Some messaging apps are more common in certain parts of the world than others. Even within the same region, we use the platforms our family, friends, and coworkers are on. Whichever one you use, every messaging app has a forwarding feature that allows you to share received messages and pictures with as many contacts as possible without typing the same thing multiple times or going through the copy-and-paste routine.

Although each app may have different steps to forward a text message, the overall idea is mostly the same across all apps. Read on to find out how to forward messages on the software you frequently use. We cover the steps for the popular instant messaging apps on your top budget Android phones.

How to forward a text on Google Messages

The Messages app is the default texting application on some of the best Android phones, like the Google Pixel lineup. The Messages app is the stock Android texting solution, offering plenty of messaging tips and tricks for power users.

  1. Open the Google Messages app.
  2. Open the conversation that contains the message you want to forward.
  3. Press and hold the message until you see more options.
  4. Tap the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner and tap Forward.
  5. A list of contacts appears. Select the contact you want to send the message to. When sending it to someone you haven't contacted in a while, tap New message. Otherwise, search for and select the person, like you would when starting a new conversation.
  6. Select a contact. The message you want to forward appears in the text field in a new chat. You can then edit it if needed.
  7. Tap the Send button (right arrow) to forward the message.

How to forward a text on the Samsung Messages app

For most Samsung users, except for the recent Galaxy flagships, Samsung Messages is the default SMS app. Here's how to forward messages in it.

  1. Open the Samsung Messages app.
  2. Open the text conversation that contains the message you wish to forward.
  3. Press and hold the message.
  4. Tap the Forward option.
  5. Search for and select the recipient in the Contacts tab. Alternatively, you can use the Conversations tab to see recent chats.
  6. Tap Done. The message to be forwarded appears in the message field, and you can edit it if needed.
  7. Tap the Send button (angled right arrow) to deliver the message.

Apart from message forwarding, the Samsung Messages app is packed with useful tips to make it a worthy alternative to Google Messages.

How to forward a message on WhatsApp

If you've ever seen one of those silly WhatsApp messages asking you to send it to a bunch of your friends to avoid bad luck, you know it's just a bit of nonsense. But if you want to play along or have an important message to forward to your contacts, here's how to do it.

  1. Open WhatsApp and open a conversation.
  2. Press and hold the message you'd like to share.
  3. Tap the Forward icon (a curved arrow facing the left).
  4. Choose the user to receive the message from the Frequently contacted and Recent chats lists. You can also search for a specific name using the corresponding icon.
  5. Tap Send (right-facing arrow in the lower-right corner).

Be careful before mindlessly forwarding messages on WhatsApp. WhatsApp has become a preferred platform for fake news peddlers to spread rumors and misinformation. You should always verify the received message before forwarding it to your contacts.

WhatsApp took several steps to prevent such a situation. It limits you to forwarding messages to five conversations. Besides, if a message has been forwarded multiple times, the company labels it as Forwarded many times. You should always check such messages with a pinch of salt and verify the information yourself.

If you regularly forward a message to specific contacts on WhatsApp, we recommend creating a community or group for a better experience. You can also make a broadcast list and share your messages and media conveniently.

How to forward a message on Telegram

Telegram is like WhatsApp on steroids, at least in terms of features. Both apps may be direct competitors, but many of their actions are similar. If you've been using Telegram or only made the switch during Facebook's downtime, here's how to forward messages in the app.

  1. Launch the Telegram app and select a relevant conversation.
  2. Long press the message you want to forward.
  3. Tap the Forward icon in the upper-right corner or at the bottom of the message (it looks like a curved arrow). The groups, channels, and personal contacts you've recently messaged are listed.
  4. Select the recipient. If you want to forward a message to several Telegram contacts, long-tap on a recipient and select all the conversations.
  5. Tap the Send button (lower-right arrow) to forward your message. You can add some extra text in the message field before sending it.

How to forward messages on Signal

It may be a two-horse race between WhatsApp and Telegram for the title of the best third-party messenger, but Signal isn't far off in terms of features. After all, 50 million installs are no joke. If you're one of those users, here's how to forward a message from one chat to another:

  1. Launch the Signal app.
  2. Open the chat where the text you wish to forward is located.
  3. Tap and hold the message bubble.
  4. Tap the Forward option.
  5. Select a contact from the list. A text field pops up where you can add more text.
  6. Once done, tap the blue arrow to send.

How to forward text messages on Facebook Messenger

If you've opted to use Facebook Messenger for your texting needs, here's how to forward a message on Facebook Messenger:

  1. Launch the Facebook Messenger app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap a conversation and navigate to the message you wish to deliver.
  3. Long press it to reveal more actions.
  4. Tap the Forward option, select the recipients, and click Send.

How to forward text messages on Skype

Skype is another instant messaging app popular among professionals and small businesses. Here's how to quickly forward a text message on Microsoft's platform.

  1. Open Skype and select a conversation. Long-tap on a message.
  2. Select Forward. Check your recent chats from the following menu. Tap Send beside a contact to forward the message.
  3. Type an optional message at the top and select Done.

Unlike other apps, Skype adds the original sender's name and message date at the bottom.

Will the original sender know when I forward their message?

When you forward a message to someone, the system doesn't alert the original sender. However, if you forward a sensitive or private message or picture, get consent from the person.

Can I unsend a forwarded message?

When you forward a text message as an SMS, you can't undo it. However, when you forward a message on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger, you can unsend a message. It depends on the platform you use to forward messages.

Can I forward an SMS to WhatsApp?

You can't forward an SMS from the Google Messages or Samsung Messages app to WhatsApp. You need to copy the text and paste it into a WhatsApp conversation. Similarly, you need to download a received picture or video and share them on WhatsApp.

Beware of fake news while forwarding messages

Fake news is everywhere, most of which spreads via social media. It's also why these messaging platforms limit you from bulk-forwarding messages. If you receive a forwarded message that looks fishy and asks you to forward it, you're better off not doing it. This exchange of fake information isn't limited to text messages. Users have complained the same about spam calls too. If you frequently encounter the same, check our dedicated post to block spam calls on Android.