending Multiple Emails at Once
You can’t forward multiple native emails simultaneously in Gmail. But there are two workarounds.
Forward as Attachments
You can forward several messages as .eml attachments in a single mail.
Steps:
- Open Gmail.
- Select the boxes on the right side of the mails that you want to forward in your inbox.
- Click on top three dots menu (⋮).
- Click on Forward as attachment.
- Write your new message.
- Insert the recipient and send.
The recipient receives all the chosen mails attached and is able to open each one separately.
Chrome Extensions
Add-ons like Multi Email Forward for Gmail enable you to forward numerous emails in one go.
- Install add-on from Chrome Store.
- Login to Gmail and view loads of messages.
- Forward all from extensions menu.
Easy to use while forwarding loads of chats on a daily basis.
How to Forward the Whole Conversation Thread
You may have to auto-forward the entire back-and-forth conversation — not individually.
Steps:
- Begin conversation.
- Press three dots (⋮) top-right.
- Press Forward all.
- Enter recipient’s email.
- Optional: Enter comment.
- Press Send.
The recipient sees the entire conversation history in one conversation. Just like you.
How to Auto-Forward Emails in Gmail
You can auto-forward all of the received mail to another mailbox if you want.
It is useful for:
- Grouping set of mailboxes.
- Sharing email addresses of team members in mailbox.
- Back-up of emails in back-up mail account in Gmail.
Open Gmail Settings
gear icon (⚙️) → See all settings.
Proceed to Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
Add Forwarding Address
Add forwarding address.
Enter recipient’s email address.
Click Next → Proceed → OK.
Gmail sends a verification mail for the address.
Confirm the Forwarding Address
Open second account.
Paste the verification code.
Back to Gmail and copy there.
Click Verify.
Enable Forwarding
Under Forwarding and POP/IMAP, select Forward a copy of incoming mail to [address].
Select action for original message:
- Leave Gmail’s copy in the inbox
- Mark Gmail’s copy as read
- Archive Gmail’s copy
- Delete Gmail’s copy
Click Save Changes.
New mail will automatically be forwarded to the new address.
How to Automatically Forward Just Certain Emails
In order to automatically forward certain emails (e.g., from manager or invoices), filters can be applied.
Open Gmail Search Options
Click on the ▼ arrow in the search box at the top of Gmail.
Create a Filter
Type the following:
From: [email protected]
Subject: has: invoice
Has words: project update
Click Create filter.
Create Forwarding Rule
Choose Forward it to.
Select forwarding address.
Click Create filter.
Filtered emails only will forward automatically.
How to Forward Email in Gmail on Android
Step 1: Open Gmail Application.
Step 2: Open the Email.
Step 3: Tap the Three Dots (⋮) top right.
Step 4: Select Forward.
Step 5: Enter Recipient.
Step 6: Optional: Include Comment.
Step 7: Tap Send (📤).
Your email and attachment are sent out from the phone.
Forwarding an Email in Gmail for iPhone or iPad
Step 1: Launch Gmail App.
Step 2: Select Email.
Step 3: Press Three Dots (⋮) top-right corner.
Step 4: Press Forward.
Step 5: Fill in the Details.
Step 6: Press Send.
Your sent message is gone for good.
How to Forward Attachments in Gmail
When you forward email with attachments through Gmail, attachments are empty in Gmail-forwarded — unless hand-written.
When you can’t open attachments:
- Search for the file within Google Drive.
- Ensure the attachment that sender had sent was not too big (over 25 MB). Rather, a Drive link is included.
Sending ahead attachments so that they thrive, you can:
- Save them on your local computer.
- Send individually to your forwarded email address.
This will send your recipient one email at a time.
Bulk Transfer of Multiple Emails to Another Email Address
Alternate between work and personal accounts, one piece of mail at a time is too slow.
Or by means of automated Gmail forward or a migration tool.
Automated Forwarding (for new mail).
As already mentioned, activate automated forwarding in Gmail options.
Bulk Forwarding Manually (new mail).
Use Google Takeout:
- Visit takeout.google.com.
- Click Mail.
- Export mail.
- Import them in a new Gmail account using an MBOX importer.
It automatically saves all your past emails on new fronts.
How to Forward Gmail to Outlook or Another Service
Forward Gmail to Outlook, Yahoo, or another service.
Gmail Settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP, open.
Type in your Outlook email address.
Verify it with the code received by Gmail via Gmail email.
Tap Forward forward a copy of mail received to [address].
Save.
Your Gmail forwards e-mails directly into your Outlook inbox.
How to Turn Off Automatic Forwarding
Go to Settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
Under “Forwarding” heading, click on Disable forwarding.
Click Save changes.
Gmail will turn off forwarding right away, and emails will not be forwarded to your original inbox.
How to Verify Forwarding Is On
To verify your forwarding feature is on:
- Send an email to yourself as a test.
- Look in the inbox of forwarding address.
If it shows up instantly, then forwarding is enabled.
Else:
- Check to see if you even forwarded the address.
- Check in filters or spam.
- Gmail POP/IMAP settings must be turned on.
Best Forwarding E-mail Practices
- Be contextual — add a note to include the purpose of why you are forwarding.
- Be discreet — strip unnecessary recipients before forwarding.
- Use BCC when forwarding in bulk to hide addresses.
- Scan attachments — confirm before sending.
- Avoid long threads — summarize when possible.
- Never forward spam or sensitive data.
Problem and Solution
- Sneaky Forward button → Enable classic Gmail view (not Basic HTML).
- Attachments didn’t send → Re-send and download manually.
- No auto-forwarding → Check forwarding address or create filters.
- Jammed message → Strip formatting when forwarding — delete unnecessary signatures or replies.
- Gmail “Forwarding disabled” → Some work email addresses can’t auto-forward because of security. Contact your admin.
Security and Privacy Forwarding Email Policies
- Never forward emails with passwords or personal information.
- Check the recipient address carefully.
- Do not forward spam or phishing emails.
- Forward company data only on trusted domains.
You can’t decide where it goes after forwarding — forward carefully.
Quick Recap
To forward one message:
Open the message → Click Forward → Enter recipient → Send.
To automatically forward all emails:
Settings → Forwarding and POP/IMAP → Enter address → Verify → Enable.
To forward some messages:
Create filters by sender or keyword → Choose Forward to address.
Manual or automatic, forwarding keeps your communication flowing smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forwarding Gmail Email
Bulk forward email?
Yes, using “Forward as attachment” or browser extensions.
Does Gmail automatically forward attachments?
Yes, unless they’re too large — Gmail forwards a Google Drive link instead.
Forward email to non-Gmail providers?
Yes, you can forward to any reliable e-mail service.
Can I turn off forwarding later?
Yes, disable it anytime in Gmail settings under “Forwarding.”
Is forwarded e-mail safe?
Yes, as long as you trust the recipient and avoid sharing sensitive data.
Gmail forwarding is the easiest and safest means of sharing. Forward one e-mail to a friend or auto-forward from work accounts, Gmail forwarding is easy, safe, and convenient.
With these Gmail forward email facts at your fingertips, you can email like a pro. Stay efficient, stay organized and share smarter.
Gmail gives you power and flexibility. From one-click forwarding to full automation. Try it today. Make your inbox work smarter for you.
