How to Forward a Text on Android

Forward messages, photos, and videos to others

By
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Senior Content Strategist
  • New York University
Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology writer since 2004. Her work has appeared on many tech sites across the web including PCMag, Dealnews, Wirecutter and many others.
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Updated on April 28, 2021
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • To forward a text within Messages, tap and hold the message, then tap the three-dot menu icon > Forward > select contact > Send. 
  • To send it to another messaging app, tap and hold it > tap three-dot menu icon > Share > select app > conversation > Send. 
  • You can also use the Share option to paste the text or image into another type of app, such as a notes or email app.

This article explains how to forward texts, including photos and videos, using the Messages app on Android smartphones.

Steps, although similar, may vary slightly by Android device manufacturer. However, they should remain generally the same.

How to Forward Text Messages within Google Messages

Forwarding a text message using the Google Messages app takes only a few steps. You can share text, emojis, images, and videos.

Avoid forwarding texts that contain personal information or potentially embarrassing photos of others. While it's tempting in the moment you can't take a text back once it's read.

  1. Open Google Messages.

  2. Select the conversation containing the message.

  3. Tap and hold the message you want to forward. You can select text, links, images, or videos—the process is the same for all.

  4. Tap the three-dot menu icon.

  5. Select Forward.

    Forwarding a text on Android.

  6. Select the conversation where you want to share the text.

  7. Tap the send icon.

    Forwarding a text on Android.

How to Share Texts From Google Messages to Other Apps

If you want to forward a message from Google Messages to another app, like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, you can use the share function. You can also share the message in social media, notes, email apps, and more. 

  1. Open Google Messages.

  2. Select the conversation containing the message.

  3. Tap and hold the message you want to forward. 

  4. Tap the three-dot menu icon.

  5. Select Share.

  6. Select the app where you want to share. If it's a messaging app, choose a conversation or start a new one.

    Forwarding a text on Android.

    Shortcuts to recent conversations from Google Messages are on this screen too.

  7. The text or image appears in the message field.

  8. Tap the Send icon.

    Forwarding a text on Android.

Use Copy and Paste to Share Texts

If you’re sharing text-only, including links, you can use your phone’s copy and paste function. If a message contains both text and an image, pasting it might not work.

  1. Open Google Messages.

  2. Select the conversation containing the message.

  3. Tap and hold the message you want to share. 

  4. Tap the Copy symbol.

  5. Open the other app.

  6. Tap and hold where you want to paste the message.

  7. Select Paste.

    Copying a text on Android.

  8. Tap Send (or Share or Post depending on the app). You might not need to press anything if you're using a notes app, as in the above example.

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