How to Automatically Forward Emails in Gmail

If you are transitioning to a new email address, going on an extended vacation, or simply want to consolidate multiple inboxes into one, logging into several different accounts every day is a waste of time.

Gmail allows you to set up automatic forwarding, meaning any new email that arrives in your old inbox will be instantly copied and sent to your primary address. You can choose to forward absolutely everything, or set up specific filters to only forward certain emails (like invoices or family messages). Here is how to automatically forward emails in Gmail.

Step 1: Add a Forwarding Address

Before Gmail will let you forward anything, you must prove that you actually own the destination email address. This prevents hackers from secretly forwarding your emails to themselves.

1. Open a web browser on your computer and log into the Gmail account that will be sending the emails (your old account). Note: You cannot set up forwarding using the mobile app; you must use a desktop browser.
2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Click See all settings.
4. At the top of the settings page, click the tab labeled Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
5. In the first section, click the button that says Add a forwarding address.
6. A small window will pop up. Type the email address where you want to receive the forwarded messages, and click Next.
7. Click Proceed to confirm.

Step 2: Verify the Destination Address

Google will now send a security email to the destination address.

1. Open a new browser tab and log into your destination email account.
2. Look for an email from “Gmail Team” with the subject line “Gmail Forwarding Confirmation.”
3. Open the email and click the long confirmation link inside it.
4. A new page will open asking you to confirm the request. Click Confirm.

Alternative method: If the link does not work, the email also contains a verification code. You can copy this code, return to the settings page of your old account, paste it into the “Verify” box, and click Verify.

Step 3: Turn On Automatic Forwarding

Now that the address is verified, you must actually turn the feature on.

1. Go back to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP settings tab in your old account.
2. Look at the “Forwarding” section. You will notice it is still set to “Disable forwarding.”
3. Click the radio button next to Forward a copy of incoming mail to.
4. Ensure your new, verified email address is selected in the drop-down menu.
5. Crucial Step: Look at the second drop-down menu in that same row. You must decide what happens to the original email in the old account. You can choose to keep Gmail’s copy in the Inbox (recommended), mark it as read, archive it, or delete it entirely.
6. Scroll to the very bottom of the page and click Save Changes.

A pink banner will appear across the top of your Gmail inbox for one week, reminding you that your emails are currently being forwarded.