How to forward calls on iPhone and Android

Waiting for an important call? Whether it’s test results from your doctor or a new customer order, you don’t want to miss it. But what if you’re traveling or heading into a meeting and can’t answer?

That’s where call forwarding comes in. This feature lets you forward your phone calls to another number, like a business line or desk phone, so you can stay connected no matter where you are.

At Asurion, we care for you and your tech—whether you want to stop robocalls or check voicemail from another device. Here’s our guide to turning on and off call forwarding on iPhone® and Android™ phones.

Call forwarding vs. Call waiting

These two features are often confused but work differently:

• Call forwarding: Redirects incoming calls to another number so you don’t miss them.
• Call waiting: Alerts you to another incoming call while you’re already on the line, giving you the option to switch or decline.

If you want calls to go to another device when you’re unavailable, use call forwarding. If you want to answer multiple calls on the same phone, use call waiting.

Call forwarding on Android

Steps may vary depending on your phone model and carrier, but most Android devices include call forwarding options. Here’s how it works on popular models like the Google Pixel™ 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy® S21.

How to turn on call forwarding on Android

1. Open the Phone app.
2. For Pixel: Tap More (three dots) > Settings > Calling Accounts > [your carrier] > Call Forwarding. For Samsung: Tap More (three dots) > Settings > Supplementary Services > Call Forwarding (SIM1 or SIM2) > Voice Calls.
3. Choose one of these options:
   • Always forward: Enter the number to forward all calls to and tap Turn on.
   • When busy: Forward calls if your line is busy (often defaults to voicemail).
   • When unanswered: Forward calls if you don’t pick up.
   • When unreachable: Forward calls if your phone is off, in Airplane mode, or has no signal.

How to turn off call forwarding on Android

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap Menu > Settings > Calls > Call Forwarding.
3. Turn off the option(s) you want to stop.

Call forwarding on iPhone

If call forwarding is included in your carrier plan, you can manage it directly in your iPhone settings. If it’s not available, you’ll need to contact your carrier to add it.

How to turn on call forwarding on iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Phone.
2. Tap Call Forwarding and turn it on.
3. Tap Forward To, then enter the number where you want calls forwarded.
4. A call forwarding icon (a phone with an arrow) will appear in your status bar when it’s active. Note: You must be in your carrier’s network range to set up call forwarding.

How to turn off call forwarding on iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Phone.
2. Tap Call Forwarding and turn it off.

Using carrier call forwarding codes

Many carriers also let you enable or disable call forwarding using short dial codes:

• AT&T and T-Mobile
  • Turn on: Dial 21[number]# and press Call.
  • Turn off: Dial #21# and press Call.
• Verizon
  • Turn on: Dial *72[number] and press Call.
  • Turn off: Dial *73 and press Call.
• Other carriers
  • Codes may vary, so check with your provider.

Conditional call forwarding codes

Conditional forwarding lets you forward calls only in certain situations:

• When busy
  • AT&T and T-Mobile: Dial 67[number]# then press Call.
  • Verizon: Dial *90[number], press Call. To turn it off, dial *91 and press Call.
• When unanswered
  • AT&T and T-Mobile: Dial 61[number]# then press Call.
  • Verizon: Dial *92[number], press Call. To turn it off, dial *93 and press Call.
• When unreachable (phone off or no signal)
  • AT&T and T-Mobile: Dial 62[number]# then press Call.
  • Verizon: Dial *68[number], press Call. To turn it off, dial *69 and press Call.

These codes are helpful if you only want to forward calls under certain conditions instead of all the time.

FAQ

What is call forwarding?

It’s a feature that lets you redirect incoming calls to another phone number, like a landline or secondary mobile.

Why don’t I see the call forwarding option on my phone?

Some carriers don’t include call forwarding in all plans. Contact your carrier to check availability.

Will call forwarding affect my voicemail?

Yes—if calls are forwarded to another number, they won’t go to your voicemail unless that number is set up with its own voicemail.

Can I forward calls when my phone is off?

Yes—use the When unreachable option on Android, or turn on call forwarding from your iPhone before powering it down.