How to Forward a Text: iPhone & Android Complete Guide (2026)

January 31, 2026 8 min read BubblyPhone Team

Learn how to forward a text message on iPhone and Android. Step-by-step instructions for forwarding single or multiple texts, plus automatic forwarding tips.

How to Forward a Text on iPhone

Forwarding text messages on iPhone is quick and intuitive. Here's how to do it.

Forward a Single Message

Step 1: Open the Messages app on your iPhone

Step 2: Navigate to the conversation containing the message you want to forward

Step 3: Touch and hold the specific message bubble you want to forward

Step 4: A menu appears at the bottom of your screen—tap More...

Step 5: The message will now have a blue checkmark next to it. Tap the curved arrow icon (forward button) in the bottom-right corner

Step 6: A new message window opens with the forwarded text already filled in

Step 7: In the To: field, enter the recipient's name, phone number, or select from your contacts

Step 8: Optionally, add your own message above the forwarded text

Step 9: Tap the blue send arrow to forward the message

The recipient will receive the text content as a new message from you—they won't see that it was forwarded from another conversation.

Forward Multiple Messages at Once

Need to forward several messages from the same conversation? iPhone makes this easy.

Step 1: Open the conversation in Messages

Step 2: Touch and hold any message in the thread

Step 3: Tap More...

Step 4: Tap additional messages to select them—each selected message shows a blue checkmark

Step 5: Once you've selected all messages you want to forward, tap the curved arrow icon

Step 6: Enter your recipient and send

All selected messages will be forwarded together in the order they appeared in the original conversation.

Forwarding Photos and Media

The same process works for forwarding images, videos, and other media:

  • Touch and hold the photo or video in your conversation
  • Tap More...
  • Tap the forward arrow
  • Select recipient and send

    • How to Forward a Text on Android

    Android text forwarding is similarly straightforward, though the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your messaging app and phone manufacturer.

    Using Google Messages (Most Common)

    Step 1: Open the Messages app (the default on most Android phones)

    Step 2: Open the conversation with the message you want to forward

    Step 3: Touch and hold the specific message

    Step 4: The message becomes selected (usually highlighted). Tap the forward icon (arrow pointing right) at the top of the screen

    Step 5: Select a recent conversation or type a new recipient's name or phone number

    Step 6: Tap Send to forward the message

    Using Samsung Messages

    If you have a Samsung phone with Samsung Messages:

    Step 1: Open Samsung Messages

    Step 2: Open the conversation

    Step 3: Long-press the message you want to forward

    Step 4: Tap the three-dot menu (or forward icon)

    Step 5: Select Forward

    Step 6: Choose your recipient and send

    Forward Multiple Messages on Android

    Step 1: Open the conversation in your messaging app

    Step 2: Long-press to select the first message

    Step 3: Tap additional messages to select them (checkmarks appear)

    Step 4: Tap the forward or share icon

    Step 5: Select recipient and send

    Note: Multiple message forwarding works best within the same conversation thread.

    Other Android Messaging Apps

    If you use WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging apps, the process is similar:

  • Long-press the message
  • Look for a forward arrow or "Forward" option
  • Select recipient and send

    • For more Android-specific instructions, see our detailed guide on how to forward a text on Android.

    Does the Sender Know When You Forward Their Text?

    No. When you forward a text message, the original sender receives no notification. They have no way of knowing you've shared their message with someone else.

    Similarly, the recipient of your forwarded message won't see any indication that it's a forwarded message—it just appears as a regular text from you.

    This is different from some other platforms (like WhatsApp, which shows a "Forwarded" label), but standard SMS/iMessage forwarding is completely invisible to both parties.

    Automatic Text Message Forwarding

    Want texts to automatically forward to another device or number? Here are your options.

    iPhone: Text Message Forwarding to Other Apple Devices

    If you own multiple Apple devices, you can have your iPhone's text messages appear on all of them automatically.

    How to set it up:

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages
  • Tap Text Message Forwarding
  • Toggle on each device you want to receive your texts (Mac, iPad, etc.)
  • Verify each device when prompted

    • Now SMS, MMS, and RCS messages sent to your iPhone will also appear on your other Apple devices. This is different from iMessage (which syncs automatically)—this feature specifically forwards traditional text messages.

    Note: If you don't see Text Message Forwarding:

  • Turn iMessage off, then back on
  • Go to Send & Receive and sign in again
  • The option should now appear

    • Auto-Forward to Another Phone Number

    Neither iPhone nor Android has a built-in feature to automatically forward text messages to a different phone number. However, some workarounds exist:

    Carrier-based forwarding: Some carriers offer text forwarding services. Contact your provider to ask about options.

    Third-party apps: Apps like Google Voice, Tasker (Android), or various forwarding apps can set up automatic text forwarding, though they may require subscriptions or have limitations.

    Business solutions: Services like Twilio or Google Voice allow phone number forwarding for business purposes.

    For most personal use, manually forwarding important texts is the most reliable option.

    Tips for Forwarding Texts Effectively

    Add Context When Forwarding

    When you forward a message, add a brief note explaining why you're sharing it:

  • "Check out what Mom said about Thanksgiving"
  • "Can you believe this? 😂"
  • "FYI - important info below"

    • This helps the recipient understand why they're receiving the message.

    Consider Privacy Before Forwarding

    Before forwarding someone's text:

  • Ask yourself: Would they be okay with this being shared?
  • Avoid forwarding: Personal health information, financial details, or private conversations without consent
  • Be careful with: Venting texts, emotional messages, or anything that could be taken out of context

    • Screenshot as an Alternative

    Sometimes a screenshot is better than forwarding:

  • Shows the conversation in context
  • Includes timestamps
  • Preserves the original appearance
  • Can capture multiple messages at once

    • To screenshot on iPhone: Press Side button + Volume Up simultaneously To screenshot on Android: Press Power + Volume Down simultaneously

    Group Messages

    You can forward texts to multiple recipients at once:

  • After tapping the forward button, add multiple contacts in the "To:" field
  • Each person receives the forwarded message individually

    • Troubleshooting Forwarding Issues

    Can't Find the Forward Option

    iPhone:

  • Make sure you're touching and holding the message bubble itself, not the timestamp
  • The "More..." option should appear at the bottom of the popup menu
  • If not, try updating to the latest iOS version

    • Android:

  • Different messaging apps have different interfaces
  • Try the three-dot menu if long-pressing doesn't work
  • Switch to Google Messages for a more consistent experience

    • Forward Button Is Grayed Out

    This can happen if:

  • The message is still sending
  • You're trying to forward a system message
  • There's a software glitch (try restarting your phone)

    • Media Won't Forward

    Large files may fail to forward. Try:

  • Waiting for a stronger signal
  • Forwarding over Wi-Fi
  • Saving the media to your phone first, then sharing it directly

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I forward a text on iPhone?

    Touch and hold the message you want to forward, tap "More..." at the bottom, then tap the curved arrow icon in the bottom-right corner. Enter your recipient and send. You can also select multiple messages before forwarding.

    How do I forward a text on Android?

    Long-press the message in your messaging app until it's selected, then tap the forward icon (arrow pointing right) at the top of the screen. Select your recipient and tap send.

    Does the person know if I forward their text?

    No, the original sender receives no notification when you forward their text message. The recipient also won't see any indication that the message was forwarded—it appears as a regular text from you.

    Can I forward multiple texts at once?

    Yes, on both iPhone and Android. After long-pressing the first message and selecting "More" (iPhone) or entering selection mode (Android), tap additional messages to select them, then forward all selected messages together.

    Can I automatically forward texts to another phone?

    iPhones can automatically forward texts to other Apple devices (iPad, Mac) through the Text Message Forwarding setting. For forwarding to a different phone number, you'll need third-party apps or carrier services.

    How do I forward a picture text message?

    The same way as text messages. Touch and hold the image, select "More..." (iPhone) or the forward option (Android), then select your recipient and send.

    Can I forward texts to email?

    Not directly through the Messages app, but you can copy the text and paste it into an email, or take a screenshot and email that instead.

    Why can't I forward a text message?

    The most common reasons: the message is still sending, you're tapping in the wrong spot, or there's a software glitch. Try restarting your phone or updating your messaging app.

    Is forwarding a text the same as sharing?

    Essentially, yes. "Forward" and "Share" both send the message content to a new recipient. Some apps use "Share" to offer more options (like sharing to social media), while "Forward" typically stays within the messaging app.

    Can I forward texts from a blocked number?

    Yes, if you received the message before blocking the number, you can still forward it. However, you won't receive new messages from blocked numbers to forward.

    Related Guides

    Looking to master your phone's messaging features? Check out these guides:

  • How to Schedule a Text on iPhone: Send messages at the perfect time
  • Auto Reply Text on iPhone: Set up automatic responses
  • How to Forward a Text on Android: Detailed Android-specific guide

    • Wrapping Up

    Learning how to forward a text is a simple but useful skill for both iPhone and Android users. Whether you're sharing important information, a funny exchange, or documentation of a conversation, the process takes just a few taps.

    Key takeaways:

  • iPhone: Touch and hold → More → Forward arrow → Select recipient → Send
  • Android: Long-press → Forward icon → Select recipient → Send
  • You can forward multiple messages at once
  • Original senders are not notified when you forward their texts
  • Consider privacy before forwarding personal conversations
  • iPhone users can set up automatic forwarding to other Apple devices

    • Now you can easily share any text message whenever you need to.

    Last updated: January 2026

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