How to Set Up Call Forwarding on an iPhone?

Call forwarding in iPhones is a feature provided to you to reroute incoming calls from your iPhone’s primary number to another designated number. Instead of sending callers to voicemail or giving a busy signal, it acts as a seamless bridge, connecting the caller to you or another recipient.

Basically, there are two different types of call forwarding available, depending on your carrier. The most common is unconditional forwarding, where all calls are redirected to another number. On the other hand, conditional forwarding lets you forward calls only in specific situations, such as when your line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable. This flexibility makes it easier to manage calls based on your needs.

You can forward calls on an iPhone using the built-in settings, carrier dial codes, or third-party apps that simplify the setup. Each method lets you redirect incoming calls to another number based on your preference and network support.

To enable call forwarding using iPhone’s built-in settings, go to Settings > Phone, turn on Call Forwarding, and enter the number you want calls redirected to. Once saved, all incoming calls will automatically be routed to that number.

1. Open Settings: Tap the Settings (gear icon) on your home screen.
2. Go to Phone Settings: Scroll down and tap Apps > Phone.
3. Tap Call Forwarding: Under the Calls section, select Call Forwarding.
4. Turn It On: Toggle the Call Forwarding switch to ON.
5. Enter the Number: Tap Forward To and enter the phone number (landline with area code or mobile number) where you want calls to be forwarded. In case of international call forwarding, include the country code.
6. Save and Exit: Tap the back button to apply changes.

You can also activate call forwarding on your iPhone using Man-Machine Interface (MMI) or USSD codes like *21*,*67*, or *72 if you prefer to bypass the iPhone’s settings menu. These are short dialer commands that communicate directly with your mobile carrier’s network, making them a reliable option, especially for setting up conditional call forwarding.

However, the exact codes you use depend on your carrier. GSM carriers (like AT&T, T-Mobile) typically use codes such as 21, 67, while CDMA carriers (like Verizon) use different star codes like 72.

Common Call Forwarding Codes

Steps to Activate Call Forwarding Using USSD Codes

1. Open the Dial Pad: Launch the Phone app and go to the keypad.
2. Enter the Code: Dial the appropriate code based on your forwarding preference.
3. Add the Number: Enter the destination phone number.
4. End with #: The final format should look like this: **21*5550109999#.
5. Activate: Tap the Call button and wait for the confirmation message.

Once activated, your selected call forwarding rule will be applied at the network level.

If you find the iPhone’s native settings hard to navigate or carrier star codes difficult to remember, several apps on the App Store can simplify the process. These call forwarding apps act as a bridge between your phone and your carrier, offering a clean interface to manage call forwarding without digging through multiple menus. Tools like Call Forwarding Lite or Divert Calls let you control everything from a centralized dashboard.

Beyond basic controls, many apps offer added flexibility. You can schedule forwarding during specific hours or set conditional rules (like forwarding only when busy). Some advanced apps, such as Divert Calls or Call Forwarding Lite, also support multiple numbers and more complex routing, making them useful for business needs.

Steps to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone Using an App

1. Download a Third-party App: Install a highly-rated call forwarding app from the App Store.
2. Choose Forwarding Type: Select whether to forward all calls or specific ones.
3. Enter Destination Number: Add the number manually or pick a contact.
4. Confirm the Network Command: Tap Activate and follow any prompts to apply settings.
5. Monitor Status: Use the app dashboard to check or turn off forwarding anytime.

You can disable call forwarding on an iPhone through phone settings, by dialing carrier-specific deactivation codes, or via the app used to manage forwarding. These methods ensure all active redirection rules are removed and your calls return to your device normally.

1. Using System Settings: For most GSM users, the simplest way to turn off call forwarding is through the Settings menu. Navigate to the Phone section and toggle Call Forwarding to the Off position. This sends a direct command to your device to stop rerouting calls.
2. Using MMI/USSD Codes: If the settings option isn’t available or you’re using a CDMA network like Verizon, “master deactivation” codes are the most reliable way to reset forwarding at the network level. Dialing codes such as ##002# (GSM) or *73 (CDMA) clears all active forwarding rules instantly, ensuring no calls are redirected in the background.
3. Using Call Forwarding Apps: To stop forwarding managed through an app like Call Forwarding Lite or Divert Calls, simply open the interface and toggle the service to Disabled. Also, ensure the app confirms the deactivation before uninstalling it to prevent your calls from remaining diverted.

Common call forwarding issues in iPhone include missing settings, call forwarding not working, wrong caller ID, or failed connections due to network or setup errors. These can usually be fixed by using carrier codes, refreshing network settings, checking forwarding details, or contacting your service provider for proper support.

If you can’t find the Call Forwarding option under Settings > Phone, it usually indicates that your carrier doesn’t support Apple’s native forwarding interface. This is more common with certain networks where device-level toggles are disabled, and all forwarding rules must be configured externally.

Here are the probable solutions:

• Use MMI/USSD Codes: Dial carrier-specific codes (like *72) to bypass the missing menu and configure forwarding directly.
• Update Carrier Settings: Go to Settings > General > About and install any available carrier updates.
• Contact Your Provider: Confirm whether call forwarding is supported and enabled on your plan.

If your iPhone still rings even after enabling call forwarding, the activation request may not have fully registered with your carrier’s network. This often happens when the setup is done in low-signal conditions, causing the command to fail silently without proper confirmation.

Here are the probable solutions:

• Toggle Airplane Mode: Refresh your network connection and retry the setup with a stronger signal.
• Perform a Master Reset: Dial ##002# (GSM) or *73 (CDMA) to clear all existing rules before reconfiguring.
• Verify the Number: Double-check that the forwarding number is correct, active, and properly formatted.

In some cases, forwarded calls may display your own number instead of the original caller’s information. This behavior is usually controlled by your carrier and is often implemented as a security measure to prevent caller ID manipulation. While functional, it can make it difficult to identify who is actually calling.

Here are the probable solutions:

• Contact Your Carrier: Ask if they support “transparent” or pass-through caller ID for forwarded calls.
• Check Forwarding Type: Certain conditional forwarding setups may affect how caller data is transmitted.
• Use a VoIP App: Services like Line2 or similar apps may preserve the caller ID more accurately.

If forwarded calls fail to connect, return errors, or drop unexpectedly, you may be dealing with a forwarding loop or conflicting routing rules. This typically happens when two numbers are set to forward calls to each other, creating a circular path that the network cannot resolve.

Here are the probable solutions:

• Check Both Devices: Disable call forwarding on the receiving device to break any loop.
• Test with Another Number: Call from a different phone to trace where the connection fails.
• Disable Voicemail Diversion: Ensure your carrier’s voicemail isn’t intercepting the call before forwarding completes.

Mastering call forwarding on your iPhone is about maintaining availability and a consistent communication flow in a mobile environment. Whether you're managing personal calls, handling work responsibilities, or traveling, this feature ensures you stay reachable. By choosing the right method among built-in settings, MMI/USSD codes, or third-party apps, you can prevent missing important calls.

However, basic call forwarding often comes with challenges like missing settings, failed activation, incorrect caller ID, and call drops. Calilio eliminates these issues by offering a reliable, cloud-based phone system with call forwarding that removes the need for complex codes or device-dependent configurations.