WhatsApp is a go-to communication platform, with over 2.78 billion monthly users globally as of 2024. However, it lacks a built-in option to auto-forward messages. Whether you’re a parent trying to keep your child safe online, a business looking to archive conversations, or simply someone who wants messages mirrored across devices, there are reliable tools and workarounds available in 2025.
This post explores the 5 best ways to auto-forward WhatsApp messages, ranked by ease, legality, and effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- AutoForwardText offers a simple way to forward WhatsApp notifications to another phone or email (Android only).
- WhatsApp Web and Companion Mode let you mirror WhatsApp on multiple devices officially.
- Family Orbit is the best solution for parents to monitor their child’s WhatsApp activity in real-time.
- Each method varies in complexity, legality, and device compatibility.
- Choose the one that fits your needs – whether it’s casual mirroring or full parental control.
Comparison Table: WhatsApp Auto Forwarding Methods
| Method | Real-Time Forwarding | Works on iOS | Technical Setup | Best For | Legality/Policy-Safe |
| 1. AutoForwardText | ✅ | ❌ | Easy | Notification mirroring | ✅ |
| 2. WhatsApp Web | ✅ | ✅ | Easy | Desktop or temporary access | ✅ |
| 3. WhatsApp Companion Mode | ✅ | ✅ | Easy | Multi-device use | ✅ |
| 4. Family Orbit | ✅ | ✅ | Easy | Parental monitoring | ✅ (with consent) |
| 5. WhatsApp Business API | ✅ | ✅ | Advanced | Business automation | ✅ |
1. Use AutoForwardText (Android Notification Forwarding)
In today’s mobile-first world, receiving real-time updates across multiple devices is more important than ever. AutoForwardText meets this demand by offering a straightforward way to forward WhatsApp message notifications to another device or email address. It stands out because it doesn’t require root access or violate WhatsApp’s policies, making it one of the safest third-party solutions for Android users.
A recent Reuters investigation (2024) revealed how financial institutions were scrutinized for unmonitored WhatsApp use, further emphasizing the importance of message oversight tools.
- How it works: The app monitors your phone’s notification bar. When a WhatsApp message arrives, it extracts the notification content and sends it to a designated email address or phone number.
- Setup: Install AutoForwardText from the official website, grant it access to notifications, and configure the forwarding destination.
- Pros:
- Quick and easy setup
- Works in real time
- No root or advanced permissions required
- Cons:
- Works only on Android
- Can only forward what appears in the notification (no media or full chat logs)
Best for: Android users who want instant, no-fuss WhatsApp preview forwarding.
2. Use WhatsApp Web
If you spend most of your day in front of a computer, WhatsApp Web offers a seamless experience for accessing messages without constantly switching devices. It mirrors your phone’s WhatsApp chats on a desktop browser, making it ideal for light monitoring or productivity use during work hours.
- How it works: Visit web.whatsapp.com, scan the QR code with your phone’s WhatsApp app, and the chat history is instantly mirrored on your desktop.
- Setup: Open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap the three-dot menu > Select “Linked Devices” > Scan the QR code on your computer.
- Pros:
- Official and secure
- No installation needed on desktop
- Works with any modern browser
- Cons:
- Phone must stay online and nearby
- No message forwarding outside the web session
Best for: Users who occasionally need access to their WhatsApp messages from a computer.
3. Use WhatsApp Companion Mode
As users juggle multiple devices, WhatsApp’s Companion Mode brings much-needed flexibility. It allows one WhatsApp account to function across several devices simultaneously, including two smartphones—without logging you out from the primary device.
- How it works: Open WhatsApp on a second phone, select “Link as companion device” during setup, and scan the QR code displayed on your main device.
- Setup: On the secondary device, install WhatsApp > Tap “Link to existing account” > Scan QR from the primary phone’s WhatsApp “Linked Devices” section.
- Pros:
- Seamless syncing of messages and media
- Supports up to 4 linked devices
- Works even if the primary phone is offline for up to 14 days
- Cons:
- No message forwarding to external services
- Slight delay in syncing multimedia on slower connections
Best for: Users with multiple devices who want full access to their WhatsApp account everywhere.
4. Use WhatsApp Monitoring Tool like Family Orbit
In an age where digital parenting is essential, tools like Family Orbit offer peace of mind. This feature-rich WhatsApp monitoring app enables guardians to view WhatsApp activity in real-time while complying with privacy laws.
- How it works: Once installed on the child’s phone with appropriate permissions, Family Orbit captures WhatsApp messages, contact names, timestamps, media files, and more, and uploads them securely to a cloud-based dashboard.
- Setup: Download Family Orbit on the monitored device, complete the setup with parental consent, and begin receiving updates in your online account.
- Pros:
- Real-time message monitoring
- Access to multimedia, call logs, and contact info
- Cloud-based dashboard for easy viewing
- Tamper-proof and runs in stealth mode
- Cons:
- Requires physical access for installation
- Monitoring must comply with privacy laws (e.g., for minors only)
Best for: Parents seeking a reliable and transparent way to monitor their child’s WhatsApp communication.
5. Use WhatsApp Business API (Advanced Users)
For companies and developers, the WhatsApp Business API opens the door to full-scale automation. This enterprise-grade tool supports integration with CRMs, bots, and customer service platforms, enabling smart message forwarding based on business logic.
- How it works: Approved businesses can integrate WhatsApp with their backend using APIs and webhooks. Incoming messages can be automatically forwarded to CRM systems, emails, or custom dashboards.
- Setup: Requires API approval from WhatsApp (via a Business Solution Provider), server-side configuration, and access to programming resources.
- Pros:
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Integrates with customer support tools
- Ideal for automated workflows
- Cons:
- Not suitable for personal use
- Requires significant technical setup
Best for: Medium to large businesses handling high volumes of customer interactions.
Conclusion
In 2025, while WhatsApp still doesn’t offer a built-in way to auto forward messages, users have a range of tools to choose from based on their specific needs. Whether you’re a parent looking for peace of mind, a multitasker managing conversations across devices, or a business striving for message automation, there’s a reliable solution available.
Each method—AutoForwardText, WhatsApp Web, Companion Mode, Family Orbit, and the Business API—caters to a distinct use case. With WhatsApp facilitating over 100 billion messages per day, adopting the right strategy ensures more control over how and where your WhatsApp data flows. Choose wisely based on legality, convenience, and technical ability—and enjoy seamless communication wherever you are.