Easy Tech TutsHow to Set Email Forwarding & Routing in Gmail in Google Workspace Admin Console 2026 Easily
By Impran M N
Forwarding and routing rules let admins automatically redirect incoming mail, manage shared inboxes, or handle employee transitions without losing messages. This guide covers how to set these up correctly through the Google Workspace Admin Console.
01Open the Admin Console's Gmail settings
Sign in as an admin and navigate to the Gmail section under Apps to access routing and forwarding controls.
02Create a routing rule
Set up a rule that defines how incoming or outgoing mail should be handled, such as forwarding all mail from one address to another.
03Configure forwarding for specific users or groups
Apply the rule to individual users, groups, or the whole organization depending on your needs, like handling an employee exit or shared inbox.
04Follow best practices to avoid errors
Test routing rules carefully before applying them broadly, since misconfigured rules can cause emails to loop or fail to deliver.
05Monitor and adjust as needed
Check delivery logs periodically to confirm forwarding is working as expected and adjust rules if business needs change.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set up forwarding for just one user instead of the whole organization?
Yes, routing rules in the Admin Console can be scoped to specific users or groups rather than applying organization-wide.
What's the difference between forwarding and routing in Gmail?
Forwarding sends a copy of incoming mail to another address, while routing rules can apply more complex logic like rejecting, rerouting, or duplicating messages based on conditions.
Will forwarding rules affect email security?
If set up carelessly, forwarding rules can expose sensitive information, so it's important to only route mail to trusted, verified addresses.
Can I use routing rules when an employee leaves the company?
Yes, this is a common use case — routing an outgoing employee's mail to a manager or shared inbox ensures nothing important is missed.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
