This guide explains how to automatically forward text messages to another phone or device, a process that varies between iPhone and Android due to their unique capabilities and limitations for handling SMS and MMS messages.
Before starting, you will need access to both the sending and receiving devices. For forwarding between Apple devices, ensure they are all signed in to the same Apple ID. For Android, you will need to install a third-party app from the Google Play Store.
Follow the instructions below for your specific device, whether you are forwarding messages from an iPhone or an Android smartphone to another device.
For iPhone users, the process differs depending on whether you are forwarding to another Apple device or an Android phone. To forward to an iPad or Mac, open the Settings app on your iPhone, scroll down, and tap on Messages. Make sure you are signed in to iMessage with your Apple ID. In the Messages menu, select the Text Message Forwarding option, and you will see a list of other Apple devices signed in to your Apple ID. Enable the toggle switch next to each device you want to automatically receive your text messages.
If you want to forward messages to an Android phone, be aware that iPhones do not have a built-in feature to automatically forward SMS/MMS messages to a non-Apple device. You must forward messages manually by pressing and holding the message bubble you want to forward, tapping More, and then tapping the forward arrow icon in the bottom-right corner to send it to a new contact.
For Android users, since the operating system does not have a built-in SMS forwarding feature, you need to go to the Google Play Store and search for an “SMS forwarding” or “text message forwarding” app. Download and install a well-rated app of your choice, then launch it and grant the necessary permissions when prompted. The app will typically need permission to read and send SMS messages to function correctly. Navigate through the app’s setup screen or settings menu to add the phone number you wish to forward your texts to, and configure any additional rules if the app supports them, such as creating filters to only forward messages from specific senders or that contain certain keywords.
For business use, simple forwarding may not be enough. Consider dedicated business messaging platforms that offer shared inboxes and team collaboration tools for better customer communication management.
Setting up automatic message forwarding helps you consolidate all your communications and stay connected, regardless of which device you are currently using. It ensures you never miss an important text, whether it’s a two-factor authentication code, an alert from your bank, or a message from a loved one, even if your primary phone is charging or out of reach.
This functionality is also great for creating a passive backup of your important conversations on a secondary device like a tablet or computer. By centralizing your messages, you can more easily manage, search, and archive your communications without having to constantly switch between different phones or platforms.
