How to Forward a Text on Android

Forward messages, photos, and videos to others

by
Molly McLaughlin - Lifewire
Molly McLaughlin
Writer, Editor
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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Molly McLaughlin
Updated on October 19, 2020

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 Messages on Android smartphones.

How to Forward Text Messages within Android Messages

Forwarding a text message using the Android 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 Android 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 Android Messages to Other Apps

If you want to forward a message from Android 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 Android 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 Android Messages are on this screen too.

  7. The text or image will appear 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 Android 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.