How to Set Up Mail Forwarding in Google Workspace

Email forwarding in Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) allows you to automatically send incoming messages from one account to another. This is useful for scenarios like employee transitions, vacations, or consolidating inboxes. There are two main approaches: admin-controlled forwarding (recommended for organizations) and user-level automatic forwarding (if enabled by the admin).

1. Admin-Controlled Forwarding (Using Recipient Address Map)

Admins can set up forwarding or redirecting for specific users via the Google Admin Console. This is the most secure and controlled method.

Steps:

1. Sign in to the Google Admin Console with an administrator account.
2. Go to Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > Routing (not “Default routing”).
3. Select the organizational unit (OU) for the user(s) — often the top-level one.
4. Scroll to Email forwarding using recipient address map and click Configure or Add Another Rule.
5. Enter a descriptive name for the rule.
6. Click Add, then:
   • In Address, enter the original recipient’s email (e.g., oldemployee@yourdomain.com).
   • In Map to address, enter the forwarding email (e.g., newemployee@yourdomain.com).
7. Choose options:
   • Redirect (exclude original recipient) or Forward (include original by checking “Also route to original destination”).
   • Optionally, apply only to external messages or add headers.
8. Save the rule.

This method ensures messages go directly to the new address without user intervention. It’s ideal for departed employees.

2. User-Level Automatic Forwarding

If the admin allows it, individual users can forward their own emails (e.g., all mail or via filters).

Admin Enable (Required First):

1. In Admin Console: Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > End User Access.
2. Check (or uncheck to disable) Allow users to automatically forward email to another address.
3. Save changes. (Enabled by default in most setups.)

User Setup (in Gmail):

1. Open Gmail and click the gear icon > See all settings.
2. Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
3. In the “Forwarding” section, click Add a forwarding address.
4. Enter the target email and confirm the verification code sent to it.
5. Select Forward a copy of incoming mail to the verified address.
6. Choose what to do with the original copy (keep in inbox, archive, etc.).
7. Click Save Changes.

For selective forwarding, create filters instead of full forwarding.

Notes:

• Forwarding to external addresses may require verification.
• Admins can monitor forwarded emails via Email Log Search.
• Follow Google’s sender guidelines to avoid limits on forwarding volume.

This setup keeps your team’s communication flowing smoothly! For official details, check Google’s support pages.