How to Forward AOL Mail

In this guide, you will learn how to forward AOL Mail, what has changed in AOL’s settings, and the best alternatives if automatic forwarding is not available on your account.

An important update about AOL forwarding

Older versions of AOL Mail had a simple Settings > General Settings > Forwarding tab with a “Forward a copy of incoming mail to” box. That menu no longer exists in the current AOL Mail design. AOL Mail now runs on the same platform as Yahoo Mail, and automatic forwarding has been limited or moved behind paid plans on that platform, so you may not see a forwarding option on your account at all.

Below, we show you where to look first, and then the reliable alternatives that work for everyone.

How to check for automatic forwarding in AOL Mail

1. Sign in to AOL Mail in a web browser on your computer.
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner.
3. Click More Settings.
4. Look through the left menu, especially Mailboxes, and click your AOL address if it is listed there.
5. If you see a Forwarding option, enter the full email address you want your AOL Mail sent to.
6. Click Verify or Save, then open the confirmation email sent to that other address and follow the link to confirm.

Once confirmed, new emails arriving in your AOL inbox will be forwarded to the account you entered. If you cannot find a forwarding option, use one of the methods below instead.

Alternative 1: Add your AOL account to another email app

Instead of forwarding, you can read your AOL Mail inside the email app you already use. This works with Gmail, Outlook and Apple Mail on phones and computers, and you can reply from your AOL address too.

Step 1: Create an AOL app password

AOL may ask for an app password when you sign in from a third-party email app.

1. Sign in to your AOL account and open Account Info (from your profile name or icon).
2. Click Account Security.
3. Click Generate app password (it may appear as “Generate and manage app passwords”).
4. Enter a name, such as “Gmail app” or “Outlook”, and click Generate password.
5. Copy the password and keep the window open for the next step.

Step 2: Add the account

• Gmail app (Android and iPhone): Tap your profile picture, tap Add another account, choose Other, enter your AOL address and use the app password.
• Outlook: Go to the account settings, choose to add an account, enter your AOL address and the app password when asked.
• iPhone and iPad Mail: Open Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Add Account (on older iOS versions, Settings > Mail > Accounts), choose AOL and sign in.

The exact menu names can vary slightly between app versions, but every major email app has an “add account” option.

Note for Gmail users: Gmail on the web has been phasing out its older “Check mail from other accounts” (POP) feature, so adding AOL through the Gmail mobile app or another mail app is the more reliable choice going forward.

Alternative 2: Forward important emails manually

If you only need a few messages, open the email in AOL Mail, click Forward, type the other email address and click Send. It takes a few seconds and works on every account.

Alternative 3: Let people know your new address

For a permanent move, set up an automatic reply in AOL Mail. Go to Settings > More Settings > Vacation response, turn it on, and write a short message with your new email address. Anyone who writes to your AOL address will get your new address automatically.

Troubleshooting

• Forwarded emails not arriving: Check the spam or junk folder in the receiving account, and make sure you confirmed the verification email.
• “Incorrect password” in another mail app: Use an AOL app password instead of your normal AOL password.
• Account locked or inactive: Sign in to AOL Mail in a browser from time to time. Accounts that are unused for a long period can be deactivated, which stops all mail from arriving.
• Can’t see More Settings: Make sure you are using the full AOL Mail website in a browser, not the basic version or the mobile app.

Frequently asked questions

Is AOL Mail auto-forwarding free?

It depends on your account. Automatic forwarding is not available on every AOL account. If you don’t see it in More Settings, the app-based alternatives above are free.

Can I forward AOL Mail from the AOL app on my phone?

You can forward individual emails from the app, but forwarding settings, if available, are managed on the AOL Mail website.

Will my old AOL emails be forwarded too?

No. Forwarding only applies to new mail. Adding your AOL account to another mail app is the easiest way to see your older messages as well.

We hope this guide helped you forward AOL Mail or find a better way to keep your messages in one place. Let us know in the comment section below if you have any questions.