What call forwarding does and how to turn it on
Call forwarding sends incoming calls to a different phone number instead of ringing your Android device. When you turn it on, every call that comes to your number gets redirected to whichever number you choose — another phone, a landline, or a work extension. The person calling you doesn't know the call was forwarded; they just reach you at the new number.
The exact steps depend on your carrier and which Android phone you have, but the process is nearly identical across devices. You'll use the Phone app's settings to find the call forwarding option, enter the number where you want calls to go, and confirm. Most carriers let you turn it on and off instantly from your phone, though some older plans may require a phone call to customer service instead.
Call forwarding is useful when you're traveling, switching phones temporarily, or want calls to reach you at a different location. It's different from voicemail — calls still ring through to the forwarded number rather than going straight to a recording.
Key Takeaways
- Call forwarding redirects incoming calls to another phone number you choose, and the caller doesn't know the call was forwarded.
- Most Android phones let you turn call forwarding on through the Phone app's settings, usually under Call Settings or Additional Settings.
- You need to enter the phone number where you want calls sent, and some carriers require you to confirm the setup by calling customer service.
- Call forwarding works continuously once turned on, so remember to turn it off when you no longer need it or you'll miss calls on your primary phone.
- If the option doesn't appear in your Phone app, your carrier may require you to dial a code or call them directly to set it up.
Finding call forwarding in your Phone app settings
Open the Phone app on your Android device — this is the standard app you use to make calls, usually with a phone icon on your home screen. Tap the three vertical dots (menu icon) in the upper right corner, or look for a Settings option. The exact location varies by phone manufacturer, but you're looking for "Settings" or "Call Settings."
Once you're in Settings, scroll down to find "Call Forwarding," "Call Forward," or "Additional Settings." On Samsung phones, it's usually under "Additional Settings" → "Call Forwarding." On Google Pixel phones, look for "Calling Accounts" and then tap your phone number, where you'll find call forwarding options. On other Android phones, it may be directly under "Call Settings."
If you can't find it in the Phone app, your carrier may not support in-app call forwarding. In that case, you'll need to dial a code or contact your carrier directly — see the section below on carrier-specific codes.
Entering the forwarding number and turning it on
Once you've found the Call Forwarding option, tap it to open the forwarding menu. You'll see options for different types of forwarding — "Always Forward" (also called "Unconditional Forwarding") is the most common choice. This forwards all calls immediately, regardless of whether your phone is on or has signal.
Tap "Always Forward" and enter the phone number where you want calls sent. Use the full number including the area code and country code if forwarding internationally. Double-check the number before confirming — a typo means calls go to the wrong person. Tap "Enable," "Turn On," or "Save" depending on your phone.
Your phone will show a confirmation message. Some carriers send a text message to confirm the setup is complete. Once it's on, a small call forwarding icon (usually an arrow) appears in your status bar at the top of your screen, reminding you that forwarding is active.
Using carrier codes if your phone doesn't have the setting
If call forwarding isn't in your Phone app, you can set it up by dialing a code directly. These codes work on most carriers, though the exact code varies. Open your Phone app and dial the code, then press the call button — you won't actually reach anyone, but the carrier's system processes the request.
The standard code for unconditional call forwarding is *21*[phone number]# — replace [phone number] with the number where you want calls sent, including the area code. For example, if you want calls forwarded to 555-123-4567, dial *21*5551234567# and press call. To turn it off, dial #21# and press call.
Different carriers and countries use different codes. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers support the *21* code, but if it doesn't work, contact your carrier to ask for the correct code. Some carriers charge a monthly fee for call forwarding, while others include it free with your plan.
Other forwarding options beyond "Always Forward"
Most Android phones offer more than just unconditional forwarding. "Forward When Busy" sends calls to your chosen number only when you're already on a call. "Forward When Unanswered" sends calls after a set number of rings if you don't pick up — useful if you want calls to reach you at a backup number only when you're unavailable. "Forward When Unreachable" activates only when your phone is off or has no signal.
These options are helpful if you want to keep some calls on your primary phone while redirecting others. For example, you might set "Forward When Unanswered" to a work number so calls ring your personal phone first, then go to work if you don't answer within four rings.
To set up these options, find them in the same Call Forwarding menu where you set up Always Forward. Enter the forwarding number and confirm. You can have multiple forwarding rules active at once — for instance, both "Always Forward" to one number and "Forward When Busy" to another, though this is less common.
Turning off call forwarding when you're done
Call forwarding stays on until you manually turn it off. If you set it up and forget about it, calls will continue going to the forwarded number even after you no longer need it. Check your status bar regularly — the call forwarding icon reminds you it's active, but it's easy to miss.
To turn it off, go back to the same Call Forwarding menu in your Phone app settings and tap "Disable," "Turn Off," or "Delete" next to the forwarding rule. If you used a carrier code to set it up, dial #21# to turn off unconditional forwarding, or contact your carrier for the code to disable other forwarding types.
After you disable it, the icon disappears from your status bar and calls ring your phone normally again. If you're not sure whether forwarding is still on, check the Call Forwarding menu — it will show "Off" or "Not Active" once it's disabled.
Troubleshooting when call forwarding isn't working
If you've turned on call forwarding but calls aren't reaching the forwarded number, first check that the number you entered is correct. Go back into Call Forwarding settings and verify the digits match what you intended. A single wrong digit sends calls to the wrong place.
Next, confirm that call forwarding is actually on — the status bar icon should be visible, and the Call Forwarding menu should show "Active" or "Enabled." If it shows "Off," you may have accidentally disabled it, or the setup didn't complete. Try enabling it again and wait a few minutes for the carrier to process the change.
If the Call Forwarding option doesn't appear in your Phone app at all, your carrier may not support in-app forwarding. Call your carrier's customer service number (usually on your bill or their website) and ask them to set it up for you. They can activate it over the phone and confirm it's working. Some carriers also have a customer portal where you can manage call forwarding online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the person calling me know their call is being forwarded?
No. From the caller's perspective, they're reaching you normally at your regular phone number. They don't see any indication that the call was redirected. The forwarding happens on the carrier's network before the call reaches you.
Can I forward calls to an international number?
Yes, but you'll need to include the country code. For example, to forward to a UK number, use the format *21*+441234567890#. Check with your carrier first — some charge international forwarding fees, and others may not support it depending on your plan.
What happens to voicemail when call forwarding is on?
Voicemail behavior depends on your forwarding type. With "Always Forward," calls go to the forwarded number and never reach your voicemail. With "Forward When Unanswered," if the forwarded number also doesn't answer, the call goes to your voicemail, not the forwarded number's voicemail.
Can I have multiple numbers set up for call forwarding?
You can set up different forwarding rules — for example, "Always Forward" to one number and "Forward When Busy" to another. But you can't forward to multiple numbers simultaneously; each rule sends calls to only one destination.
Will call forwarding work if my phone is turned off?
Yes. Call forwarding happens at your carrier's network level, not on your phone itself. Even if your Android device is powered off, calls will still be redirected to the number you set up. This is different from call waiting or other features that require your phone to be on.