Setup Gmail Auto-Forwarding

Setup Gmail Auto-Forwarding

Set Up Gmail Auto-Forwarding

Automatically route school and activity emails to TLDR Parents using Gmail's forwarding feature.

Alert
Recommended Alternative
We now recommend using Gmail Filters with the TLDR Label instead of auto-forwarding. It's easier to set up (no approval needed), more flexible, and has readonly access that offers processing advantages.

This auto-forwarding method is still fully supported for users who prefer it or already have it configured.

Overview

This guide will help you set up Gmail filters to automatically forward specific emails to TLDR Parents. You'll:

  1. Add TLDR Parents as a forwarding address in Gmail
  2. Request approval from our team (temporary - will be automated soon)
  3. Create a Gmail filter for relevant emails
  4. Choose filter actions (skip inbox, label, forward)



Step 1: Add TLDR Parents as a Forwarding Address

Open Gmail Settings

In Gmail, click ⚙ Settings → See all settings → open the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.

Add Forwarding Address

Click Add a forwarding address and enter:

email@tldrparents.com

Select Next → Proceed. Gmail will send a verification request to TLDR Parents and show a pending status.

Request Approval

To get your forwarding address approved:

  1. Open the TLDR Parents app
  2. Click your user name (lower left corner)
  3. Select Contact Support
  4. In your message, mention that you've added email@tldrparents.com as a forwarding address and need approval
  5. Include your Gmail address for faster processing

Note: Approval typically happens within a few hours during business days (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm ET). This manual step will be automated in a future update.

Confirm Approval

After our team approves your request, refresh the Gmail settings page. You should see email@tldrparents.com available in the Forwarding section. Nothing is forwarded yet - you'll configure that next.

Step 2: Create a Filter for Relevant Emails

Click the funnel icon in the Gmail search bar to open the search dropdown and set your filter criteria.

Define Filter Criteria

To target common school senders, use a query like:

from:(newton.k12.ma.us OR parentsquare.com)

Click Search first to preview matching messages and verify your filter is catching the right emails.

Create the Filter

Once you've confirmed the search results, click Create filter (bottom-right of the search panel).

Need more filter examples? See our Gmail Filter Setup Guide for detailed examples and best practices for creating effective filters.

Step 3: Choose Filter Actions

Select Actions

Required actions:

  • Apply the label - Create a label called TLDR Parents Forwarded
  • Forward it to - Choose email@tldrparents.com
  • Leave "Also apply filter to matching conversations" unchecked. This ensures only new messages forward to TLDR Parents, not your historical emails.


Optional:
⚠️ Important: Only "Mark as read" if you're absolutely certain your filter only catches emails that never require a response (like newsletters from smore.com or parentsquare.com).

Why? If your filter is too broad and marks emails as read, you might miss important correspondence that needs your attention - like a teacher asking a direct question or a team coordinator requesting an RSVP via email.

  • Mark as read or Star based on your preference

Create Filter

Click Create filter to finish. Your auto-forwarding is now active!

Step 4: Verify & Monitor

Gmail Reminder Banner

For 7 days, Gmail shows a pink banner reminding you that forwarding is active. Click Review settings in that banner to verify your filter looks correct.

Test Your Setup

Send yourself a test email that matches your filter criteria. Confirm it:

  • Gets labeled with your TLDR Parents label
  • Skips the inbox (if you selected that option)
  • Appears in TLDR Parents app

Filter Criteria Examples

For more detailed filter examples and best practices, see our Gmail Filter Setup Guide.

Quick example for auto-forwarding:

from:(@your-school-domain OR parentsquare.com OR remind.com)

Tip: The same filter criteria work for both auto-forwarding and the label-based method. We recommend starting with narrow, platform-specific filters and expanding gradually.

Removing Forwarding

If you need to stop forwarding:

Delete the Filter

Go to Settings → See all settings → Filters and Blocked Addresses → find your school/ParentSquare filter → click Delete.

Remove the Forwarding Address

Open the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab → choose email@tldrparents.com in the dropdown → click Remove → confirm.

You're back to your original Gmail behavior with no forwarding or special labeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use auto-forwarding or Gmail filters with labels?

We recommend Gmail Filters with the TLDR Label for most users. It's easier to set up (no approval needed), more flexible, and has readonly access (we can't modify or delete your emails). Auto-forwarding is still a good option if you prefer it or have already set it up.

Will TLDR Parents receive my entire inbox?

No - only messages that match your filter(s) are forwarded. Your filter controls exactly what gets sent to TLDR Parents.

Can I keep copies of forwarded emails in Gmail?

Yes. We recommend labeling forwarded messages (e.g., TLDR Parents Forwarded) so you can easily review originals later. Gmail keeps all forwarded messages unless you specifically choose to delete them.

Can I forward from multiple inboxes?

Yes. If you and your partner both have Gmail accounts, repeat these steps in each account. TLDR Parents will merge events intelligently.

How long does forwarding approval take?

Approvals typically happen within a few hours during business days (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm ET). If you haven't heard back within 24 hours after submitting a Contact Support request, feel free to send a follow-up.

What if the forwarding banner worries me?

It's a standard Gmail safeguard shown for 7 days after enabling forwarding. This is normal. Use Review settings in the banner to confirm your filter is scoped correctly and only forwarding the emails you intend.

Can I still send and process individual emails with a forwarding rule in place?

Yes. You can send emails one at a time, anytime, regardless of forwarding rules. TLDR Parents will group any resulting duplicate emails and events intelligently.

Need Help?

Contact TLDR Parents Support at support@tldrparents.com

Last updated: December 2024 | Beta Version 0.3


    • Related Articles

    • Connect Gmail and Setup Gmail Filter

      Connect my Gmail and Set Up a "tldrparents" Filter Recommended: This method gives you automated email processing with readonly access. It's more flexible and easier to manage than Gmail auto-forwarding. Overview Once you've connected Gmail to TLDR ...

    • Getting Started & Account Setup

      Getting Started with TLDR Parents Beta Welcome! TLDR Parents remains in active development, and we're counting on feedback from early users like you to help shape the future product. What is TLDR Parents? TLDR Parents is an AI-powered family email ...

    • Release Notes

      Beta Release Notes - What's Available TLDR Parents Beta Version 0.3 Updated: December 2024 This beta release establishes foundational email-to-calendar automation with flexible email ingestion options and personalization. Users can forward emails, ...

    • Optional: Self-Service AI Gmail Filter Creation and Prompt

      Instructions for Early Access Users Gmail Filters can automate email routing to TLDR Parents for processing. This article describes the creation of a robust Gmail Filter using your Calendar, Gmail and AI assistant to ensure proper formatting that ...

    • Coming Soon

      Coming Soon to TLDR Parents Updated: December 2024 We're building enhancements to automate more of your email and calendar overload - and to personalize the service to your family's priorities. As with any roadmap - this forward looking plan is ...