How to Hide the “Forwarded” Label in GB WhatsApp
When you forward a message in WhatsApp, it shows a small “Forwarded” label. If it’s been forwarded many times, it shows “Forwarded many times” with a double arrow. Sometimes you want to share something without that label, such as your own message to another chat. GB WhatsApp includes an option to hide it.
This guide explains how to turn it on, what it does and doesn’t change, and how to use it responsibly.
What the Forwarded Label Means
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Forwarded | The message was forwarded from another chat |
| Forwarded many times | The message has been passed along through a long chain |
WhatsApp added these labels to help people spot viral content and misinformation.
How to Hide the Forwarded Label
- Open GB WhatsApp.
- Tap the three-dot menu, then GB Settings.
- Open Privacy and Security.
- Turn on Disable forwarded or Hide forward tag.
- Restart the app if asked.
Now when you forward messages, they appear as regular messages without the label.
Does It Work for Media?
In most builds, the option works for text, photos, videos, documents and voice notes. Support can vary between builds and versions, so send a test to a second number or a friend to check.
Forwarding Limits Still Apply
WhatsApp limits how many chats you can forward a message to at once, and messages marked “forwarded many times” can usually only be sent to one chat at a time. GB WhatsApp may let you forward to more chats, but sending the same message to many people quickly can look like spam and lead to a ban. Read our ban fix guide to understand the risks.
Alternative: Copy and Paste
For text messages, you can also copy the text and paste it into a new message. That sends it as a fresh message without any label, and works in any WhatsApp version.
Good Reasons to Hide the Label
- Sharing your own message in another chat.
- Sending information you wrote, like an address or a plan.
- Keeping a clean look when sending notes to yourself.
Use It Responsibly
The forwarded label helps people judge whether something is original or viral. Hiding it on news, rumors or health claims can make misinformation look like personal knowledge. Before sharing viral content, check it with a trusted source, and avoid hiding the label on content you didn’t create.
Hide Forwarded Not Working?
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Label still appears | Restart the app after turning on the option |
| Works for text but not media | Your build may not support media, update to the latest version |
| Option missing | Update GB WhatsApp |
| Can’t forward to many chats | Forwarding limits apply to protect against spam |
See our update guide to install the latest version.
Related Features
- Broadcast messages for sending to several contacts.
- Message scheduler for planned messages.
- Privacy settings for more options.
Spotting Misinformation Before You Forward
Whether or not you hide the label, check viral messages before sharing them:
| Warning sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| “Forward this to 10 people” | Don’t forward |
| Urgent health or safety claims with no source | Check official health or government sources |
| Shocking news from an unknown link | Look for the same story on trusted news sites |
| Promises of free money, prizes or data | Treat as a scam |
| Old photos with new claims | Use reverse image search |
The forwarded label exists because false information spreads quickly in chat apps. Being careful protects your friends and family.
Forwarding Your Own Messages Cleanly
The best use of this feature is sharing your own content. For example, you might write a detailed plan in one group and want to share it with another. With the label hidden, it reads like a fresh message. Alternatively, star the message and forward it from your starred messages later.
Forwarding Media
When you forward photos and videos, they keep their quality from the original message. If the original was compressed, forwarding won’t improve it. For the best quality, send the original file from your gallery. See how to send HD photos.
Forward Limits in Detail
WhatsApp limits forwarding to protect against spam. You can usually forward a message to up to five chats at once, and messages labeled “forwarded many times” to one chat at a time. GB WhatsApp may let you go beyond these limits, but doing so increases the chance your account is flagged.
Turning the Label Back On
If you change your mind, return to GB Settings, Privacy and Security, and turn the option off. Messages you forward from then on show the label again. Messages already sent don’t change.
Forwarding to Yourself First
A useful habit is forwarding interesting content to your own “Message yourself” chat first. You can read it carefully, check whether it’s true, and decide later whether to share it. This slows down the spread of rumors and gives you a personal archive of useful messages.
What Recipients Can Still Tell
Even without the forwarded label, people may recognize viral content because they’ve seen it elsewhere. Hiding the label doesn’t make a viral message original. When sharing news or tips, adding a line about where it came from builds trust with your contacts.
Conclusion
GB WhatsApp’s hide forwarded option lets you share messages without the “Forwarded” label. Turn it on in Privacy and Security, test it with media, and remember that forwarding limits and ban risks still apply. Use it for your own content, and leave the label on viral information so others can judge it fairly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Turn on Disable forwarded or Hide forward tag in GB Settings, Privacy and Security.
In most builds yes, but support can vary, so test it first.
Not from the label. The message appears as a normal message.
Forwarding to many chats quickly can look like spam and risk a ban, so keep it limited.
Yes. Copy the text and paste it as a new message.