How to Forward a Text Message to Someone Else

Forwarding a text message shares it with someone who wasn't part of the original conversation. Here's how to do it on iPhone and Android.

Forward a text on iPhone

~35s

Open the Messages app. Find and open the conversation containing the message you want to forward. Press and hold on the specific message bubble (not the entire conversation). A menu appears — tap "More." Small circles appear next to each message — tap the circle next to the message(s) you want to forward to add a checkmark. Tap the forward arrow (curved arrow icon) at the bottom right of the screen. A new message compose window opens with the text pre-filled. Add the recipient's name or phone number → tap Send.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: You can select multiple messages to forward at once using the checkboxes that appear in "More" mode.

Forward a text on Android (Google Messages)

~18s

Open Google Messages. Open the conversation containing the message. Long-press (press and hold) on the message bubble you want to forward. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top right → "Forward." A new compose window opens with the message pre-filled. Enter the contact you want to forward to and tap Send.

Copy and paste text if forwarding is not available

~36s

If you cannot find a forward option, you can copy the message text and paste it into a new message. Press and hold on the message bubble → tap "Copy." Open a new message to the recipient → long-press in the text field → tap "Paste." This method works on all phones and all messaging apps, though it does not include any photos or attachments from the original message.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: When forwarding a message containing a phone number, address, or link, consider that the recipient will see the information but not the original sender's name. Add a note like "FYI from Sarah:" so they know the context.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Forward a Text Message to Someone Else

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Forwarding a text message works like forwarding an email — you send a copy of an existing message to a new person, who can then read the original message. This is useful when you receive information (like a meeting address, a funny message, or an important alert) and want to share it with someone not on the original thread.

Forwarding works for both regular SMS text messages and iMessages on iPhone. The forwarded copy starts a new conversation or message thread with the new recipient.

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