'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Outlook for Android Removing Original Sender When Forwarding
Question details
The user needs to know how to preserve the original sender's information when forwarding an email to themselves using the Outlook mobile app.
- Product
- Outlook for Android
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Forwarding a received email to the user's own email address via the mobile application.
- Observed behavior
- The forwarded message appears to be sent from the user rather than displaying the original sender's information, although the original message body remains visible.
Verify that you are using the most recent version of the Outlook for Android app, as Microsoft frequently updates mobile email formatting behaviors.
Retain and Organize the Original Message
Since the mobile app treats forwards as entirely new messages originating from your account, the most effective workaround is to retain and organize the original email instead of duplicating it.
Desktop and web forwarding settings do not sync with or apply to Outlook for Android. Because the mobile app automatically strips the original header in the inbox view when you forward to yourself, simply keeping the original message prevents data loss.
Open your Outlook for Android app and find the specific email you wish to reference or save.
Swipe or tap the 'Flag' icon on the email to mark it for follow-up, keeping it easily accessible without needing to forward it.
Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner, select 'Move to folder', and place the email in a specific folder for long-term safekeeping.
Use Outlook Desktop or Web for Forwarding
Desktop and web versions of Outlook utilize different forwarding protocols that better preserve original sender formatting compared to the Android app.
Report the Behavior to Microsoft Support
Since this is a known limitation of the mobile client, submitting direct feedback can encourage Microsoft to introduce forwarding toggles in future updates.
Discover a Lightweight Alternative for Your Document Needs
While WPS Office does not replace your Android email client, it serves as a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation tasks. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless migration without expensive subscription fees.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website or your device's app store to download the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Install and launch: Follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the application and open it on your device.
- 3. Open existing files: Instantly open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with perfect formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook for Android change the sender when I forward an email?
Outlook for Android processes forwarded emails by generating a brand new message from your account. Unlike the desktop version, it does not consistently preserve the detailed original sender header in the inbox preview, making the email appear as though you originally sent it.
Can I change the forwarding settings in Outlook for Android to fix this?
Currently, you cannot. The desktop and web forwarding configurations do not sync with the Outlook for Android app. The mobile application currently lacks the specific toggles required to alter how forwarded email headers are generated.
Is there a way to forward an email as an attachment on Android?
Outlook for Android does not natively support forwarding emails as standalone attachments (such as the .msg format found on desktop). If you require full header preservation via an attachment, you must perform the action using the Outlook desktop client.
