Forwarding messages on your Android device is a simple task, but the exact method can vary slightly depending on your messaging app. This comprehensive guide will walk you through forwarding text messages (SMS), multimedia messages (MMS), and messages from other apps like WhatsApp, ensuring you can seamlessly share important information with others.
How to Forward Text Messages (SMS) on Android
Forwarding standard text messages (SMS) is straightforward. Here's how to do it:
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Open the Messaging App: Locate and open your default messaging app. This is usually a pre-installed app, but it could be something like Google Messages, Textra, or another app you've downloaded.
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Select the Message: Find the conversation containing the message you wish to forward. Tap and hold the message bubble until a selection menu appears. You can select multiple messages to forward simultaneously.
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Tap the Forward Icon: Look for a forward icon – it usually resembles a curved arrow or a box with an arrow pointing outwards. Tap this icon.
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Choose Recipient(s): A list of your contacts will appear. Select the contact(s) you want to forward the message to. You can also type in a phone number if the recipient isn't in your contacts.
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Send the Message: Tap the send button (usually an arrow or paper airplane icon) to forward the message.
How to Forward Multimedia Messages (MMS) on Android
Forwarding multimedia messages (MMS), which include photos, videos, and audio files, is almost identical to forwarding text messages:
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Open the Messaging App and Select the Message: Follow steps 1 and 2 from the SMS forwarding instructions above.
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Tap the Forward Icon: Again, locate and tap the forward icon.
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Choose Recipient(s) and Send: Follow steps 4 and 5 from the SMS forwarding instructions. Note that forwarding MMS messages may take a little longer depending on the size of the media and your internet connection.
Forwarding Messages on Other Apps (e.g., WhatsApp)
The process for forwarding messages on apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, etc., is similar but might vary slightly in the user interface:
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Open the App and Locate the Message: Open the messaging app and find the message you want to forward.
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Select the Message: Tap and hold the message to select it. You might need to tap a specific forward icon or menu option. This varies by app.
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Choose Recipient(s): Select the recipient(s) from your contact list or enter a phone number/username.
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Send the Message: Confirm and send the forwarded message. Always check the app's specific guidelines on forwarding messages, as there are often limitations and privacy considerations.
Can I forward deleted messages on Android?
No, you cannot directly forward messages that have already been deleted from your device. Once a message is deleted, it's removed from your phone's storage, and there's no way to retrieve it for forwarding. However, if the recipient of the original message still has it, they could forward it to you.
How to forward a group message on Android?
Forwarding a group message works similarly to forwarding individual messages. Select the message(s) within the group chat, choose the forward icon, and select the recipient(s). Remember that the recipient will see the message as having originally come from the group chat.
What happens when I forward a message?
When you forward a message, a copy of the original message is sent to the new recipient(s). The original message remains unchanged in the original conversation. Metadata, such as timestamps, might be updated to reflect the forwarding action.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of forwarding messages on Android devices. Remember that the exact steps may vary slightly based on the messaging app and Android version. Always check your app’s interface for specific instructions if needed.
