Directing incoming messages to a different email address in Outlook is a simple configuration change. If you have been wondering how to forward emails to another email outlook, you are in the right place. This guide walks you through every method, whether you use Outlook desktop, web, or mobile.
Email forwarding saves time and keeps all your messages in one place. Instead of checking multiple inboxes, you can have everything sent to your main address. Let us show you exactly how to set this up step by step.
Why Forward Emails In Outlook?
Forwarding emails helps you stay organized. You might have a work account and a personal account. Instead of logging into both, you can forward work emails to your personal inbox.
It is also useful for teams. If you are on vacation, you can forward emails to a colleague. This ensures no important message is missed. The process is quick and does not require technical skills.
How To Forward Emails To Another Email Outlook
This section covers the main method for forwarding emails in Outlook. We will use the desktop version first, then cover web and mobile. Follow each step carefully.
Forwarding In Outlook Desktop (Windows Or Mac)
Outlook desktop is the most common version. Here is how to set up forwarding:
- Open Outlook on your computer.
- Click on File in the top-left corner.
- Select Info from the menu.
- Click on Account Settings and choose Account Settings again.
- Select your email account and click Change.
- Look for the More Settings button and click it.
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Under Delivery, check the box that says Forwarding.
- Enter the email address where you want messages sent.
- Choose whether to keep a copy of forwarded emails in your inbox.
- Click OK and then Next.
- Finish the setup by clicking Finish.
That is it. Now all new emails will be forwarded to the address you entered. Remember that this setting applies to incoming messages only. Emails already in your inbox will not be forwarded.
Forwarding In Outlook On The Web (Outlook.com)
If you use Outlook on the web, the process is slightly different. Here is how to forward emails using the web version:
- Go to Outlook.com and sign in.
- Click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
- Choose Mail from the left menu.
- Click on Forwarding.
- Toggle the switch to On.
- Enter the email address you want to forward to.
- Decide if you want to keep a copy of forwarded messages.
- Click Save.
Now all new emails will be sent to the forwarding address. You can change or disable this anytime from the same settings page.
Forwarding In Outlook Mobile App (IOS And Android)
The Outlook mobile app does not have a direct forwarding setting. But you can use rules to achieve the same result. Here is how:
- Open the Outlook app on your phone.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear) at the bottom.
- Select your email account.
- Scroll down and tap Rules.
- Tap Add rule.
- Name your rule, for example “Forward all”.
- Under When a new message arrives, choose Apply to all messages.
- Under Do the following, choose Forward to.
- Enter the forwarding email address.
- Tap Save.
This rule will forward all incoming emails. You can create more specific rules if needed.
Using Rules For Selective Forwarding
Sometimes you do not want to forward every email. Maybe you only want emails from a specific person or with a certain subject. Outlook rules let you do that.
Creating A Forwarding Rule In Outlook Desktop
Here is how to create a rule that forwards only certain emails:
- Open Outlook and go to the Home tab.
- Click Rules and then Manage Rules & Alerts.
- Click New Rule.
- Choose Apply rule on messages I receive.
- Select conditions like from a specific sender or with specific words.
- Click Next.
- Choose forward it to people or public group.
- Enter the forwarding address.
- Click Finish.
Now only emails meeting your conditions will be forwarded. This keeps your inbox cleaner and more organized.
Creating A Forwarding Rule In Outlook Web
In Outlook on the web, you can also create rules. Here is how:
- Go to Outlook.com and sign in.
- Click the Settings gear icon.
- Select View all Outlook settings.
- Choose Mail and then Rules.
- Click Add new rule.
- Name your rule.
- Add conditions like from a specific sender or with certain words.
- Under Add an action, choose Forward to.
- Enter the forwarding address.
- Click Save.
This gives you full control over which emails get forwarded. You can create multiple rules for different situations.
Forwarding Emails With Outlook’s Built-In Feature
Outlook has a built-in forwarding feature that works differently from rules. This feature is part of the account settings and forwards all emails automatically.
Enabling Built-In Forwarding In Outlook Desktop
We covered this earlier, but here is a quick recap:
- Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Select your account and click Change.
- Click More Settings and go to the Advanced tab.
- Check Forwarding and enter the address.
This method is simple and works for all incoming emails. It is ideal if you want to consolidate all your emails into one inbox.
Enabling Built-In Forwarding In Outlook Web
In Outlook web, the built-in forwarding is in the settings. Here is how:
- Click Settings > View all Outlook settings.
- Go to Mail > Forwarding.
- Toggle on and enter the forwarding address.
This is the easiest way to forward all emails. It takes less than a minute to set up.
Forwarding Emails To Multiple Addresses
What if you need to forward emails to more than one address? Outlook does not support multiple forwarding addresses directly. But you can use a workaround.
Using A Distribution List Or Group
Create a distribution list or group in Outlook. Then forward emails to that group. Here is how:
- In Outlook, go to the Home tab.
- Click New Items and choose Contact Group.
- Name the group and add members (the email addresses you want to forward to).
- Save the group.
- Now set up forwarding to the group email address.
This way, every email sent to the group will reach all members. It is a simple solution for forwarding to multiple people.
Using Third-Party Forwarding Services
Another option is to use a third-party service. Services like Forward Email or Mailgun can forward to multiple addresses. But these require extra setup and may have costs.
For most users, the distribution list method works fine. It is free and built into Outlook.
Common Issues When Forwarding Emails
Sometimes forwarding does not work as expected. Here are common problems and how to fix them.
Emails Not Being Forwarded
If emails are not forwarding, check these things:
- Make sure forwarding is enabled in settings.
- Verify the forwarding address is correct.
- Check if your email provider blocks forwarding.
- Look for rules that might interfere.
If everything looks correct, try disabling and re-enabling forwarding. This often fixes the issue.
Forwarded Emails Going To Spam
Sometimes forwarded emails end up in the spam folder. This happens because the forwarding server changes the email headers. To fix this:
- Add the forwarding address to your contacts.
- Mark forwarded emails as “Not spam” if they appear in spam.
- Ask your email provider to whitelist the forwarding address.
Over time, the spam filter will learn to trust forwarded emails.
Forwarding Not Working On Mobile
As mentioned, the Outlook mobile app does not have a direct forwarding setting. Use rules instead. If rules are not working, try creating them on the desktop or web version. They will sync to your mobile app.
Security Considerations When Forwarding Emails
Forwarding emails can expose sensitive information. Here are some security tips:
- Only forward to trusted email addresses.
- Use encryption if forwarding sensitive data.
- Regularly review your forwarding settings.
- Disable forwarding when not needed.
If you forward work emails to a personal account, check your company policy. Some organizations do not allow forwarding outside their network.
Alternatives To Forwarding Emails
Forwarding is not the only way to manage multiple inboxes. Here are some alternatives:
- POP/IMAP: Add multiple accounts to Outlook and check them in one place.
- Email aliases: Use aliases to receive emails without forwarding.
- Unified inbox: Some email clients offer a unified view of all accounts.
Each method has pros and cons. Forwarding is the simplest for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Forward Emails From Outlook To Gmail?
Yes, you can forward Outlook emails to Gmail. Follow the same steps and enter your Gmail address as the forwarding destination. Make sure to check your Gmail spam folder for forwarded messages.
How Do I Stop Forwarding Emails In Outlook?
To stop forwarding, go back to the forwarding settings and toggle it off. In desktop, uncheck the forwarding box. In web, toggle the switch to off. In mobile, delete the forwarding rule.
Will Forwarding Emails Delete Them From My Outlook Inbox?
No, forwarding does not delete emails. You can choose to keep a copy in your inbox. If you want to delete them, set up a rule to move them to the trash after forwarding.
Can I Forward Only Certain Emails In Outlook?
Yes, use rules to forward only emails that meet specific conditions. For example, forward only emails from a certain sender or with a specific subject line.
Does Forwarding Work With Outlook For Mac?
Yes, the steps are similar for Outlook for Mac. Go to Tools > Accounts, select your account, and look for forwarding options. The exact steps may vary by version.
Final Tips For Smooth Forwarding
Test your forwarding setup after configuring it. Send a test email to your Outlook address and check if it arrives at the forwarding address. This confirms everything is working.
If you use multiple devices, remember that forwarding settings sync across them. Changes made on desktop will apply to web and mobile.
Keep your forwarding address updated. If you change email providers, update the forwarding address to avoid missing messages.
Forwarding is a powerful tool when used correctly. It saves time and keeps your communication streamlined. Now you know exactly how to forward emails to another email outlook.
We hope this guide was helpful. If you run into any issues, refer back to the troubleshooting section. Happy forwarding!