How to Use Mail Redirect in Thunderbird Without Changing HeadersRedirecting an email means sending a message you received to another recipient so it appears to come from the original sender. This preserves the original sender’s headers (From, Reply‑To) and makes the message look like it was delivered directly from the initial sender to the redirected recipient. In contrast, forwarding usually wraps the original message inside a new message and changes headers to show you as the sender. Preserving headers can be important for clarity, trust, and workflows that depend on original sender information.
This article explains why and when you might want to redirect messages, how Thunderbird supports redirecting (both manually and using add‑ons), step‑by‑step instructions, caveats and pitfalls (including security and deliverability concerns), and alternatives when redirect isn’t possible.
When and why you’d use Redirect instead of Forward
- Preserve original sender identity: Redirect keeps the original From and Reply‑To headers intact, so the recipient sees the original sender.
- Maintain message threading and metadata: Some systems or recipients rely on original headers for threading, automated processing, or legal proof.
- Cleaner presentation: Redirected messages look like normal, original emails rather than forwarded copies with additional wrapper text.
- Delegation: If you’re triaging mail for someone else, redirect lets you pass along messages without altering their apparent origin.
Thunderbird’s built‑in options
Thunderbird does not include a prominent “Redirect” button like some other mail clients, but it supports redirecting via a menu command. Behavior can vary slightly between versions; these instructions are current for Thunderbird versions in the 2020s (if your UI looks different, check the View or Message menus).
Manual redirect (single message):
- Open Thunderbird and select the message you want to redirect (don’t open it in compose mode).
- From the menu bar choose Message > Redirect. If you don’t see a menu bar, press the Alt key to reveal it temporarily.
- A compose window opens with the original message preserved. Enter the recipient(s) in the To field.
- Send the message. The delivered message will retain the original message headers (From, Date, Subject, etc.) as much as your mail servers allow.
Redirect using right‑click (context menu):
- In message list, right‑click the message and look for “Redirect” or “More > Redirect” depending on your Thunderbird build.
Note: If the Redirect command is missing, your Thunderbird build, platform, or mail account type may not expose it directly. IMAP and local folders normally support redirect. Some configurations with Exchange/OWA connectors or certain add‑ons may hide or disable it.
Using add‑ons for more features
Several Thunderbird extensions add convenience, automation, or a visible Redirect toolbar button. Popular choices historically included “Mail Redirect” or broader message‑management add‑ons. Because add‑ons evolve, check Thunderbird’s Add‑ons Manager (Tools > Add‑ons and Themes) and search for “redirect” or “resend” extensions.
Common features provided by add‑ons:
- Toolbar button for one‑click redirect.
- Option to redirect multiple selected messages at once.
- Preserve attachments and original headers reliably.
- Rule integration or keyboard shortcuts.
Install steps:
- Tools > Add‑ons and Themes.
- Search for “redirect” or “resend”.
- Review ratings and permissions, then Install.
- Restart Thunderbird if prompted.
- Use the add‑on’s button/menu to redirect messages.
Redirect via Filters — partially automatic
Thunderbird’s message filters are powerful but do not natively support redirecting as an automatic action in every build. You can use filters to “Forward” automatically, but that changes headers. If your Thunderbird version or an installed add‑on exposes “Redirect” as a filter action, you can set up an automatic rule.
Example filter (if Redirect action available):
- Tools > Message Filters > New.
- Name: Redirect invoices to accounting.
- Apply when: Checking Mail or Manually Run.
- Match: Subject contains “Invoice”.
- Action: Redirect to [email protected].
- Save.
If Redirect isn’t available in filters, consider using an add‑on that adds filter actions or run a script (advanced users) to process messages via IMAP.
Command‑line and advanced IMAP options
For advanced users managing mail servers or using scripts, you can emulate redirect behavior server‑side by delivering the original MIME message to another recipient without changing headers. This typically requires access to the raw message source and either SMTP injection or server administrative tools. Thunderbird’s “View > Message Source” lets you copy the raw message which could then be re‑submitted via an SMTP client that preserves headers — but many SMTP servers will reject or rewrite messages where the envelope sender doesn’t match authenticated credentials.
Caveats, deliverability, and security
- SPF/DKIM/DMARC: Modern email authentication can break redirected messages. If the original message was sent from example.com and you redirect it through your SMTP server, receiving servers may check SPF/DKIM and see a mismatch, possibly marking the message as spam or rejecting it. Redirecting typically works best when the redirection keeps the original SMTP envelope or when the receiving server accepts the original headers despite the relay.
- Envelope vs. headers: The visible From header is part of headers, but the SMTP envelope (MAIL FROM / RCPT TO) is what mail servers use for bounce handling and SPF checks. Redirecting in the client may or may not preserve the original envelope; servers often treat the redirecting client’s server as the envelope sender.
- Legal/ethical: Redirecting someone’s email preserves their identity; be mindful of privacy, confidentiality, or policy restrictions before redirecting messages.
- Broken signatures: If a message is signed (S/MIME, PGP), redirecting or re‑sending may break signatures or cause verification failures.
- Bounces: Future bounces may return to the original sender or to the envelope sender depending on how the redirect is processed.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Recipient sees “Forwarded message” or From shows you instead of original sender.
- Ensure you used Message > Redirect and not Message > Forward.
- Check whether an add‑on or server policy changes behavior.
- Verify account type and folder — some connectors (Exchange/Outlook) may not allow redirect.
Problem: Redirected mail is marked as spam or rejected.
- Check SPF/DKIM/DMARC alignment for the original domain vs. the sending server used by Thunderbird.
- Ask the recipient to check spam/quarantine.
- If automated redirection is required and SPF prevents it, consider server‑side forwarding configured by the original domain (admin help).
Problem: Redirect option missing.
- Reveal the menu bar (Alt), look under Message > Redirect or More.
- Check account type and add‑ons that might change UI.
- Install an add‑on that provides redirect functionality.
Practical tips and best practices
- Use redirect for individual, important messages where preserving the original sender matters.
- Avoid mass redirecting large volumes of mail; consider server‑side forwarding or sharing access instead.
- When redirecting sensitive mail, inform original sender if policy or consent requires it.
- Test with colleagues to confirm how redirected messages appear and whether any authentication issues arise.
- Keep Thunderbird updated and use reputable add‑ons to avoid UI or security problems.
Example step‑by‑step: Redirecting an invoice to an accounting address
- Select the invoice message in your Thunderbird inbox.
- Press Alt to open the menu bar if hidden.
- Choose Message > Redirect.
- In the compose window that appears, type [email protected] in the To field.
- Optionally add a short note in the compose editor (note: this may alter the pristine nature of the redirected message if you insert content — avoid editing if you must preserve exact original).
- Send.
If you need to preserve the message exactly, do not modify the body or headers in the compose view.
Alternatives to client‑side redirect
- Server‑side forwarding: Configure forwarding on the mail server (e.g., via control panel or mail server rules). This can preserve delivery behavior and avoid SPF issues.
- Shared mailboxes or delegated access: Give someone access to the mailbox instead of redirecting messages.
- Mailing lists or distribution groups: Use a distribution list so mail is delivered to multiple recipients at once from the start.
Summary
- Redirect preserves original headers while forward does not.
- Thunderbird supports redirect via Message > Redirect; add‑ons can add convenience and automation.
- Be aware of SPF/DKIM/DMARC and possible deliverability issues when redirecting.
- For high volumes or strict authentication environments, consider server‑side solutions.
If you want, I can create screenshots, a quick checklist you can print, or step‑by‑step instructions tailored to your Thunderbird version and platform (Windows/macOS/Linux).
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