What is Call Forwarding & How to Set it Up on Your Device?

Call forwarding (also known as call redirection) is a telephony feature that automatically sends an incoming call to another destination. Here, the network redirects the call to another number, such as a mobile phone, landline, or even an international number, instead of allowing the call to ring on the original device until it reaches voicemail.

This feature allows individuals and businesses to stay reachable even when they cannot answer calls through their primary number/device. Depending on how it is configured, calls can be forwarded to another device, a call queue, or even a voicemail system.

For businesses, call forwarding is an essential part of modern communication infrastructure. It helps maintain call continuity when employees are away from their desks, in meetings, or traveling. Furthermore, organizations can control when calls should be redirected by using conditional routing rules. For example, when the line is busy, when a call goes unanswered, or when the device is unreachable.

The major difference between call forwarding and call transfer is that they occur at different stages of the call process, although both involve redirecting a call.

Call forwarding automatically redirects incoming calls based on predefined rules before the original recipient answers the call. On the other hand, call transfer is manually done by the receiver after answering a call. So, the recipient manually transfers the caller to another person, department, or extension using this service.

Here is a detailed comparison between them:

Call forwarding is divided into two types: unconditional and conditional. Let’s explore them in detail:

Unconditional call forwarding, also known as “Always Forward”, redirects every incoming call to another number without ringing your primary phone. Here, the carrier’s network intercepts the call and forwards it immediately.

This option is useful when traveling, working remotely, or when you want all calls routed to another device. Because it operates at the network level, forwarding works even if your phone is turned off.

Conditional call forwarding redirects calls only when certain conditions are met, allowing your primary phone to function normally while still providing a backup routing option.

Here are the specific rules that trigger call forwarding:

1. When Unable to Answer the Call: This rule activates when a call rings for a set period of time without being answered. After that, the call is redirected to another number instead of going directly to voicemail.
2. When Your Line is Busy: If your line is busy, the network detects that and forwards the new incoming call to another number.
3. When Unreachable: This forwarding rule activates when your phone is unreachable. For instance, when your device is turned off, out of coverage, or in airplane mode.
4. Time-based Scheduling: Time-based forwarding routes calls based on a predefined schedule. For example, calls during business hours may ring your office phone, while after-hours calls are forwarded to another device at your home or an answering service. However, these features are not available in basic call forwarding settings.

To enable call forwarding, open your phone settings (or the Phone app), find the call management or forwarding option, switch it on, and enter the number where incoming calls should be redirected. You can also activate it using carrier dial codes or simple third-party apps that manage forwarding automatically.

1. Open Settings: Tap the Settings (gear icon) on your home screen. Navigate to Apps > Phone.
2. Tap Call Forwarding: Under the "Calls" section, select Call Forwarding.
3. Toggle the Switch: Turn the Call Forwarding switch to the On position.
4. Enter the Number: Tap “Forward To” and type in the phone number where you want calls to ring. (Enter the number with the exit code and the country code in case of international call forwarding.)
5. Save and Exit: Tap the back button. You should see a small phone icon with an arrow in your Control Center, indicating that forwarding is active.

1. Launch the Phone app: Tap the phone icon on your home screen or app drawer.
2. Access More Options: Tap the 'More' options icon (three dots) located in the top-right corner.
3. Enter Settings: Tap 'Settings' and scroll down to find and select 'Supplementary Services'.
4. Select Your SIM: Tap 'Call forwarding' from either SIM 1 or SIM 2 (if you use multiple lines).
5. Choose Call Type: Tap 'Voice Calls' to manage your standard incoming calls.
6. Choose Your Trigger: Select when you want the forwarding to happen from these four options:
   
     -Always forward: Redirects every incoming call.
     -Forward when busy: Redirects calls when you are already on another line.
     -Forward when unanswered: Redirects calls if you don't pick up after a few rings.
     -Forward when unreachable: Redirects calls when your phone is off or has no signal.
7. Input Destination: Enter the contact number (mobile or landline number, including area code) that you would like the calls to be forwarded to.
8. Activate: Once complete, tap on the 'Enable' button.

Using Man–Machine Interface (MMI) codes and third-party apps are alternative ways to forward calls on your smartphone.

Using Call Forwarding Codes:

Most mobile carriers support MMI codes, which are special commands you enter directly into your phone’s dial pad. These codes communicate with your carrier’s network and allow you to activate or deactivate call forwarding without navigating through your phone’s settings menu.

For users on GSM networks such as AT&T or T-Mobile, dialing **21* followed by the destination number and # activates unconditional call forwarding. For example, entering **21*5550109999# forwards all incoming calls to that number. Likewise, GSM networks also support conditional forwarding codes, such as **67* to forward calls when the line is busy and **61* to forward calls when unanswered.

Moreover, many carriers, like Verizon with CDMA networks, support universal star codes, such as *72 to activate call forwarding and *73 to deactivate it. These codes are applicable to both smartphones and traditional landlines using such a network, although the exact codes can vary by provider.

Installing Third-party Apps

For users who prefer a simpler interface, third-party call forwarding apps like Easy Call Forwarding provide a streamlined dashboard for managing call redirection. Instead of navigating multiple phone settings, these apps allow you to activate or modify forwarding rules with just a few taps. Behind the scenes, they trigger carrier-specific MMI codes, sending instructions directly to your provider’s network.

Because these changes occur at the network level, calls remain forwarded even if your phone is turned off or temporarily loses signal. This makes third-party tools a convenient option for users who want to manage call forwarding without remembering dialing codes or navigating complex system menus.

Furthermore, some carrier providers also offer their own mobile apps to enable call forwarding or any other relevant services.

To activate call forwarding on a landline, pick up the handset, dial your carrier’s forwarding star code, enter the number where calls should be redirected, and wait for the confirmation tone before hanging up. Likewise, for modern landlines or VoIP phones, you can also enable it through your provider’s website or mobile app by adjusting the call settings and saving the forwarding number.

1. Listen for a dial tone: Pick up your landline handset and ensure the line is active.
2. Enter the activation code: Dial the star code provided by your carrier.
3. Dial the forwarding number: Enter the full phone number where calls should be redirected.
4. Wait for confirmation: Most carriers play a confirmation tone or brief message indicating that call forwarding has been activated.
5. Hang up the phone: Once confirmed, incoming calls will automatically be forwarded.

On many traditional landlines, you may hear a stutter dial tone the next time you pick up the handset. This serves as a reminder that call forwarding is currently enabled.

Star Codes Based on Region and Carriers

If you use a modern digital or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)-based landline, call forwarding can often be managed through your provider’s online dashboard or mobile app. This allows you to configure forwarding rules without using the phone keypad.

To enable call forwarding through your carrier’s portal:

1. Download the app or go to the carrier’s website.
2. Log in to your service account through the provider’s website or mobile app.
3. Navigate to the Voice Settings, Calling Features, or Phone Settings section.
4. Locate the Call Forwarding option.
5. Select the forwarding type (such as all calls, busy, or unanswered).
6. Enter the destination phone number and save the changes.

This method is particularly useful because it allows you to manage call forwarding remotely, even if you are not physically near your landline phone. Many providers also offer additional features such as simultaneous ringing or sequential call routing, giving users greater flexibility in how incoming calls are handled.

To set up call forwarding for a VoIP business phone system, sign in to your VoIP provider’s web dashboard or mobile app, open the user or extension settings, and find the call routing or forwarding options. Then, enter the target number, and save the changes so the rule applies across connected devices and softphone apps.

1. Log in to the Portal: Access your provider’s admin console using a web browser.
2. Select User or Extension: Navigate to the Users, Extensions, or Phone System section and choose the extension you want to configure.
3. Set Forwarding Rules: Locate Call Handling or Forwarding Rules and choose an option such as:
   -Always Forward: Send all calls to another number or device.
   -Forward if Busy/No Answer: Redirect calls if the line is busy or unanswered after a few rings.
4. Save and Sync: Save the settings to apply the forwarding rule across all connected devices and softphones.

Most VoIP systems include softphone apps for mobile and desktop devices. These apps allow employees to manage their own call forwarding settings without needing administrator access.

Note: The above-mentioned steps are generalized, so the steps or some terms can vary depending on the VoIP service provider.

Forwarded calls might occasionally suffer from audio issues such as glitches, unwanted noise, or reduced clarity. Such problems can arise from network congestion, technical glitches, or poor connectivity, impacting the communication experience.

To disable call forwarding, go to the call forwarding settings on your phone and switch the option off so calls ring directly on your device again. You can also cancel it by dialing deactivation codes like ##002# or *73, or by turning the feature off inside any call-forwarding app you previously used.

If you enabled call forwarding through your phone’s settings, you can disable it from the same menu where it was activated. Simply navigate back to the call forwarding section and toggle the feature off or select Disable.

For most smartphones, this option is located under:

• iPhone: Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding
• Android: Phone App → Settings → Supplementary Services → Call Forwarding

Once disabled, incoming calls will ring directly on your device again.

If you have enabled forwarding using dial codes, you can disable it by sending a deactivation command to your carrier’s network.

The common command is:

• ##002#: A universal GSM code that disables all types of call forwarding at once.

Some carriers also use specific codes. For example:

• *73: Standard code used in North America to cancel active call forwarding.
• ##21#: Disables unconditional forwarding.
• ##61#: Disables forwarding for unanswered calls.
• ##67#: Disables forwarding when the line is busy.

After entering the code, press the call button and wait for confirmation from your carrier.

If you enabled call forwarding using an app like Easy Call Forwarding, open the app and toggle the Forwarding setting to Off.

Keep in mind that uninstalling the app will not automatically stop call forwarding. Since the app sends commands to your carrier’s network, you must disable the feature in the app or use a deactivation code mentioned above to cancel it.

If call forwarding was configured through a carrier portal or app of a VoIP business phone system, you will need to disable it from that platform.

So, log in to your provider’s online dashboard through their website or mobile app, navigate to the Call Settings or Call Handling section, and turn off the forwarding rule for the selected number or extension. Once saved, the system will stop redirecting incoming calls.

Call forwarding can be used when you need to stay reachable while traveling, working remotely, or facing poor network coverage by redirecting calls to another phone or service. It is also helpful for businesses to handle after-hours calls, route customer inquiries, and maintain professional communication without exposing personal numbers.

In the modern landscape of remote and hybrid work, call forwarding keeps distributed teams connected. Plus, the employees can forward their office extensions to their personal smartphones, laptops, or home office phones, allowing them to work from any location.

For the caller, the experience remains seamless as calls placed to a company number are still answered by the right employee. This ensures a consistent and professional communication experience regardless of where team members are physically located.

Maintaining a professional image often requires businesses to remain responsive even outside traditional working hours. So, call forwarding allows companies to forward calls to an on-call technician, a virtual or AI receptionist, or an answering service once the office closes. This ensures urgent inquiries are handled promptly while protecting the work-life balance of the primary staff.

Call forwarding can also help protect personal contact information while maintaining professional accessibility. By using a secondary or virtual number, you can provide a public-facing contact without exposing your personal mobile number.

Calls to that proxy number are then forwarded to your private phone, creating a secure communication buffer. This allows you to manage professional interactions while keeping your personal contact details private.

When forwarding calls, choose between the type of call forwarding you need, possible carrier charges, and privacy/security when redirecting calls to other devices or services. It’s also important to check international routing or roaming costs, as forwarding calls while traveling may lead to extra fees.

The most important technical consideration is choosing between unconditional and conditional forwarding. If you choose unconditional, your primary phone will never ring because every incoming call is immediately redirected. This can be useful during vacations or extended absences, but it may be inconvenient if you are only stepping away briefly and still want to see missed call notifications.

For example, if you are using call forwarding as a backup option, it is better to choose “No Answer” forwarding. This allows your phone to ring first, so you still have the chance to answer the call yourself before it is redirected to a secondary line or colleague.

Many users assume call forwarding is a free feature included in their mobile plan, but this is rarely the case. While activating the feature may not cost anything, carriers often charge for the “airtime” of the forwarded portion of the call.

In most cases, the network treats the forwarded call as an outgoing call from your number to the destination number. If you do not have an unlimited minutes plan, a long forwarded conversation could quickly reduce your monthly allowance or result in additional per-minute overage charges appearing on your next bill.

When you forward calls, you are extending your communication “loop” to a secondary network or device. If you are forwarding calls to a third-party VoIP service or a cloud-based receptionist, it is important to ensure that the provider uses secure and encrypted connections to protect your call metadata and conversation history.

You should also consider how Caller ID is handled in your forwarding setup. Some systems display the original caller’s number, while others show your own forwarding number. So, choosing the right configuration allows you to quickly identify business calls while keeping your personal backup number private from the original caller.

Using call forwarding while traveling abroad requires careful planning to avoid double-billing. If you keep your domestic SIM card active and enable forwarding while roaming, some carriers may charge you for both the incoming international call and the outgoing forwarded call.

To prevent this, it is often better to enable unconditional forwarding before leaving your home country. This instructs the carrier’s network to redirect the call at the source, preventing the signal from roaming internationally. Plus, it is always wise to contact your carrier beforehand to confirm how forwarded calls are handled and whether travel add-ons are available to avoid unexpected charges.

Common call forwarding problems include call loops, poor audio quality, international forwarding restrictions, spam calls being redirected, or incorrect caller ID display.

A call loop occurs when Phone A forwards calls to Phone B, but Phone B is also configured to forward calls back to Phone A, or to a third number that eventually routes back to the starting point. This creates an infinite routing cycle that consumes network resources and prevents the call from reaching a final destination.

When this happens, callers typically hear a “System Busy” message or encounter an “Error 483: Too Many Hops” in VoIP environments. This issue is often caused by overlapping conditional forwarding rules, where multiple devices are set to forward calls when unavailable.

Here are the possible solutions:

• The Master Reset: Dial a universal deactivation code (commonly ##002# or ##21#) on both phones to clear all forwarding rules and start fresh.
• Check Voicemail Deadlocks: Make sure the destination phone’s voicemail isn’t attempting to call the original number as part of a notification feature.
• Audit Sequence Logic: If using a hunt group or team routing chain, ensure the final destination is a terminal endpoint (like a voicemail box) rather than another forwarding number.

Because a forwarded call is essentially two calls connected together, any signal issues can become amplified. Packet loss, interference, or network congestion can result in jitter (choppy audio) or latency, where callers accidentally talk over each other due to delayed audio transmission.

This problem often occurs when forwarding from a high-quality cellular network to a weaker VoIP or landline connection, since the second leg of the call may not support the same level of audio stability.

Potential Solutions:

• Toggle VoLTE/HD Voice: Disabling Voice over Long Time Evolution (VoLTE) may force the call onto a more stable digital voice band.
• Optimize Data Latency: If forwarding to a VoIP app, switch between Wi-Fi and LTE/5G to improve the second leg of the call.
• Request Codec Adjustment: If using a cloud business phone system, request the G.711 VoIP codec or switch to the one with technology that uses more bandwidth but reduces compression issues and echo.

International call forwarding is sometimes blocked at the carrier level because it poses a higher risk of toll fraud. Additionally, many providers restrict the ability to redirect calls across borders to prevent unauthorized international charges, unless the feature is explicitly enabled.

Likewise, some foreign networks do not fully support the signaling protocols needed to transfer call data between different national infrastructures, which prevents international call forwarding.

Here are the possible solutions:

• Verify E.164 Formatting: Ensure the number includes the “+” prefix and country code (for example, +44 for the UK).
• Enable International Long Distance (ILD): Contact your carrier to authorize outbound international calls on your account.
• Use a Regional Bridge Number: Forward calls to a local VoIP number and then route them internationally through the app.

One drawback of call forwarding is that the system treats all incoming calls equally, whether they come from legitimate contacts or telemarketers. If your primary number is listed on spam databases, forwarding can unintentionally funnel those unwanted calls directly to your secondary device.

Over time, this can clutter your professional line and reduce the effectiveness of forwarding as a communication tool.

Here are the possible solutions:

• Upstream Filtering: Enable carrier spam filters like AT&T ActiveArmor or Verizon Call Filter to block spam before forwarding occurs.
• Use Conditional Forwarding: Instead of unconditional forwarding, use “No Answer” forwarding so your device’s built-in spam filters can intercept suspicious calls first.
• Third-Party Gateways: Route calls through services like RoboKiller or Hiya, which act as a spam-filtering firewall before forwarding.

In some forwarding setups, the receiving phone may display your own number instead of the original caller’s number. This happens because some carriers replace the caller ID during the forwarding process as part of Caller ID spoofing protection.

While this prevents fraud, it can make it difficult to identify who is calling before answering the phone.

Here are the possible solutions:

• Enable Calling Line Identification (CLI) Transparency: In Private Branch Exchange (PBX) or VoIP systems, enable settings such as “Propagate Original Caller ID”. This instructs the system to pass the caller's metadata through to the final destination.
• Use an App-based Softphone: Platforms like Zoom Phone or RingCentral often display the full caller identity regardless of carrier limitations.
• Contact Your Carrier: In some cases, providers must enable Direct Inward Dialing (DID) settings to allow foreign caller IDs to pass through your line.

To create a smooth experience for callers, use a professional greeting with your company name and set forwarding to activate after two or three rings to minimize waiting time. Additionally, keep voicemail messages consistent across devices and ensure calls are forwarded only to phones that are available and attended.

1. Answer with a professional greeting that includes your company name, so callers know they’ve reached the right person, even if you’re answering on a personal device.
2. Reduce the “ring delay” by setting forwarding to trigger after two or three rings.Too many rings across multiple phones may cause callers to hang up.
3. Match voicemail greetings on both lines so callers hear a consistent message instead of a confusing personal or generic system greeting.
4. Use music-on-hold or a transfer message to fill the silence while the network routes the call to your secondary device.
5. Align forwarding with your availability so calls aren’t redirected to a phone that is switched off or unattended.
6. Avoid “daisy-chaining” calls by forwarding directly to the final destination instead of routing through multiple numbers.

Call forwarding helps you stay reachable and manage communication more efficiently. Whether you want to maintain work-life boundaries or ensure your business never misses important calls, the right setup can make a big difference.

By choosing the right forwarding type and considering call quality and security, you can turn this basic carrier feature into a reliable communication tool. Moreover, simple practices, like setting proper ring delays, keeping voicemail greetings consistent, and reviewing forwarding rules, help ensure calls reach the right destination while maintaining a smooth caller experience.