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title: Google Workspace Email Forwarding: Admin Guide to Automatic Forwarding Setup description: Set up automatic email forwarding in Google Workspace Admin Console. Step-by-step guide for admins to configure user email forwarding, security settings, and troubleshooting. difficulty: beginner estimatedReadTime: 5 lastUpdated: January 2025 featured: false faqItems:

• question: What happens to emails if the forwarding email address is incorrect? answer: >- If the forwarding email address entered in Google Workspace is incorrect or does not exist, emails will not be forwarded, and senders will not receive a notification of the failure. To resolve this, verify the forwarding address by checking its correctness and ensuring it is active. It's advisable to test the forwarding setup by sending a test email to confirm that it arrives at the intended address. Regularly review forwarding settings to prevent misconfigurations and missed emails.
• question: >- Can I set up forwarding for multiple users at once in the Google Admin Console? answer: >- No, Google Admin Console does not support bulk email forwarding setup for multiple users directly. You must configure forwarding individually for each user. However, you can streamline the process by documenting the forwarding addresses required for each user and following the outlined steps in succession. For larger organizations, consider using Google Workspace APIs or automation scripts to simplify repetitive tasks and manage user settings programmatically.
• question: >- How do I ensure sensitive information is handled securely during forwarding? answer: >- To maintain security when forwarding sensitive information, first, assess the security posture of the recipient's email service. Ensure that the forwarding address belongs to a trusted domain with strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication. Also, configure Gmail forwarding options to retain a copy in the original account for audit trails. Regularly review forwarding settings and educate users about the risks of forwarding sensitive data to prevent accidental leaks. heroImage: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1553729459-efe14ef6055e?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop"

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Email forwarding in Google Workspace allows users or administrators to automatically forward incoming emails to another email address. This can be useful for managing emails more efficiently or during employee transitions. This guide will explain how to set up email forwarding from the Google Admin Console and from a user’s Gmail settings.

Requirements:

• Access to the Google Admin Console as an administrator (for setting forwarding rules for any user).
• Individual users can set up forwarding for their accounts directly through Gmail settings.

Step-by-Step Guide:

For Administrators: Setting Up Email Forwarding in the Google Admin Console

Step 1: Log into the Google Admin Console

• Navigate to https://admin.google.com and sign in with your admin account.

Step 2: Access User Accounts

• Go to Users to view the list of users in your organization.

Step 3: Select User

• Choose the user for whom you want to set up forwarding. Click on their account to access their account details.

Step 4: Go to Account Settings

• Find the section labeled Email routing, Account, or similar. This might be under a more detailed settings menu depending on your console layout.

Step 5: Set Up Forwarding

• Add the forwarding email address and specify any additional settings such as keeping a copy of the forwarded emails in the original account.

Step 6: Save Changes

• Confirm the settings and save the changes to activate email forwarding.

For Users: Setting Up Email Forwarding in Gmail

Step 1: Open Gmail Settings

• Log in to Gmail, click on the gear icon in the upper right corner, and select See all settings.

Step 2: Access the Forwarding and POP/IMAP Tab

• In the Settings menu, go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.

Step 3: Add a Forwarding Address

• Click Add a forwarding address in the “Forwarding” section.
• Enter the email address you want your mail forwarded to.
• Google will send a verification email to that address. The recipient must approve the request by clicking the verification link.

Step 4: Configure Forwarding Options

• Once verified, select the option to Forward a copy of incoming mail to… and choose what to do with the Gmail copy from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: Save Changes

• Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page to apply your forwarding settings.

Best Practices:

• Notify the Recipient: Inform the recipient of the forwarding email address about incoming emails and verify they are prepared to receive them.
• Regular Review: Periodically review forwarding settings to ensure they are still relevant and secure.
• Security Considerations: Be cautious when forwarding sensitive information and ensure that the recipient’s email system is secure.