iPhone call forwarding sends incoming calls to another number automatically

Call forwarding on iPhone redirects incoming calls to a different phone number without you having to answer them first. When someone calls your iPhone, the call rings on that other number instead. You can turn it on or off in Settings, and it works whether your iPhone is on, off, or out of service — as long as your carrier supports the feature.

The feature is built into iOS and works on all iPhone models. Your carrier handles the actual forwarding, so there is no app to download. You can forward calls to a landline, another mobile phone, or a voicemail service. The person calling you does not know their call is being forwarded — they just dial your number as usual.

Key Takeaways

  • Call forwarding is turned on in Settings under Phone, and you enter the number where calls should go.
  • When call forwarding is active, an arrow icon appears in the status bar at the top of your screen.
  • You can turn call forwarding on or off anytime, and it does not affect incoming text messages or FaceTime calls.
  • Some carriers charge a monthly fee for call forwarding, though many include it free with standard plans.
  • If the forwarding number is busy or does not answer, the call goes to your voicemail instead.

How to turn on call forwarding in Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Phone. Scroll down and tap Call Forwarding. Toggle the switch to turn it on — it will turn green. A text field appears below asking for the number to forward calls to. Type in the phone number where you want calls sent, including the area code. Tap the back arrow or swipe back to save your choice.

Once call forwarding is on, a small arrow icon appears in the status bar at the very top of your screen next to the signal strength and battery. This icon reminds you that forwarding is active. Any call that comes to your iPhone will now ring on the number you entered instead of on your phone.

Turning call forwarding off

To stop forwarding calls, go back to Settings, tap Phone, then tap Call Forwarding. Toggle the switch off — it will turn gray. The arrow icon disappears from your status bar. Calls will now ring on your iPhone again as usual.

You can turn call forwarding on and off as many times as you want. There is no limit to how often you switch it, and it takes effect immediately.

What happens to voicemail and text messages

Call forwarding only affects phone calls. Text messages still arrive on your iPhone normally, and they do not get forwarded to the other number. FaceTime calls also come to your iPhone as usual and are not affected by call forwarding.

If the number you are forwarding to does not answer or is busy, the call goes to your iPhone voicemail. The caller hears your voicemail greeting and can leave a message. You can listen to voicemails on your iPhone as normal.

Forwarding to different numbers at different times

iOS does not have a built-in way to schedule call forwarding to change at certain times of day. You have to manually turn it on and off in Settings whenever you want to change where calls go. If you need calls to forward to different numbers on a schedule, you would need to use a third-party app or contact your carrier about their call routing options.

Some carriers offer their own call management apps that let you set up more complex rules, like forwarding to one number during business hours and another number after hours. Check your carrier's website or app to see what options they provide beyond the basic iPhone Settings feature.

Carrier fees and compatibility

Most major carriers in the United States include call forwarding free with standard plans, but some carriers charge a small monthly fee — usually between $2 and $5. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service to find out whether call forwarding is free on your plan or if there is a charge.

Call forwarding works on all carriers that support it, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers. If your carrier does not support call forwarding, the Call Forwarding option will not appear in your Settings, or the toggle will be grayed out. Prepaid plans sometimes have different rules, so confirm with your carrier if you are on a prepaid service.

Troubleshooting call forwarding problems

If call forwarding is on but calls are not going to the other number, first check that the arrow icon is visible in your status bar. If it is not there, call forwarding is off. If the icon is there but calls are still ringing on your iPhone, restart your phone by turning it off and back on, then check your Settings again to make sure the forwarding number is correct.

If you entered the number incorrectly, go back to Settings, tap Phone, tap Call Forwarding, and edit the number. Make sure you included the area code and that there are no extra spaces or characters. If the forwarding number belongs to a business or service that screens calls, that system might be rejecting your calls. Try forwarding to a different number to see if the problem is with the destination number or with your phone's settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I forward calls to an international number?

Yes, you can enter an international number in the Call Forwarding field, but your carrier may charge international rates for each forwarded call. Check with your carrier about international call forwarding costs before setting it up, as charges can add up quickly if you receive many calls.

Does call forwarding work if my iPhone is turned off?

Yes. Call forwarding is handled by your carrier's network, not by your phone itself. Even if your iPhone is off, powered down, or out of battery, calls will still forward to the number you set up. The only exception is if your carrier's service to your phone number is disconnected.

Will the person calling me know their call is being forwarded?

No. From the caller's perspective, they are just calling your iPhone number as usual. They will not see any indication that the call is being forwarded, and they will not hear any special tones or announcements. The call simply rings on the other number you set up.

Can I forward calls to multiple numbers at once?

No. iPhone's built-in call forwarding only lets you forward to one number at a time. If you need calls to ring on multiple phones simultaneously, you would need to use a third-party service or contact your carrier about call distribution options.

What if I forget to turn off call forwarding before traveling?

If you forget to turn off call forwarding and travel internationally, calls will still forward to the number you set up, and you may be charged international rates by your carrier. Check your Call Forwarding status before traveling, especially if you are forwarding to a domestic number while going abroad.