How to Automatically Forward Text Messages on iPhone and Android (2026)

Automatically forwarding text messages is useful when you manage two phones, travel with another SIM, monitor a business line, or need important messages delivered to an email inbox or shared workspace. The difficult part is that the correct method depends on the source phone and where you want the message to go.

Quick comparison: which forwarding method should you use?

How to forward one text message manually

Need to forward only one message? You do not need an automation.

On iPhone

1. Open the conversation in Messages.
2. Touch and hold the message bubble, then tap More.
3. Select any additional messages you want to include.
4. Tap the forwarding arrow, choose a recipient, and send.

On Android

1. Open the conversation in your messaging app.
2. Touch and hold the message.
3. Tap Forward, or open the menu and select Forward.
4. Choose the recipient and send.

To forward every new incoming message automatically, use one of the methods below.

Forward iPhone texts to your Mac, iPad or Apple Vision Pro

Apple’s official Text Message Forwarding feature is the simplest option when all devices belong to you and use the same Apple Account. It can make SMS, MMS and RCS messages from the iPhone appear on a Mac, iPad or Apple Vision Pro.

1. Confirm that the devices are signed into iCloud with the same Apple Account.
2. Keep the iPhone turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
3. On the iPhone, open Settings > Apps > Messages > Text Message Forwarding.
4. Turn on each supported device that should send and receive messages through the iPhone.
5. Enter the verification code on the iPhone if Apple displays one.

If Messages in iCloud is already enabled across your devices, Apple says Text Message Forwarding is included and does not need to be configured separately. See Apple’s current forwarding instructions.

Automatically forward iPhone texts to a different Apple Account

There is no Apple setting that automatically forwards incoming texts to a device signed into a different Apple Account. A Shortcuts-based service is required.

A typical setup works like this:

1. Install or create the forwarding action required by the service.
2. Open Shortcuts > Automation and create a personal automation triggered by a received message.
3. Choose whether the rule should apply to all messages or only selected senders or keywords.
4. Add the forwarding action and choose the destination.
5. Select the option that allows the automation to run immediately, when available.
6. Test the rule with a non-sensitive message before relying on it.

The source iPhone must remain powered on and connected. Shortcuts rules can also behave differently after an iOS update, so retest the automation whenever the operating system or forwarding app changes.

Forward iPhone text messages to Android

Apple’s built-in forwarding cannot send iPhone texts directly to Android. The practical options are to use a Shortcuts automation that routes incoming messages to:

• the Android phone number;
• an email account available on the Android phone;
• a shared Slack channel or cloud dashboard; or
• another destination supported by the forwarding service.

Forwarding to email or a dashboard is often easier to troubleshoot than forwarding one SMS as another SMS. It also avoids confusion over which phone number sent the forwarded copy.

Automatically forward Android SMS to another phone

Android does not provide a universal native switch for forwarding every incoming SMS. A forwarding app can do it, but Android manufacturers often restrict background activity to save battery. Reliable setup requires more than granting SMS permission.

1. Install a reputable SMS forwarding app from its official source.
2. Grant only the permissions needed for receiving and forwarding messages.
3. Create a rule for the destination phone number, email address, Slack channel or webhook.
4. Choose whether to forward all SMS or only messages from selected senders or containing selected keywords.
5. Allow background data and remove the app from battery optimisation.
6. On Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and similar devices, check the manufacturer’s Auto-start, Sleeping Apps or background restriction settings.
7. For dual-SIM phones, test both SIM cards and confirm that the forwarded message identifies the receiving SIM.
8. Restart the phone and send a test message to confirm that the rule survives a reboot.

What about RCS on Android?

Do not treat RCS, SMS and notification forwarding as the same thing. Many Android forwarding apps receive access to traditional SMS but do not receive the full content of an RCS conversation. Some tools can forward a notification preview, but that is not equivalent to forwarding the complete RCS message.

Inside Apple’s ecosystem, Apple’s current documentation says SMS, MMS and RCS messages from an iPhone can appear on a supported Mac, iPad or Apple Vision Pro. On Android, availability depends on the messaging app, carrier, device and forwarding method. Test your exact setup rather than relying on a blanket claim.

Forward text messages to email

Email forwarding is useful for business records, travel, shared inboxes and keeping messages accessible when another phone is not nearby.

From iPhone

Use a Shortcuts message automation and an action that sends the message content to a selected email address or forwarding service. The iPhone must remain online, and the automation should be tested after iOS updates.

From Android

Use an SMS forwarding app, choose email as the destination, and confirm that the app can keep running in the background. Send test messages while the screen is locked and again after restarting the phone.

Is there an SMS forwarding code?

There is no universal carrier code that automatically forwards received SMS messages in the same way that call-forwarding codes redirect calls. Codes such as *21* are associated with call forwarding on some networks; they do not create a reliable rule for forwarding incoming text messages.

Some carriers provide message syncing or multi-device services, but availability varies by country, carrier and plan. Check with the carrier rather than entering random codes found online.

Best SMS forwarding apps and methods

The best option depends on the source phone, destination and how much setup you are willing to manage. Check the current app listing, privacy policy and pricing before installing any third-party tool.

Troubleshooting automatic text forwarding

The rule works only when the phone is unlocked

On Android, remove the forwarding app from battery optimisation and allow background data, auto-start and unrestricted battery use. On iPhone, confirm that the Shortcuts automation is allowed to run immediately and does not pause for confirmation.

Messages stop forwarding after a phone restart

Open the forwarding app after reboot, confirm that the required permissions are still enabled and send a test message. Some Android manufacturers disable auto-start until it is enabled manually.

Some messages forward but others do not

Check sender and keyword filters, dual-SIM rules, the type of message being received and whether the original message is SMS, MMS, RCS or only an app notification.

The destination receives duplicate messages

Look for overlapping rules, multiple active automations or the same account being synced through both a native service and a forwarding app.

Privacy, consent and device ownership

Use automatic forwarding only on a device you own or are authorised to administer. Forwarding another person’s private messages without clear permission can violate privacy, employment or communications laws.

• Get clear consent before forwarding messages from a shared, employee or family member’s device.
• Forward only the message categories needed for the stated purpose.
• Protect the destination account and remove old forwarding rules when they are no longer needed.
• Review whether sensitive codes, health information or financial details should be excluded.
• For parental use, explain the monitoring in an age-appropriate way and use the least intrusive method that addresses the safety concern.

Conclusion

For Apple devices using the same Apple Account, Apple’s built-in feature is the cleanest option. For iPhone-to-Android, different-number or email forwarding, use a carefully tested Shortcuts automation. Android users have more app choices, but reliable forwarding depends heavily on SMS permissions, background access and battery settings.

The important distinction is not simply “iPhone versus Android.” It is the route you need: Apple device, different account, Android phone, another number, email or business workspace. Choose the method for that destination, test it with non-sensitive messages and review the rule after major operating-system updates.