How to Forward Calls: Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Call Forwarding Basics

What is Call Forwarding?

How Call Forwarding Works

• When someone calls your primary number, the call is automatically rerouted to the number you’ve designated for forwarding.
• You can answer the forwarded call as if it had been dialed directly to that number.

Common Scenarios for Using Call Forwarding:

• Unavailable to Answer: Forward calls to a colleague or alternate number when you’re in meetings, out of the office, or otherwise unable to take calls directly.
• Traveling: Stay connected while on vacation or business trips by forwarding calls to a local number or your mobile phone.
• Device Issues: If your primary phone isn’t working, forward calls to a backup device to stay reachable.
• Multiple Numbers: Simplify managing personal and work calls by forwarding one number to the other.
• Focus and Delegation: Temporarily forward calls to a colleague to minimize interruptions or delegate specific call handling.

Global Call Forwarding: Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Forward Calls on Landlines & Older Phones

• Step 1: Pick up the receiver and listen for the dial tone.
• Step 2: Dial *72 (or your carrier’s specific code) and wait for a stutter dial tone.
• Step 3: Enter the full 10-digit phone number (including area code) where you want calls forwarded.
• Step 4: Press the # key or wait for a confirmation tone/message.
• Step 5: Hang up.

To Deactivate:

• Dial *73 (or your carrier’s deactivation code).
• Wait for the confirmation tone and hang up.

Additional Notes:

• Conditional Forwarding: Contact your carrier for codes and instructions on setting up conditional forwarding (busy, no answer, etc.).
• Limitations: Landline call forwarding may not offer advanced features like scheduling or easy switching between forwarding numbers.

Modern Smartphones

• Scheduling: Set call forwarding to activate during specific times.
• Multiple Numbers: Store several forwarding numbers and easily switch between them.
• Conditional Options: Utilize “no answer,” “busy,” and other conditional settings

How to Forward Calls on iPhones

1. Open Settings: Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Find Phone Settings: Tap on “Phone.”
3. Access Call Forwarding: Select “Call Forwarding.”
4. Enable Forwarding: Toggle the “Call Forwarding” switch on.
5. Set the Destination: Tap “Forward To” and enter the phone number where you want calls to go.
6. Save: Tap “Back” to save your changes.

Conditional Forwarding

• When Busy: Automatically forward calls if you’re already on a call.
• When Unanswered: Send calls to another number if you don’t answer in time.
• When Unreachable: Forward calls when your phone has no signal or is off.

Traditional Carrier Codes

• Activate: Dial 21 followed by the forwarding number and #
• Deactivate: Dial ##21#

How to Forward Calls on Android Phones

Steps:

1. Open Your Phone App: Find and tap the phone icon on your home screen.
2. Access Settings: Usually, you’ll find a three-dot menu icon or a “Settings” option within the app itself. Tap this to access Call Settings.
3. Locate Call Forwarding: Look for a section titled “Call Forwarding,” “Call Settings,” or something similar.
4. Choose Your Type: Android phones typically offer these forwarding options:
   • Always Forward: Every call goes directly to the number you choose.
   • Forward When Busy: Calls are forwarded if you’re already on another call.
   • Forward When Unanswered: Calls are forwarded if you don’t answer after a certain number of rings.
   • Forward When Unreachable: Calls are forwarded if your phone’s off has no signal, or is in aeroplane mode.
5. Set the Destination Number: Enter the full phone number (including area code) where you want calls forwarded.
6. Enable: Tap “Enable,” “Turn On,” or a similar option to activate forwarding.

Important Notes:

• Carrier Differences: Some carriers may use slightly different menu names or require you to dial codes for call forwarding. Check with your carrier if you can’t find the settings.
• Conditional Forwarding: Not all Android phones support every type of forwarding (busy, unanswered, unreachable). This depends on your model and carrier.
• Charges: Call forwarding may use minutes from your plan as if you’re making outgoing calls. Check your plan’s details.

How to Enable Call Forwarding on Popular Indian Carriers

Jio

1. Open Phone App: Find the phone app on your Jio device.
2. Three-Dot Menu: Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
3. Settings: Select “Settings” from the menu.
4. Call Settings: Find and tap “Call Settings”.
5. Call Forwarding: Locate the “Call Forwarding” option.
6. Disable: Choose the type of call forwarding you had enabled (unconditional, when busy, etc.) and select “Disable” or “Turn Off”.

Vi

1. Phone App: Open the phone app on your Vi device.
2. Menu: Tap the menu icon (usually three dots) in the top right corner.
3. Settings: Select “Settings” from the menu.
4. Call Settings: Look for “Calls” or “Call Settings”.
5. Call Forwarding: Tap the “Call Forwarding” or “Forwarding” option.
6. Disable: Select the type of forwarding you had enabled and choose the “Disable” option.

Airtel

1. Phone App: Open the phone app on your Airtel device.
2. Settings: Access the “Settings” menu.
3. Call Forwarding: Find the “Call Forwarding” option.
4. Disable: Select the type of call forwarding that’s currently enabled and toggle the switch to “Off” or use the specific deactivation code provided by Airtel.

Universal Deactivation Code

• Dial ##002# and press the call button. This should cancel all types of call forwarding on your phone.

How to Manage Call Forwarding on International Mobile Operators

General Steps:

1. Phone App: Open the dialer/phone app on your device.
2. Call Settings: Find the settings menu, usually within the app itself. Look for “Call Settings,” “Calls,” or similar.
3. Call Forwarding: Locate the “Call Forwarding” or “Forwarding” option.

Carrier-Specific Notes:

• Menu Names May Vary: The exact name of the options might be slightly different between carriers.
• Conditional Forwarding: Some carriers let you choose forwarding types (all calls, when busy, etc.). Follow the on-screen prompts.
• Enter Full Number: When entering the forwarding number, always include the country code (e.g., +1 for the US).

Popular Carriers:

• Vodacom, MTN, Zain: Typically follow the general steps directly.
• Verizon, AT&T, Sprint: Often have a “Voice” subcategory within call forwarding settings.
• China Mobile, China Telecom, STC: This may require you to choose the forwarding type before entering the number.

Deactivating:

• Same Settings: Go back to the call forwarding settings and disable the feature.
• Universal Code: Try dialing ##002# and pressing the call button. This often cancels forwarding on most networks.

Important:

• Charges: Call forwarding might use minutes from your plan. Check your carrier’s policy.
• Need Help? Contact your carrier’s customer service for the most accurate instructions for your specific plan

How to Stop Call Forwarding on Airtel, BSNL, Jio, and Vi

General Steps:

1. Open the Phone App: Find your phone’s dialer app.
2. Settings: Look for call settings. This is often within a menu (three dots, gear icon, etc.)
3. Call Forwarding: Find the “Call Forwarding” section.
4. Disable: Choose the type of forwarding that’s active. Look for a “Disable” or “Turn Off” option.

Carrier Specifics

• Airtel: Often within the main phone app settings.
• BSNL: Dial ##21# and press the call button.
• Jio: Dial ##002# and press the call button (this is a universal code that works on many networks).
• Vi: May be under “Calling Accounts” within settings.

Tips:

• Check for Specific Types: If you set up conditional forwarding (busy, unanswered, etc.), disable each type individually.
• Carrier Codes: Many carriers have additional quick-dial codes for deactivating call forwarding. Check their support websites for details.
• Still Not Working? Contact your carrier’s customer service for help.

How to Deactivate Call Forwarding on International Mobile Operators

Vodacom

1. Dial 047# followed by the call button
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to disable call forwarding
3. Your call forwarding settings will be deactivated

MTN

1. Dial ##002# followed by the call button
2. Wait for the confirmation message
3. Your call forwarding settings will be turned off

Verizon

1. Dial *73 followed by the pound (#) key
2. Wait for the confirmation tone or message
3. Your call forwarding settings will be deactivated

AT&T

1. Dial ##21# followed by the call button
2. Wait for the confirmation message
3. Your call forwarding settings will be turned off

Sprint

1. Dial *720 followed by the pound (#) key
2. Wait for the confirmation tone or message
3. Your call forwarding settings will be disabled

China Mobile

1. Dial ##002# followed by the call button
2. Wait for the confirmation message
3. Your call forwarding settings will be deactivated

China Telecom

1. Dial *900# followed by the call button
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to deactivate call forwarding
3. Your call forwarding settings will be turned off

Zain

1. Dial ##002# followed by the call button
2. Wait for the confirmation message
3. Your call forwarding settings will be deactivated

STC

1. Dial ##002# followed by the call button
2. Wait for the confirmation message
3. Your call forwarding settings will be turned off

Call Forwarding Options Available

• Unconditional: All incoming calls are immediately forwarded to another number. Great for ensuring you never miss a call.
• Conditional:Forwards calls only under specific circumstances:
  • Busy: When you’re already on a call.
  • Unanswered: If you don’t pick up after a set number of rings.
  • Unreachable: If your phone is off or has no signal.
• Selective: Forwards calls only from specific numbers, or blocks calls from certain numbers. Gives you the most control.

Troubleshooting Call Forwarding Issues

• Can’t Enable:

  • Check if your phone/plan supports call forwarding.
  • Make sure the forwarding number and type are entered correctly.
  • Try restarting your phone.

• Calls Not Forwarding:

  • Check your signal strength.
  • Double-check the forwarding number.
  • If you have conditional forwarding, make sure the conditions aren’t stopping calls.

• Wrong Number:

  • Verify the forwarding number in settings.
  • Disable, restart your phone, then re-enable forwarding with the correct number.

• Can’t Disable:

  • Make sure forwarding is actually on.
  • Good signal is needed.
  • Try carrier-specific codes (often ##002# works)

Best Practices for Call Forwarding

• Choose Your Provider Wisely: Do your research to find a call forwarding service with reliable connections, good support, and the right features for you.
• Understand Your Options: Learn the difference between unconditional, conditional, and selective forwarding to choose what’s best.
• Customize Settings: Take the time to set up call routing (by time of day, etc.) for the perfect fit.
• Test, Test, Test! Always make test calls after setting up or changing forwarding.
• Keep Settings Updated: Change forwarding numbers when traveling or if your situation changes.
• Communicate: If using forwarding for business, let clients/colleagues know how to reach you.

Call Forwarding vs. Voicemail: Which is Better?

• Call Forwarding: Instantly sends calls to another phone. Great when you need someone to answer right away.
• Voicemail: Lets callers leave a message for you to check later. Perfect if you’re okay with some delay in responding.

When Call Forwarding is Best:

• Urgent Availability: If you absolutely can’t miss a call, forwarding ensures someone is always there to answer.
• Specific Location: Need calls to go to your office while traveling? Forwarding does the job.
• Consolidation: Want all calls on one phone, even if you have several numbers? Forwarding makes it easy.

When Voicemail is Best:

• Privacy: Screen calls before deciding to respond.
• Controlled Pace: Reply on your own time, not immediately.
• Record Keeping: Voicemails are a record of who called and what they said.

Call Forwarding Drawbacks

• Manual: You have to remember to turn it on/off.
• Single Number: Can only forward to one place.
• Potential Cost: Some carriers charge per forwarded call.
• Learning Curve: Setup can be tricky, especially on older phones.

When Call Forwarding Isn’t Enough

• Small Business: Need a professional greeting and call routing? A virtual phone system is better.
• Remote Teams: Need to have multiple people on a call at once? Conferencing solutions are essential.
• Customer Support: High call volume and complex routing needs? Call center software is designed for this.
• Sales Teams: Want to protect personal numbers and stay organized? Virtual phone systems with dedicated business numbers are ideal.

Benefits of Call Forwarding

• Never Miss a Call: Forward calls when you’re out of the office, traveling, or simply can’t answer your primary phone.
• Streamline Multiple Numbers: If you have work and personal numbers, forward one to the other for easy management.
• Boost Responsiveness: Send calls to wherever you’re most likely to answer quickly.
• Protect Your Privacy: Give out a business number, or a temporary one, while still getting calls to your main line.
• Customer Service Advantage: Businesses can ensure calls are always answered by the right person, improving customer experiences.
• Integrates Easily: Call forwarding works seamlessly with voicemail and other communication systems for a complete solution

Taking it Further: Customizing Call Forwarding

• Selective Forwarding: Don’t forward every single call. Set rules by caller, time of day, etc., to forward only the most important ones.
• Filtering: Focus on what matters and avoid distractions.
• Efficiency Boost: Prioritize truly urgent calls.
• Enhanced Privacy: Choose exactly which calls go to which number.

Conclusion