How to Automatically Forward SMS to Email on iPhone (2026 Guide)
Whether you want to archive important texts, receive OTP codes on your laptop, or keep a searchable backup of every message — forwarding SMS to email is the most practical solution. And on iPhone, it's easier than you think.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the complete setup process using SMS to Email Forwarder and Apple's built-in Shortcuts app. The whole process takes under 2 minutes, and it works even when you're offline.
Why Forward SMS to Email?
Text messages are ephemeral by nature. They get buried under new conversations, they're hard to search, and they live on a single device. Email, on the other hand, is searchable, archivable, and accessible from anywhere.
Here are the most common reasons people set up SMS-to-email forwarding:
- OTP & 2FA codes — Receive verification codes on your laptop without touching your phone
- Business compliance — Keep an auditable record of all text-based communications
- Travel — Get texts from your home number while using a foreign SIM card
- Team collaboration — Route incoming SMS to a shared team email
- Backup & archiving — Create a permanent, searchable archive of all texts
What You'll Need
- An iPhone running iOS 17 or later
- The Shortcuts app (pre-installed on all iPhones)
- The SMS to Email Forwarder app (free on the App Store)
- An email address to receive forwarded messages
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Download and Configure the App
Download SMS to Email Forwarder from the App Store. Open it, enter your email address, and verify it. That's the entire in-app setup.
Step 2: Create a Shortcuts Automation
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. Go to the Automation tab at the bottom. Tap the + button (or "New Automation" if you don't have any yet).
Step 3: Set the Trigger
Search for "Message" and select the Message trigger. Set it to run when a message contains a space (this catches virtually all texts). Make sure "Run Immediately" is enabled, then tap Next.
Step 4: Add the Forwarding Action
Tap New Blank Automation, then + Add Action. Search for "SMS" and select Forward SMS to Email from the SMS to Email Forwarder section.
Step 5: Configure the Action
Expand the action parameters. For Sender Number, tap the grey "Text" chip → Select Variable → choose Shortcut Input → set property to Sender. For Message Text, repeat the process but leave the default property (no property change needed).
Tap Done. You're all set!
For a detailed visual walkthrough with screenshots, see our Shortcuts Setup Guide.
How It Works Under the Hood
When a new SMS or iMessage arrives, iOS triggers the Shortcuts Automation. The automation passes the message text and sender info to SMS to Email Forwarder, which instantly sends it to your email via a secure API call.
If you're offline (airplane mode, subway, no signal), the app queues the message locally. As soon as you regain connectivity, all queued messages are delivered automatically. No messages are ever lost.
Privacy & Security
SMS to Email Forwarder is designed with privacy at its core:
- On-device processing — Messages are handled by Apple's native Shortcuts, not by our servers
- Zero data collection — We don't store, read, or analyze your messages
- No tracking — No analytics beyond basic app functionality
- Secure delivery — Messages pass through our API in real-time and are not retained
This is fundamentally different from competitors that route your messages through their own servers, where they could theoretically be accessed.
Free vs. Paid Plans
There's a permanent free plan that gives you up to 10 forwards per day and 25 per month — perfect for personal use or testing. If you need unlimited forwarding, upgrade to Personal or Business directly in the App Store. No credit card is required for the free plan.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Messages aren't forwarding
Make sure your Shortcuts Automation is enabled and set to "Run Immediately." Also verify that you've set the correct variables (Shortcut Input → Sender for the sender field).
Delayed delivery
If you're on a weak connection, messages may queue and deliver in batches. This is by design — the app ensures no messages are lost, even at the cost of a slight delay.
Automation prompt appearing
If iOS asks for confirmation before running the automation, make sure "Run Immediately" (not "Run After Confirmation") is selected in the automation settings.
Ready to start forwarding?
Download SMS to Email Forwarder — free, private, and set up in under 2 minutes.
Download on the App Store