How to Forward SMS to Gmail on Android (2025 Guide)

Missing texts? Learn how to automatically forward SMS and missed calls to Gmail on Android in 2025 using IFTTT, Google Voice, and top-rated forwarding apps.

In today’s fast-paced world, missing a text or a call isn’t just a minor annoyance—it can mean a lost lead, a missed opportunity, or unnecessary stress. For Android users in the U.S., the solution is often simpler than checking your phone every five minutes: SMS-to-Email forwarding.

Once known popularly as "SMS2Gmail," this concept has evolved from a niche workaround into a powerful productivity hack for 2025. Whether you're at your desk or across the globe, here is how you can bridge the gap between your messages and your inbox.

Why Forward SMS to Your Inbox?

It’s more than just a convenience; it’s about creating a centralized hub for your communication.

Seamless Remote Access: If you’re traveling or working from a laptop, you can view and respond to texts without ever picking up your phone.
Business Continuity: Small teams and field workers can forward alerts to a shared Gmail account, ensuring that client requests are logged and never ignored.
Search & Archive: Gmail’s search bar is far superior to any texting app. Find a specific detail from a message sent months ago in seconds.
Workflow Automation: Once a text hits your inbox, you can use tools like Zapier or Google Workspace to automatically turn that message into a calendar event or a CRM entry.

The Best Ways to Forward SMS in 2025

While the original "SMS2Gmail" app has mostly faded into tech history, modern alternatives are faster and more reliable.

1. IFTTT (The "Set It and Forget It" Choice)

IFTTT (If This Then That) is the gold standard for simple automation. You can create a "recipe" that triggers every time your Android phone receives a text, instantly sending a copy to your Gmail.

Pros: Real-time sync, no clunky third-party apps, and easy filters (e.g., "only forward texts from my boss").

2. Dedicated Forwarding Apps

Several highly-rated apps on the Play Store specialize in this.

SMS Forwarder: A robust, free option that lets you send texts to email, Telegram, or even another phone number. It’s perfect for dual-SIM users.
Auto Forward SMS to Email: A straightforward, "no-frills" app designed specifically for users who just want their messages in their inbox without complex setup.

A Note on Privacy & Security

Because your texts often contain sensitive info—like bank alerts or login codes—security is paramount.

Enable 2FA: Always ensure your Gmail has two-factor authentication active.
Audit Permissions: Only use apps with high ratings and transparent privacy policies.
Be Selective: If possible, set filters so that highly sensitive info (like one-time passwords) stays on your phone and isn't forwarded to the cloud.

How to Get Started (3-Minute Setup)

Pick Your Tool: Download a forwarding app or sign up for IFTTT.
Grant Access: Give the app permission to read your SMS and notifications.
Link Your Gmail: Enter your email address as the destination.
Test It: Send yourself a text from another number to make sure it pops up in your inbox.
Organize: Create a "Texts" label in Gmail to keep your inbox tidy.

The original SMS2Gmail might be a legacy app, but the need for it is stronger than ever. By moving your texts into Gmail, you’re not just backing up messages—you’re making your communication searchable, shareable, and much easier to manage.