# Choose whether a Google recipient map redirects or also delivers the original message

> The original-delivery checkbox changes whether the first mailbox still receives mapped messages.

- Canonical URL: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/google-workspace-recipient-map-original-delivery-header/
- Publisher: Detection Systems & Engineering (DSE Security)
- Author: DSE Security Editorial Team
- Published: 2026-10-15T13:33:59+00:00
- Modified: 2026-10-15T13:36:18+00:00
- Last reviewed by DSE: 2026-10-15
- Resource type: Guide
- DSE priority: Information
- Topics: IT, Microsoft 365 & Identity
- Reading time: 2 minutes

## What you need to know

The original-delivery checkbox changes whether the first mailbox still receives mapped messages.

## Potentially affected

This applies to Google Workspace administrator recipient address maps. It does not grant access to existing mailbox contents, establish a delegate relationship, or determine whether the mapped recipient may send as the original user.

## DSE recommendation

DSE recommends recording the business purpose and delivery outcome before creating an address map.

## Article

The original-delivery checkbox changes whether the first mailbox still receives mapped messages.

## Source facts

Google Workspace recipient address maps can redirect incoming mail or forward it to additional recipients. The Also route to original destination option preserves delivery to the original mailbox; without it, a redirect can send the message only to the mapped destination. The rule can cover all incoming messages, including internal mail, or only external incoming messages. An optional X-Gm-Original-To header preserves the original recipient for header-based processing and diagnostics. Google documents this administrator mapping under Gmail Routing, distinct from Default routing and user-managed automatic forwarding.

Source: [Google — Recipient address maps](https://knowledge.workspace.google.com/admin/gmail/advanced/redirect-or-forward-gmail-messages-to-another-user?hl=en).

## Applicability

This applies to Google Workspace administrator recipient address maps. It does not grant access to existing mailbox contents, establish a delegate relationship, or determine whether the mapped recipient may send as the original user.

## DSE recommendation

DSE recommends recording the business purpose and delivery outcome before creating an address map. For an absence, decide whether both mailboxes should receive new messages; for a replacement workflow, confirm who owns the destination and how long the map should remain. Review internal and external message scope separately. Preserve original-recipient information when approved downstream processing needs it. Check existing mappings for loops or duplicate delivery paths and assign a removal or review date so temporary forwarding does not become an unowned data-sharing arrangement.

## Verification

Send approved synthetic messages from both internal and external test senders. Confirm delivery at every intended mailbox and inspect the optional original-recipient header where enabled. Verify that no unintended duplicate or redirect loop occurs and distinguish new-message routing from access to historical mailbox data.

## Official reference

[Google — Recipient address maps](https://knowledge.workspace.google.com/admin/gmail/advanced/redirect-or-forward-gmail-messages-to-another-user?hl=en). Reviewed October 15, 2026.

## Primary reference

- Name: Google — Recipient address maps
- Authority: knowledge.workspace.google.com
- URL: https://knowledge.workspace.google.com/admin/gmail/advanced/redirect-or-forward-gmail-messages-to-another-user?hl=en
- Source publication date: Not stated by the source

## Citation and use

Preferred citation: “Choose whether a Google recipient map redirects or also delivers the original message,” DSE Security, https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/google-workspace-recipient-map-original-delivery-header/
Publishing principles: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-updates-editorial-methodology/
Usage and citation policy: https://update.dsesecurity.com/usage/
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