How To Automatically Forward Text Messages To Another Phone ...

There are plenty of reasons you might want your text messages to forward automatically — juggling two phones, managing a work line, keeping track of travel SIMs, or simply making sure important messages land where you’ll actually see them. Some people even need texts forwarded to a trusted email for backup or business purposes. And yes, parents sometimes want visibility into their child’s messages for safety reasons.

Here’s the catch: automatic text message forwarding is nowhere near as simple as hitting “forward.” Most phones can only forward messages manually, and both iPhone and Android limit what you can do out of the box. iPhone, especially, keeps SMS forwarding locked down unless you’re forwarding to your own Apple devices.

So if you want true hands-free, always-on forwarding — whether to another phone number, an email address, or both — you’ll need to use the right tools or a couple of reliable workarounds.

In this guide, we’ll show you the exact methods that work on both iPhone and Android today, what their limitations are, and the simplest ways to set up automatic text forwarding without the usual headaches.

Contents hide Quick Summary: What Works in 2025 Method 1: Use AutoForwardText (Easiest for iPhone & Android) What AutoForward Text Can Do How It Works on iPhone (iOS 17–iOS 18) How It Works on Android Method 2: Use Apple’s Built-In Text Message Forwarding (iPhone Only) Important Limitations How to Turn On Text Message Forwarding When This Method Makes Sense Where It Falls Short Method 3: Built-In or Manual Forwarding Options on Android What Android Can Do Natively Why Auto-Forwarding Isn’t Built In What You Can Do With Android’s System Apps Bottom Line for Android Users Method 4: Compare Popular Third-Party SMS Forwarding Apps (Android Only) How to Use This Comparison Quick Overview Which One Should You Choose? Privacy, Safety & Legal Considerations (Must-Read) Safety Best Practices: When Should You Use Family Orbit Instead? Family Orbit: The Best Text Monitoring App Conclusion FAQs: Automatic Text Message Forwarding

Quick Summary: What Works in 2025

Before we jump into steps, here’s the truth:

• iPhone cannot auto-forward SMS to another phone number natively.
• You can forward SMS/iMessage using Shortcuts Automations + a third-party app.
• Native iPhone Text Message Forwarding only works with your own Apple devices.
• Android lets apps forward SMS, but some OEMs aggressively kill background services.
• RCS messages cannot be forwarded by any app. Only SMS.
• If you need forwarding for safety, compliance, or multi-device access → a dedicated app is mandatory.

With that out of the way, let’s start with the method that actually works for both platforms.

Method 1: Use AutoForwardText (Easiest for iPhone & Android)

If you want true, hands-off text message forwarding that works on both iPhone and Android, AutoForward Text is the tool built exactly for that job. It’s simple, fast, and — unlike most of the “free” options floating around — it actually works consistently without relying on hacks, jailbreaks, or complicated server setups.

AutoForward Text lets you automatically forward SMS to another phone number, your email inbox, Slack, or your private cloud dashboard, depending on how you want to receive the messages. It’s designed for people who juggle multiple devices, handle business or support numbers, travel with different SIMs, or just want their messages in one place without fishing through different phones.

What AutoForward Text Can Do

AutoForward Text focuses on the things that matter for real-world use:

• Automatically forwards incoming SMS to your chosen email or phone
• Includes sender information and message metadata
• Let you create filters based on keywords, specific contacts, or message rules
• Works on both single-SIM and dual-SIM setups
• Forwards missed-call alerts and important notifications
• Uses SSL encryption to securely transmit forwarded messages
• Sends messages instantly as long as the device has internet connectivity

In short, it cuts out the nonsense and delivers reliable SMS forwarding without making you babysit the app or tweak hidden settings.

How It Works on iPhone (iOS 17–iOS 18)

iPhone doesn’t allow direct SMS forwarding to a new number by default, so AutoForward Text uses Apple’s Shortcuts Automations — Apple-approved, safe, and fully compliant.

1. Install AutoForwardText from AutoForwardText.com
2. Open Shortcuts → Automation → New Automation
3. Select Message Received
4. Add the action Run AutoForwardText
5. Save the automation
6. Done — forwarding runs automatically in the background.

Click here to read the complete iOS guide.

How It Works on Android

Android supports SMS forwarding more openly, but OEMs often kill background apps unless configured properly. AutoForward Text handles this cleanly.

1. Download the APK from AutoForwardText.com
2. Open the app and grant SMS, Notification, and Background permissions
3. Enter the email or phone number where you want your texts forwarded
4. Save your settings
5. Auto-forwarding runs automatically as long as the device stays connected

AutoForward Text isn’t the free “quick fix” you’ll see on sketchy forums — it’s a purpose-built, reliable solution that forwards SMS exactly where you want them, with the control and security you actually need. Once you set it up, it runs quietly in the background and does the job without drama.

Want your texts forwarded automatically?

Start your free trial at AutoForwardText.com

Method 2: Use Apple’s Built-In Text Message Forwarding (iPhone Only)

If you’re using an iPhone and just need your text messages to show up on your other Apple devices, then Apple actually gives you a built-in option: Text Message Forwarding. This is the official method that routes your normal SMS messages (not just iMessages) to devices linked to the same Apple ID — usually your iPad, MacBook, or a secondary iPhone you personally own.

Important Limitations

Here’s the straight truth before you get your hopes up:

• This does not forward texts to a new phone number
• It works only with devices signed into the same Apple ID
• You cannot forward texts to email or to Android
• There are no filters, rules, or automation
• Both devices must stay online and logged in

So while it’s convenient, it’s nowhere near a full auto-forwarding solution. Think of it more like mirroring your SMS inbox across your Apple ecosystem.

How to Turn On Text Message Forwarding

The setup takes less than a minute:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone
2. Go to Messages
3. Tap Text Message Forwarding
4. Choose which of your Apple devices should receive your SMS
5. Enter the verification code that appears on the other device, if prompted

Once enabled, all incoming SMS on your iPhone will also appear on the selected Apple devices — just like iMessage already does.

When This Method Makes Sense

Text Message Forwarding is perfectly fine if:

• You also want your messages to appear on your Mac or iPad
• You’re staying entirely inside Apple’s ecosystem
• You don’t need forwarding to another number or email
• You don’t care about filtering or automation

Where It Falls Short

If you need forwarding for business, shared numbers, multi-device access, or to combine Android + iPhone messages, Apple’s system won’t help you.

For anything beyond “show my texts on my Mac,” you’ll still need a tool like AutoForward Text or one of the Android-specific options.

Want your texts forwarded automatically?

Start your free trial at AutoForwardText.com

Method 3: Built-In or Manual Forwarding Options on Android

Android technically gives you more flexibility than iPhone, but there’s one thing most people don’t realize until they try it: Android does not offer true automatic SMS forwarding out of the box. There’s no native setting that says “forward all messages to this number or email.” Every manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc.) has its own messaging app and its own rules, which makes things inconsistent.

What Android Can Do Natively

The built-in Messages app allows you to manually forward individual texts, which is straightforward:

1. Long-press the message
2. Tap Forward
3. Pick a contact or number

That’s it — but it’s manual. There’s no automation, no filtering, and no forwarding to email.

Why Auto-Forwarding Isn’t Built In

A few reasons:

• Carriers often restrict automated SMS routing
• RCS (Google’s modern messaging protocol) cannot be forwarded by any app
• Security policies prevent apps from silently sending messages without user action
• Many Android phones aggressively kill background processes to save battery

This is why Android leaves auto-forwarding to third-party apps instead of shipping a native option.

What You Can Do With Android’s System Apps

Depending on your manufacturer:

• Samsung Messages: allows easy manual forwarding, nothing automated
• Google Messages: supports manual forwarding, but no auto-forwarding rules
• OEM Messaging Apps: behavior varies wildly, but none provide full automated forwarding

If all you need is to forward the occasional 2FA code or important text, manual forwarding works fine. But for anything ongoing — business lines, dual-SIM setups, shared numbers, or backup access — the built-in tools simply won’t cut it.

Bottom Line for Android Users

Android’s native methods are okay for one-off forwards, but they’re not a real solution if you want:

• Hands-off automation
• Email forwarding
• Filtering or keyword-based rules
• Reliable forwarding that survives battery optimization
• Cross-device forwarding

For proper automatic forwarding, Android users still need a dedicated app like AutoForwardText or another third-party tool designed for background SMS handling.

Method 4: Compare Popular Third-Party SMS Forwarding Apps (Android Only)

If you don’t want to rely only on built-in options, there are several third-party apps that promise automatic SMS forwarding. Not all of them are reliable, well-maintained, or transparent about how they handle your data, so it’s important to compare them side by side before you install anything.

How to Use This Comparison Quick Overview

The table below highlights the key differences between a few well-known tools: what platforms they support, whether they can forward to another phone or email, and how much control you get over filtering and automation.

Always check recent reviews and the app’s privacy policy before you rely on it for anything sensitive.

App	Auto-forward SMS	Forward to Phone	Forward to Email	Filters & Rules	iPhone Support	Notes
AutoForwardText	Yes	Yes	Yes	Keyword filters, sender rules, flexible routing	Yes	Works on both iPhone (via automation) and Android; built for ongoing, reliable forwarding.
SMS Forwarder (Android)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Basic filters; Android-only	No	Useful for simple Android setups, but no iOS support and behavior can vary by device.
Phone Leash	Yes	Yes	Yes	Limited rules; older interface	No	Has been around for a while, but reviews mention mixed reliability on newer Android versions.
IFTTT	No	No	Yes	Automation via applets	Yes	Great for email-based workflows, but it no longer has direct access to SMS on Android, so it can’t act as a true SMS forwarder by itself.
AirMessage	No	No	No	Not designed for forwarding	Yes	Routes iMessages through a Mac server; useful for remote access but not a simple “forward my SMS” solution and requires a constantly running Mac.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you just want occasional, one-off forwarding, some of these tools might be enough. But if you need ongoing, automatic forwarding that works across both iPhone and Android, with proper control over what gets forwarded and where, a dedicated solution like AutoForwardText is usually the most practical choice.

Want your texts forwarded automatically?

Start your free trial at AutoForwardText.com

Privacy, Safety & Legal Considerations (Must-Read)

Google loves this section, and it keeps you compliant.

• Forward messages only from your own devices
• Forwarding someone else’s SMS without consent may be illegal
• Apps must request SMS permissions on Android
• iPhone requires Automation approval
• Some countries restrict SMS forwarding entirely

Safety Best Practices:

• Never forward sensitive OTPs to third-party emails
• Use forwarding apps that do not store message content unnecessarily
• Protect your forwarding destination with a password

When Should You Use Family Orbit Instead?

AutoForwardText is designed for forwarding only.

But if what you actually need is parental monitoring, SMS forwarding alone is not enough.

Family Orbit: The Best Text Monitoring App

One of the major benefits of Family Orbit’s SMS tracker is that you can not only see what messages your child is receiving, but you can also see what they are sending. You’ll even get details of their location, the times they text, etc. You’ll have complete control over your child’s text safety.

This is important in this ever-dangerous world. You’ll be surprised at how much bad stuff can happen over text. Using Family Orbit allows you to keep your child safe while also allowing them their freedom.

Family Orbit’s SMS tracker lets you monitor what the kid is texting, who they are texting, and when they are communicating. Therefore, if you’re feeling insecure about who your kid is chatting with, this app is exactly what you need.

Family Orbit is not limited to text monitoring only. Rather, it offers a range of features that allow you to track all your kids’ phone activities. These features include:

Use Family Orbit when you want:

• Location tracking
• Geofence alerts
• Text & call logs
• App usage monitoring
• AI alerts
• Photos & videos monitoring
• iCloud-based insights
• The whole safety package.

Conclusion

If you have multiple phone numbers but want to receive messages in just one of them, or if you’re traveling to another country, the apps discussed above will help you forward all your text messages to your desired phone number. However, if you intend to monitor the text messages your child or any other person is receiving, Family Orbit is your best option.

FAQs: Automatic Text Message Forwarding

Below are answers to the most common questions about forwarding SMS messages on iPhone and Android. Tap on a question to expand the details.

Can I forward SMS to another phone number automatically? ›

Yes. AutoForwardText can automatically forward incoming SMS to another phone number, an email address, or your cloud dashboard, whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device.

On iPhone, it uses Apple’s Shortcuts Automations. On Android, it forwards through standard SMS permissions running in the background.

Does Apple allow forwarding SMS to a completely different number? ›

No. Apple’s built-in Text Message Forwarding feature only sends SMS to your own Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID (like your Mac or iPad).

If you want to forward SMS to a new phone number, an email address, or an Android device, you’ll need a third-party solution such as AutoForwardText.

Does automatic forwarding work for WhatsApp, Messenger, and other chat apps? ›

Not directly. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Signal encrypt their messages and don’t allow third-party tools to read or forward full conversations.

AutoForwardText can forward notifications (the preview that appears in your notification bar), but it cannot access or forward full chat content from these apps.

Do forwarded messages include photos or MMS? ›

Standard SMS forwarding covers text only. MMS (pictures, videos, and some group messages) may or may not forward reliably depending on your carrier and device.

If your workflow depends heavily on MMS, forwarding to email is generally the most reliable way to preserve media and attachments.

Will SMS forwarding still work if I travel internationally? ›

Yes, as long as the phone receiving the original SMS has network coverage or Wi-Fi, the forwarding rules will continue to work.

You may incur roaming charges from your carrier, but the forwarding itself will still send messages to the destination you’ve configured.

Can I forward only specific messages, like OTP codes or business texts? ›

Yes. AutoForwardText lets you create filters based on keywords, specific phone numbers, or simple rules. That way you can forward only what matters, such as bank OTP codes, customer messages, or critical alerts.

Does RCS (Google’s new messaging format) forward automatically? ›

No. RCS messages cannot be auto-forwarded by third-party apps. Google restricts direct access to RCS content for security reasons.

If you need automatic forwarding, switch your Android Messages app to SMS mode or disable RCS so that messages are delivered as traditional SMS.

Is automatic text message forwarding legal? ›

It is generally legal to forward your own messages or messages from devices you own or manage. However, forwarding someone else’s private messages without consent may violate privacy or wiretapping laws in your region.

When in doubt, always get clear consent and review the laws that apply in your country or state.

Does AutoForwardText work with dual SIM phones? ›

Yes. AutoForwardText can work on dual-SIM devices. Messages from either SIM can be forwarded, and the forwarded content will include the originating number so you can see which SIM received the original SMS.

Does automatic forwarding drain the battery or slow down the phone? ›

The impact is minimal when configured correctly. On iPhone, forwarding runs through Apple’s own automation engine, which is optimized for background tasks.

On Android, you may need to disable aggressive battery optimization for the app to ensure reliable forwarding. Once that’s done, most users don’t notice any significant performance hit.

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Linda RussellCEO at AppObit LLCLinda Russell is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary business owner behind AppOBit LLC, a company at the forefront of innovative software solutions. With a strong background in cyber security and a passion for creating cutting-edge applications, Linda has successfully steered her company to new heights in the fast-paced world of software development. Her leadership and strategic acumen have enabled AppOBit LLC to thrive in a highly competitive industry, making it a respected name in the family tech sector. Latest posts by Linda Russell (see all)

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