Forwarding text messages on your iPhone is a simple process, but there are a few nuances depending on whether you're forwarding an SMS/MMS message or an iMessage. This guide will walk you through both scenarios, covering various methods and troubleshooting potential issues.
How to Forward a Standard Text Message (SMS/MMS)
Standard text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS, including photos and videos) are forwarded slightly differently than iMessages. Here's how to forward an SMS/MMS message:
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Open the Messages app: Locate and open the Messages app on your iPhone.
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Find the message: Open the conversation containing the message you wish to forward.
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Select the message: Tap and hold the message you want to forward. A menu will appear.
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Choose "More": Tap "More" in the menu. This will highlight the selected message. You can select multiple messages to forward at once by tapping on additional messages.
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Tap the Forward button: A forward button (a square with an upward-pointing arrow) should appear at the bottom left of your screen. Tap it.
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Choose recipient(s): Select the contact(s) you want to forward the message(s) to from your contact list or by typing their phone number.
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Send the message: Tap the blue arrow button to send the forwarded message.
How to Forward an iMessage
iMessages, Apple's blue text bubbles, are forwarded slightly differently than SMS/MMS messages because they utilize Apple's own messaging platform. The process is nearly identical:
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Open the Messages app: Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
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Locate the message: Find the conversation containing the iMessage you want to forward.
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Select the message: Tap and hold the iMessage. A menu will appear.
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Choose "More": Tap "More" in the menu. This will allow you to select multiple iMessages if needed.
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Tap the Forward button: The forward button (a square with an upward-pointing arrow) will appear at the bottom left corner of the screen. Tap it.
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Choose recipient(s): Select the contact(s) you wish to send the forwarded message(s) to. Note that if the recipient doesn't use iMessage, the message will be sent as an SMS/MMS.
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Send the message: Tap the blue arrow button to send the forwarded message.
What if I can't forward a message?
Several factors can prevent you from forwarding a text message:
The message is too old: Some very old messages might no longer be forwardable due to system limitations.
Network Connectivity Issues: Ensure you have a stable internet connection (for iMessages) or cellular data connection (for SMS/MMS). Poor connectivity can prevent message forwarding.
Software Glitch: Try restarting your iPhone. A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that might be interfering with the messaging functionality.
Carrier Restrictions: Rarely, your carrier might have imposed restrictions on forwarding. Contact your carrier's customer support for assistance if you suspect this is the case.
Can I forward a group message?
Yes, you can forward both group iMessages and group SMS/MMS messages using the same steps outlined above. Select the message(s) you wish to forward, tap "More," then tap the forward button. Choose your recipient(s) and send.
Can I forward deleted messages?
No, once a message is deleted, it's removed from your device and cannot be forwarded.
Can I forward messages from other apps?
Messages received within other apps (like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.) will have their own forwarding mechanisms within those specific applications. The method described above only applies to messages within the native iPhone Messages app.
By following these steps, you can easily forward text messages on your iPhone, keeping communication flowing smoothly. Remember to be mindful of privacy and only forward messages you have permission to share.
