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How to Forward All Gmail to Another Email Account

Introduction

Over time it’s easy to find yourself with multiple email addresses, and monitoring all of those email accounts can be a headache. Thankfully, if you have a Gmail account that you don’t monitor frequently or you no longer use, you can easily forward all of those messages to another email account that you do monitor. The process to forward all of your Gmail emails to a different email address only takes a few minutes.

Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.

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Steps to Forward All Gmail to Another Email Account

  1. Open a web browser, navigate to Gmail.com, and then sign in to the Gmail account you want to forward all of the email from to another account. You’ll land on your Gmail home screen.
  2. Click the “Settings” icon at the top of this screen to open a menu, and then click “See All Settings” in this menu. Your Gmail settings screen is displayed.
Click the Settings icon at the top of this screen to open a menu, and then click See All Settings in this menu.
  1. Select “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” in the menu along the top of this screen. These options will be displayed on the lower part of the screen.
Select Forwarding and POP/IMAP in the menu along the top of this screen.
  1. Find the Forwarding section, and then click “Add a Forwarding Address” in this section.” A dialog box pops up prompting you to enter the email address you want all of this account’s Gmail forwarded to.
Find the Forwarding section, and then click Add a Forwarding Address in this section.
  1. Enter the email address you want all of the email from this Gmail account forwarded to, and then click “Next.” A dialog box pops up asking you to confirm that you want to formward all of the email from this Gmail account to the email address listed.
Enter the email address you want all of the email from this Gmail account forwarded to, and then click Next.
  1. Confirm that email account is correct, and then click “Proceed.”
Confirm that email account is correct, and then click Proceed.
  1. Another dialog box pops up telling you that a confirmation code has been sent to the email account you want to forward all of this account’s Gmail email to. Click “OK” to close this dialog box. You’ll see the Gmail settings screen.
Another dialog box pops up telling you that a confirmation code has been sent to the email account you want to forward all of this account's Gmail email to. Click OK to close this dialog box.
  1. Open the email account you want to forward all of your Gmail to and then find a message with a subject line that says “Gmail Forwarding Confirmation” and open that email. Find the link to confirm this request, and then click that link.
Open the email account you want to forward all of your Gmail to and then find a message with a subject line that says Gmail Forwarding Confirmation and open that email. Find the link to confirm this request, and then click that link.
  1. Navigate back to the Gmail settings screen, and open the Forwarding and POP/IMAP section. In the Forwarding section, click to shade in the radio button associated with “Forward a copy of incoming mail to.”
Navigate back to the Gmail settings screen, and open the Forwarding and POP/IMAP section. In the Forwarding section, click to shade in the radio button associated with Forward a Copy of Incoming Mail To.
  1. Check to make sure this option shows the name of the email account you added as the forwarding address in that drop-down option. Also, by default the second drop-down option is set to keep a copy of all of your forwarded email in the original Gmail inbox, but you can also choose to delete messages from here after they are forwarded.
Also, by default the second drop-down option is set to keep a copy of all of your forwarded email in the original Gmail inbox, but you can also choose to delete messages from here after they are forwarded.

Reasons to Forward All Gmail to Another Email Account

1. Consolidation

Consolidation helps users streamline their digital lives. Multiple email accounts can become confusing and time-consuming. By forwarding emails from several accounts to one primary account, users can quickly scan and respond to messages without switching platforms. This centralized approach reduces the likelihood of missing important emails. A consolidated inbox aids in better email management and enhances overall productivity.

2. Transition to a New Email Address

Changing one’s primary email can be a major step. People change jobs, personal preferences, or simply want a fresh start. When transitioning, users want to ensure no vital communication slips through the cracks. Forwarding emails ensures that messages sent to the old address reach the user at their new address. It’s an efficient bridge between the past and the present.

3. Professional Reasons

Separating personal and professional lives is crucial for many. Personal emails might contain leisurely content, while professional emails require prompt attention. By forwarding work-related emails to a dedicated professional account, individuals can easily prioritize their tasks. This clear distinction helps in maintaining work-life balance and ensures timely responses in a professional context.

4. Backup and Archival

Digital data, including emails, can be fragile. System crashes, accidental deletions, or cyber threats can lead to data loss. Forwarding emails to another account provides a safety net. This parallel account acts as a backup, preserving important messages and attachments. Users can rest easy knowing their valuable communications have a secondary safe haven.

5. Account Deactivation

Sometimes, users decide to close an email account. Whether it’s due to too much spam, a compromised account, or simply wanting to declutter, it’s vital to retain essential emails. Before deactivating, forwarding all emails to a new or secondary account ensures that the user retains their important data and history.

6. Filtering and Sorting

Different email platforms offer varying filtering capabilities. Some users prefer the sorting features of one service but have an established account on another platform. Forwarding emails allows them to utilize the superior filtering functions of their preferred service. This way, they can manage emails more effectively and keep their inbox organized.

7. Improved Security

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise. Users may feel one of their accounts is vulnerable or lacks advanced security features. By forwarding emails to a more secure account, they add an extra layer of protection. This proactive step ensures their data remains confidential and reduces the risk of breaches.

8. Notification Purposes

Some accounts exist primarily for sign-ups, newsletters, or online shopping. Checking multiple inboxes for updates can be tedious. Users can forward notifications and updates to their main account. This centralized approach ensures they stay informed without the hassle of logging into multiple accounts.

9. Collaboration

Teamwork makes tasks easier. Professionals often collaborate using shared email accounts. Forwarding emails to a shared account ensures all team members have access to the same information. This promotes transparency, ensures everyone is on the same page, and streamlines collaborative efforts.

10. Device or App Limitations

Not all email platforms are universally compatible. Some devices or apps might favor specific email providers. Users might find one account works seamlessly on their preferred device, while another doesn’t. Forwarding emails helps overcome this discrepancy, ensuring a smooth user experience regardless of device or app choice.

11. Special Features or Integrations

In the digital age, integrations matter. Some email providers offer unique features or integrate better with favorite apps. Forwarding emails allows users to exploit these unique capabilities. They can benefit from advanced functionalities without abandoning their original email address.

12. Avoiding Storage Limitations

Every email account has storage limits. When nearing this capacity, users face the risk of missing out on new emails. Forwarding new messages to another account can prevent this. By doing so, users ensure they don’t lose out on important communications due to storage constraints.

How Many Email Addresses Can Your Forward All of Your Gmail Email To?

Gmail allows users to forward their incoming email to a single email address automatically using Gmail’s forwarding settings. However, if you wanted to forward to multiple addresses, you would need to set up a filter for each address.

Reasons Someone May Want to Delete the Original Emails in Gmail After Forwarding Them to Another Email Address

1. Privacy and Security

Protecting one’s personal and professional data is paramount. Deleting emails after forwarding them enhances security measures. If a Gmail account becomes compromised, fewer sensitive emails are available to malicious actors. Reducing accessible information minimizes potential damage. By ensuring only essential messages remain, users fortify their digital walls against unauthorized access.

2. Storage Management

Gmail offers ample storage, but even this can fill up. High-volume email users, especially those receiving large attachments, frequently encounter storage limits. Deleting emails post-forwarding creates room for incoming messages. This practice keeps the mailbox efficient, ensuring smooth operations without constant storage-related interruptions.

3. Organization

A cluttered mailbox can overwhelm users. Forwarding and deleting specific emails streamlines the mailbox, making navigation easier. It simplifies the task of locating important emails. By maintaining a tidy inbox, users experience reduced stress and increased productivity, ensuring an optimized email management routine.

4. Backup

Ensuring the safety of vital emails is crucial. Once emails are forwarded to a secure backup location, deleting the originals from Gmail ensures there’s no redundancy. With the confidence that vital information is safely stored elsewhere, users maintain a leaner, more manageable Gmail account.

5. Transition to a New Email Address

Switching to a new primary email address requires moving crucial communications. Forwarding key emails and then deleting them from the old address signifies their successful transfer. It’s a clear indication of the transition process, helping users maintain clarity between old and new accounts.

6. Avoiding Duplication

Duplication can lead to confusion. When emails exist in two places, there’s a risk of acting on them twice. By forwarding and then deleting emails from Gmail, users ensure they don’t inadvertently respond to or act on the same email multiple times, keeping actions streamlined.

7. Restricting Access

Shared Gmail accounts pose risks. Certain confidential emails might not be suitable for all eyes. Forwarding such messages to a personal address and deleting them from the shared account ensures only the right individuals have access. It’s an effective way to maintain privacy within shared email environments.

8. Regulatory or Compliance Reasons

Certain industries have strict rules about email retention. Deleting emails after forwarding can be part of adhering to these regulations. It ensures that users or businesses don’t inadvertently breach rules or face penalties, promoting responsible and compliant email handling.

9. Temporary Account

Some Gmail accounts serve short-term purposes. Users might establish these for specific projects or roles. Once they forward important messages from these accounts, deleting everything helps in preparing to deactivate the account, ensuring no lingering digital footprint.

10. Emotional Reasons

Emails can hold powerful memories or emotions. For some, certain messages might evoke pain or discomfort. By forwarding them to a secondary location and deleting them from the primary view, users manage emotional triggers, ensuring a more positive digital space.

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About Max

Max has nearly 20 years of experience working in IT across three different industries in project management and management capacities: publishing, telecommunications and healthcare. He holds the following degrees and certifications: BS Communications, MA Communications, MBA and Project Management Professional (PMP). His tutorial-focused YouTube channel earned more than 100,000 subscribers in its first four years, and currently has more than 160,000 subscribers, 110,000,000 video views and an insane 2.4 million hours of watch time. Max enjoys learning new technology, reading and collecting comic books, listening to audiobooks and playing video games.

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