Setting Up Email Forwarding in Google Workspace

7 February 11, 2025

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

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.