What forwarding a text message means

Forwarding a text message means sending a text someone else wrote to you to a different person. You are not retyping it — you are passing along the exact message, usually with a note that it came from someone else. On Android, you can forward one message at a time or multiple messages together, and the steps depend on which texting app you use.

The most common texting apps on Android are Google Messages (the default on many phones), Samsung Messages (on Samsung devices), and WhatsApp or other third-party apps. Each one has a slightly different menu, but the basic idea is the same: find the message, tap and hold it, and choose forward.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the conversation containing the message you want to forward, tap and hold the message until a menu appears, then select forward.
  • Google Messages and Samsung Messages both let you forward single messages or select multiple messages at once before forwarding them together.
  • When you forward a message, the recipient sees the original sender's name and the message text, so they know who wrote it.
  • If you use WhatsApp or another third-party texting app, the forward button may be in a different location, so check that app's menu first.

Forwarding a single message in Google Messages

Open Google Messages and find the conversation with the message you want to forward. Tap and hold (press and keep your finger on) the message until it highlights in blue and a menu bar appears at the bottom of the screen. You will see several icons — look for the one that looks like an arrow pointing right or a curved arrow. This is the forward button.

Tap the forward button. A new message window will open with the original message already in the text field. The message will show who sent it, so the person you are forwarding it to will know it came from someone else. Type the contact name or phone number of the person you want to send it to, then tap send.

Forwarding multiple messages at once

If you want to forward several messages from the same conversation, you can select them all before forwarding. Tap and hold the first message until the menu appears. Instead of tapping forward right away, tap each additional message you want to include — they will all highlight in blue. Once you have selected all the messages you want, tap the forward button.

All the selected messages will appear in a single text, stacked in order. Type the recipient's name or number and send. This is useful if someone asks you to share a whole back-and-forth conversation or a series of related messages.

Forwarding messages in Samsung Messages

Samsung Messages works almost the same way. Open the app, find the conversation, and tap and hold the message you want to forward. The menu will appear at the bottom. Look for the forward arrow icon and tap it. A new message window opens with the original message ready to send. Type the recipient's contact information and send.

To select multiple messages in Samsung Messages, tap and hold the first one, then tap each additional message. They will all highlight. Then tap forward, and all selected messages will be combined into one text ready to send.

Forwarding in WhatsApp and other apps

WhatsApp and other third-party messaging apps have their own forward buttons, usually in slightly different places. In WhatsApp, tap and hold a message until it highlights. A menu will appear — look for three dots (called a menu button) or a forward arrow. Tap it, then select the contact or group you want to send it to.

Other apps like Telegram, Signal, or Facebook Messenger follow similar steps: tap and hold the message, look for a forward or share option in the menu, and select your recipient. If you cannot find the forward button, check the app's help section or look for a three-dot menu icon at the top of the message.

What the recipient sees when you forward

When you forward a message, the person receiving it will see the original sender's name at the top, followed by the message text. For example, if your friend Sarah sends you a message and you forward it to your brother, he will see "Sarah: [message text]" — he will know it came from Sarah, not from you.

Some apps add a "Forwarded" label to make it extra clear. This is helpful because it prevents confusion about who actually wrote the message and when they wrote it.

Why forwarding might not work

If you tap and hold a message and no menu appears, your phone may not recognize the action. Try pressing longer — sometimes you need to hold for a full second or two. If a menu appears but you do not see a forward option, the app you are using may not support forwarding, or it may be hidden under a three-dot menu button.

Some messaging apps, especially older versions, do not have a built-in forward feature. In that case, you can copy the message text (tap and hold, then select copy), open a new message to your recipient, and paste it in manually. You can add a note like "Sarah said:" before pasting so the recipient knows where it came from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I forward a message to multiple people at once?

Most Android texting apps let you forward to one contact at a time. If you want to send the same message to several people, forward it once, then repeat the process for each recipient. Some apps like WhatsApp let you forward to groups, which sends it to everyone in that group in one action.

Does the original sender know when I forward their message?

No. When you forward a text message, the original sender does not receive any notification. They will not know you shared their message with someone else unless you tell them.

Can I forward a message from someone else's number that is not in my contacts?

Yes. You can forward any message in your conversation history, whether the sender is saved as a contact or not. The recipient will see the original sender's phone number or name as it appeared in your conversation.

What if I want to forward a message but edit it first?

Most Android texting apps do not let you edit a message before forwarding it. Copy the message text instead, paste it into a new message, make your changes, and send it. Add a note like "This is what [person] said, but I wanted to add..." so the recipient understands you modified it.

Can I forward picture messages or videos?

Yes. Tap and hold a photo or video message the same way you would a text message, then tap forward. The image or video will be included in the forwarded message. Keep in mind that forwarding large videos may take longer to send depending on your internet connection.