How to Enable Call Forwarding on Any Mobile (Easy Guide)

How to Enable Call Forwarding on Any Mobile (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Call forwarding lets you redirect incoming calls from your phone to another number, and enabling it is easier than you might think! On an iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and toggle it on. On an Android phone, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, then Settings > Supplementary Services > Call Forwarding. You can also use simple USSD codes like 72 or **21followed by a number# on nearly any device.

Missing an important call can throw off your whole day. Maybe you're switching to a new phone, heading somewhere with spotty service, or simply want your business calls to follow you to your personal line. Whatever the reason, call forwarding is the perfect fix, and setting it up takes just a few minutes!

This guide walks you through exactly how to enable call forwarding on any mobile device, whether you're using an iPhone, an Android phone, or a carrier-specific code. You'll also learn the different types of call forwarding available, when to use each one, and how to switch it off the moment you no longer need it. No tech expertise required, just a few taps and you're set!

What Is Call Forwarding and How Does It Work?

Call forwarding is a phone feature that automatically redirects incoming calls to a different number you choose. Instead of ringing your device, the call gets rerouted to a number you've designated, like a coworker's line, your home phone, or a secondary mobile number.

Call forwarding works through your carrier's network, not your phone's operating system. That means the feature depends on your carrier supporting it, but the good news is nearly every major carrier does, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and international providers.

There are a few common reasons people set up call forwarding:

• Traveling somewhere with limited signal
• Switching between a work and personal phone
• Sharing responsibilities across a small business team
• Temporarily using a different device while yours is being repaired

How Do You Enable Call Forwarding on an iPhone?

Enabling call forwarding on an iPhone is refreshingly simple. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. Toggle the switch to turn it on.
5. Enter the phone number you'd like your calls forwarded to.
6. Tap Call Forwarding again in the top corner to confirm.

That's it! Once enabled, a small phone icon with an arrow will appear in your status bar, letting you know call forwarding is active.

Note: If you don't see the Call Forwarding option in your Settings, your carrier may not support it, or you may need to enable it through a carrier code instead (more on that below).

How Do You Enable Call Forwarding on an Android Phone?

Android call forwarding lives in a slightly different spot depending on your phone model, but the general steps stay consistent across most devices:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Tap Supplementary Services or Calls (this varies by manufacturer).
5. Tap Call Forwarding.
6. Choose the type of forwarding you want (always forward, forward when busy, forward when unanswered, or forward when unreachable).
7. Enter the destination number and confirm.

Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android devices all follow this same basic path, even if the menu names shift slightly. If you can't locate the setting, searching "call forwarding" directly in your phone's Settings search bar will get you there fast!

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What Are USSD Codes for Call Forwarding?

If your phone's menu doesn't include a call forwarding option, or if you just prefer a faster method, USSD codes work like magic shortcuts. These codes work on nearly any mobile device, regardless of operating system, because they're processed directly by your carrier's network.

Here are the most common ones:

Action	Code to Enter
Forward all calls	*72 + phone number, then call
Forward when busy	*90 + phone number, then call
Forward when unanswered	*92 + phone number, then call
Cancel all forwarding	*73, then call

Note: Some carriers use GSM-standard codes instead, like **21*phone number# for unconditional forwarding. If one set of codes doesn't work, check your carrier's support page for the exact codes they use.

What Are the Different Types of Call Forwarding?

Not all call forwarding works the same way. Understanding the different types helps you choose the right one for your situation.

Unconditional Call Forwarding

This forwards every single incoming call, no exceptions. Choose this option if you're switching numbers entirely or won't have access to your primary phone at all.

Conditional Call Forwarding

This only forwards calls under specific circumstances:

• Busy: Forwards calls when you're already on another call.
• No Answer: Forwards calls if you don't pick up after a set number of rings.
• Unreachable: Forwards calls when your phone is off or out of service range.

Choose conditional forwarding if you still want to receive most calls directly, but need a backup plan for moments you can't answer.

How Do You Turn Off Call Forwarding?

Turning off call forwarding is just as easy as turning it on!

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and toggle it off.
• On Android: Open Phone app > Settings > Supplementary Services > Call Forwarding, then select Turn Off.
• Using a USSD code: Dial *73 and press call.

It's worth double-checking that forwarding is fully disabled after these steps, especially if you set it up temporarily. Forgotten call forwarding is one of the most common reasons people "miss" calls without realizing why!

Ready to Take Control of Your Calls?

Call forwarding gives you the flexibility to stay reachable no matter where life takes you! Whether you're forwarding every call or just backing up the ones you miss, setting it up takes only a few minutes on any iPhone or Android device.

Take a moment today to set up call forwarding before you need it. That way, you're always prepared, whether you're traveling, switching phones, or simply making sure no important call slips through the cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does call forwarding cost extra?
It depends on your carrier and plan. Some carriers include call forwarding for free, while others may charge standard airtime rates for the forwarded call, especially if it's forwarded to a landline or international number. Check with your carrier to confirm.

Will I be charged for calls forwarded to another number?
In many cases, yes. The forwarded call may use minutes from your plan, since your carrier treats it as an outgoing call to the destination number. Contact your carrier for specifics.

Can I forward calls to an international number?
Yes, most carriers support this, though international forwarding often comes with additional charges. It's best to confirm rates with your carrier before enabling it.

What happens if my phone is off and call forwarding isn't set up?
Callers will typically be sent straight to voicemail instead of being forwarded anywhere.

Is call forwarding different from call diverting?
No, these terms are used interchangeably. "Call diverting" is simply another name for call forwarding, commonly used in the UK and other regions.

Can I set up call forwarding to voicemail only?
Yes! This is essentially what happens automatically when you choose "forward when unanswered" and set the destination number to your own voicemail service.