I need to set up automatic text message forwarding from my Android phone to another device for monitoring purposes. Is there a way to configure this so all incoming SMS messages get automatically sent to a second phone number without having to manually forward each one? I’m looking for a solution that works reliably in the background and wondering if this requires a special app or if Android has built-in features for this kind of text forwarding.
Hey, I’ve looked into this sort of thing before, mostly out of curiosity when my kids started using phones. Unfortunately, Android doesn’t have a built-in feature that lets you automatically forward every text message to another phone number—you really do need a third-party app for that.
From my testing, apps like “SMS Forwarder” or “Auto Forward SMS” can do the job. You set them up so that all incoming texts get sent to another number or even an email. Some apps let you filter which messages get forwarded (for example, just ones from certain contacts). The setup is pretty easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Pros:
- Works reliably in the background once set up.
- Some apps offer good filtering and notification settings.
Cons:
- You have to give the app permission to read your texts, which is a privacy risk—so pick an app with lots of good reviews.
- Free versions usually have limits or ads.
- Some carriers or regions might block or flag this kind of activity.
One more thing: if you’re wanting to monitor someone else’s texts (especially a child or another adult), just be sure you’re following the law and respecting everyone’s privacy. In most places, you need the person’s consent for this kind of monitoring, even if they’re your own kid.
If you want app suggestions or setup advice, let me know. I can share what worked best for me!
Hey there! So, Android itself doesn’t have a “forward every SMS” built-in toggle—you’ll need a little helper app or a Tasker hack. Here are two easy routes:
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Use a dedicated SMS-forwarding app
• “SMS Forwarder” or “Auto Forward SMS” on Google Play
• You install it, grant it SMS-read/send perms (it’ll ask to be your default SMS app, but it only does that so it can intercept texts)
• Enter the target phone number, enable background service, and boom—all incoming texts get auto-sent.
Pros: super plug-and-play; some let you filter by contact/keyword
Cons: free versions often have ads or limits; you’re giving an app access to your messages, so pick one with good reviews -
DIY with Tasker (and the “AutoRemote” or “AutoNotification” plugin)
• Profile → Event → Received Text → Sender/Content filters
• Task → Send SMS (to your second-phone number) → Message: %SMSRB (or whichever SMS variable)
• You can add IF checks so only certain texts forward, throttle repeats, etc.
Pros: way more control, no ads
Cons: steeper learning curve; Tasker costs $3 (one-time)
A couple of caveats:
• Legality & ethics—make sure you’ve got consent (kids vs. adults have different rules where you live)
• Carriers/regions sometimes flag auto-SMS apps as spammy
If you just want quick and dirty, grab “SMS Forwarder,” set your number, and test it. If you’re the tinkerer type, Tasker + AutoRemote gives you endless customizability. Let me know if you want a step-by-step Tasker guide or app recommendations!
Both apps you suggested are good options. Stick with a dedicated SMS-forwarding app for simplicity. It’s the easiest way to achieve what you need without complex setups. Keep it simple to save time and stress.
I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.
@DetectiveDad That’s awesome you put together those options and even a tasker hack! But seriously, why do apps need to be default SMS just to read texts? Seems kinda sketchy, right? What if the app totally bails or the phone restarts—would the forwarding just stop? Also, how do you stop it from forwarding spam or weird stuff? Would it freak out sending a million texts if someone sends a chain message? Tell me more about your Tasker setup, sounds like a cool project but I bet it’s a headache to get working just right!
Short version
Android doesn’t have a “forward every SMS to another number” switch. You’ll need a third-party solution, and before you start you really should (1) get written consent from anyone whose texts will be copied, and (2) double-check that local wiretap / privacy laws allow passive monitoring. Forwarding someone’s messages without consent can be a felony in a lot of places.
How people usually tackle it
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Cloud-sync instead of true forwarding
• Google Messages “Device Pairing” or Samsung “Link to Windows” mirrors your inbox to a second device (web, PC, or tablet). No extra SMS gets sent; both devices just view the same database.
• Services like Pulse, MightyText, mysms, or Textra+Pulse pair do something similar: they upload each SMS to their server (encrypted in transit, sometimes encrypted at rest) and let you read/send from any logged-in device. -
Carrier or Google Voice number
• Google Voice, TextNow, etc. let you use one number on multiple phones. Incoming texts go to all linked devices automatically. Again, not technically “forwarding,” but achieves the same end without hacking around Android’s SMS stack.
• Some carriers (e.g., AT&T “Message Backup & Sync”) will sync your SMS to the carrier cloud and down to another phone on the same account. -
DIY apps / Tasker automation
• “SMS Forwarder,” “AutoForward SMS,” or a Tasker profile can watch for android.provider.Telephony.SMS_RECEIVED and re-send the body to another number or to email/Telegram. Because Google Play now locks down the SMS permission, most legit apps will ask you to set them as your default SMS handler. Sideloaded or F-Droid builds bypass Play’s policy but come with bigger malware risks—read the source or skip them.
• If you go this route, audit what the app does with your data. Does it phone home? Is the forward channel encrypted (TLS for email/WebHook, or end-to-end like Signal)? Many “free” SMS forwarders monetize by harvesting message metadata.
Security & privacy gotchas
• You’re granting full SMS permission, which means the app can read 2FA codes and any personal info that hits your inbox. If its developer gets breached, those messages leak too.
• If you forward by re-sending SMS, you’ve doubled the attack surface: messages now sit on two carrier paths and two SIM cards. Consider routing to an encrypted channel (email + PGP, Signal, or Matrix) instead.
• Don’t rely on SMS for anything sensitive once it’s being forwarded. SMS is already plaintext over SS7; forwarding just spreads it wider.
Practical checklist
Verify monitoring is legal and consensual.
Choose a reputable app or cloud service; read the privacy policy—does it store content or just metadata?
Prefer solutions that sync rather than re-SMS; fewer carrier charges and less data leakage.
Enable 2-factor auth on any account tied to the forwarding service (Pulse, Google, etc.).
Periodically review permissions: if you uninstall, revoke SMS and notification access so the old app can’t keep listening.
If you need hands-on instructions for a specific app (e.g., Pulse or Tasker), check back with the exact tool in mind and we can walk through the safe setup.
@DetectiveDad Thanks for breaking down those options so clearly! Your Tasker method sounds powerful but definitely like it takes some patience to get right. I’d be interested in a step-by-step guide if you have the time—especially how to avoid forwarding loops or spammy texts. Also, any tips on keeping it running smoothly after phone restarts would be super helpful. Appreciate your insight!