Call forwarding sends incoming calls to a different phone number automatically

Call forwarding is a phone feature that redirects calls meant for one number to another number you choose. When someone calls your primary number, the phone system answers and sends that call to whichever phone you've set up as your forwarding destination — a mobile phone, a different landline, or even a voice mail system. You don't have to answer on your original phone; the call rings on the forwarding number instead.

The feature works on most phone services: landlines through your internet or cable provider, mobile phone plans, and business phone systems. The setup is usually done through your phone provider's website, a mobile app, or by dialing a code on your phone itself. Once you turn it on, it stays active until you turn it off — calls keep forwarding even if you're not thinking about it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call forwarding automatically sends incoming calls from your main number to a different phone number you specify.
  • You can set it up through your phone provider's website, mobile app, or by dialing a code like *72 on most carriers.
  • The feature works continuously once activated, so you need to remember to turn it off when you no longer want calls forwarded.
  • Call forwarding is different from call waiting or call transfer — it happens automatically without you answering first.

How to turn call forwarding on and off

The method depends on your phone type and provider. On most mobile phones, you access call forwarding through Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding (on iPhone) or Settings > Advanced Calling > Call Forwarding (on Android). You enter the number where you want calls sent, then toggle the feature on. Some carriers also let you dial a code: *72 followed by the forwarding number, then press call.

For landlines, log into your provider's account online — Comcast, Verizon, or your local phone company — and look for a "Call Forwarding" or "Call Management" option. You'll enter the destination number and save. To turn it off, go back to the same menu and toggle it off, or dial *73 on a landline to disable forwarding immediately.

The key thing to remember: call forwarding stays on until you actively turn it off. If you set it up to forward calls to your mobile while you're traveling and then forget about it, calls will keep going to that mobile number even after you're home. Check your settings periodically if you've used this feature.

When call forwarding is useful

Call forwarding works well when you're traveling and want calls to reach you on your mobile instead of your home phone. It's also practical if you're switching phones and want a grace period where calls to your old number still reach you. Some people use it to route work calls to their mobile during business hours, then turn it off in the evening.

Small business owners sometimes forward their main business line to a personal mobile during off-hours, so urgent calls don't go unanswered. If you're expecting an important call but won't be near your primary phone, forwarding ensures you don't miss it.

The difference between call forwarding, call waiting, and call transfer

Call forwarding sends calls to a different number automatically, before you even answer. Call waiting is a feature that alerts you when a second call comes in while you're already on a call — it doesn't send the call anywhere, it just notifies you. Call transfer is something you do manually: you answer a call, then press a button or dial a code to send that call to someone else.

Think of it this way: call forwarding is "send my calls somewhere else automatically." Call waiting is "let me know when another call arrives." Call transfer is "I'm answering this call, but I'm sending it to someone else." They're three separate features, though your phone may have all three available.

Privacy and security considerations

Call forwarding itself doesn't create a security problem, but it does change where your calls go. If you forward calls to a phone that's not secure — a shared device, a phone you're borrowing, or a number you're not sure about — sensitive calls (from your bank, doctor, or employer) will ring on that less-secure phone instead of your personal one.

Be cautious about forwarding to numbers you don't fully control. If you forward to a work phone that your employer monitors, or to a shared family device, calls meant to be private will arrive there. Also, if someone gains access to your phone account, they could set up call forwarding to a number they control, intercepting your calls without your knowledge. If you notice calls you expected aren't reaching you, check your call forwarding settings — it may have been changed.

What happens if the forwarding number is busy or doesn't answer

If the number you're forwarding to is busy or doesn't pick up, the behavior depends on your phone service. Some systems will ring the forwarding number for a set time (usually 15 to 30 seconds), then send the call to voice mail on your original number. Others will send it directly to voice mail. A few services let you set a second forwarding destination as a backup.

Check with your phone provider about their specific rules. If you're forwarding to a mobile phone that's often in use, you might miss calls because they go to voice mail before the mobile even rings. In that case, you could set up call waiting on the forwarding number so you're alerted when a call comes in while you're already on another call.

Costs and carrier differences

Most phone carriers include call forwarding at no extra cost — it's a standard feature on mobile plans and landline services. However, if you forward calls to an international number, you may be charged international calling rates for each forwarded call. Check your plan's terms or call your provider to confirm.

Some carriers limit how many numbers you can set up for forwarding, or they may charge a small monthly fee if you use advanced call forwarding features (like forwarding different types of calls to different numbers). Basic call forwarding to a single number is almost always free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I forward calls to multiple numbers at once?

Most carriers only let you forward to one number at a time. If you want calls to ring on multiple phones simultaneously, you'd need a different feature called "simultaneous ring" or "ring all," which some providers offer. Check with your carrier about whether this is available on your plan.

Will the person calling know their call was forwarded?

No. From the caller's perspective, they dialed your number and you answered (or it went to your voice mail). They won't see that the call was sent somewhere else. The forwarding happens behind the scenes in the phone network.

What if I forward calls but then turn my original phone off?

Call forwarding still works. The phone network doesn't need your original phone to be on — it intercepts the incoming call and routes it to the forwarding number automatically. Your original phone can be off, dead, or in airplane mode.

Can I set different forwarding numbers for different times of day?

Basic call forwarding doesn't have scheduling built in. You'd need to manually turn it on and off at different times, or use a more advanced service like Google Voice or a business phone system that offers conditional forwarding based on time of day.

What if I forget I have call forwarding on?

Calls will keep going to the forwarding number until you turn it off. If you're concerned you might have it active, check your phone settings or call your provider — they can tell you whether forwarding is currently enabled on your account and where calls are being sent.