Forward calls sends incoming phone calls to a different number automatically
Call forwarding is a phone feature that redirects calls meant for one number to another number you choose. When someone calls your main phone number, the call rings on a different device or line instead — or both at the same time. You pick where calls go, and you can turn the feature on or off whenever you want.
The feature works on landlines, mobile phones, and VoIP services like Google Voice or Vonage. Most phone carriers include it at no extra cost, though some charge a small monthly fee. The setup takes a few minutes and requires only your phone's settings or a quick call to your carrier.
Key Takeaways
- Call forwarding sends your incoming calls to a different phone number you specify, letting you answer them on another device.
- Most carriers offer the feature for free or a few dollars per month, and you can turn it on or off in your phone settings or by calling customer service.
- You can forward calls to one number, multiple numbers at once, or set rules so calls forward only when you don't answer within a certain time.
- Forwarded calls may use your minutes or data depending on your plan, and the person calling still sees your original number on their end.
How to turn on call forwarding on your phone
On an iPhone, open Settings, tap Phone, then Call Forwarding. Enter the number you want calls sent to and tap Enable. On Android, the steps vary by manufacturer and carrier, but usually you open Phone, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, then Call Forwarding, and enter your destination number.
If you can't find the setting in your phone's menu, call your carrier's customer service line. They can activate forwarding for you over the phone using codes like *72 (on many landlines and some mobile carriers) followed by the number you want to forward to. Ask your carrier which method works for your account.
Once forwarding is on, test it by calling your number from another phone to confirm the call rings on the forwarded number. Turn off forwarding the same way you turned it on — through your phone settings or by calling your carrier.
Different types of call forwarding and when to use each
Unconditional forwarding sends every call to your chosen number immediately, no matter what. Use this when you're away from your main phone for an extended time and want all calls redirected.
Busy forwarding only activates when your line is already in use. If you're on a call and someone else tries to reach you, their call goes to the forwarded number instead of going to voicemail. This is useful if you have a single phone line and don't want to miss calls while you're talking.
No-answer forwarding (sometimes called delayed forwarding) waits a set number of rings — usually 4 to 6 — before sending the call elsewhere. Use this if you want a chance to answer on your main phone but need a backup number for when you can't reach it in time.
Simultaneous forwarding rings multiple numbers at the same time. When someone calls, your main number and your forwarded number both ring until you answer on one of them. This works well if you carry multiple devices and want to pick up whichever is closest.
What happens to your minutes and data when calls are forwarded
On a mobile phone with a traditional plan, a forwarded call uses minutes from your allowance just like any other incoming call. The person calling you doesn't pay extra — they're calling your original number. But you're the one receiving the call on a different device, so the minutes count against your plan.
If you forward to a long-distance or international number, some carriers charge long-distance rates for the forwarded call. Check your plan details or ask your carrier whether forwarding to specific numbers will cost extra.
On a VoIP service like Google Voice, forwarding typically uses your internet connection rather than minutes. If you forward to a mobile phone, that phone may use its own minutes to receive the call, depending on the carrier.
Call forwarding on landlines and business phones
Landline call forwarding works the same way as mobile forwarding — you set a destination number and calls redirect there. Many landline carriers let you manage forwarding through an online account portal, by phone, or through a physical box on your wall.
Business phone systems often have more advanced forwarding options, like routing calls to different departments based on the time of day, or sending overflow calls to a second line when the main line is busy. If you use a business phone system, your IT department or phone provider can explain what forwarding options are available on your account.
Why call forwarding might not work and how to fix it
If calls aren't forwarding, first check that the feature is actually turned on in your phone settings or your carrier's account. Forwarding can accidentally get switched off after a software update or a call to your carrier about something else.
If forwarding is on but calls still aren't going through, the destination number might be wrong. Call that number from another phone to make sure it's working and that you typed it correctly. Some carriers also require you to confirm the forwarding number before it activates — check your email or text messages for a confirmation request.
If you're forwarding to a number outside your country, your carrier may have blocked international forwarding for security reasons. Call customer service and ask them to enable it. Similarly, some carriers don't allow forwarding to certain types of numbers, like premium or toll numbers — your carrier can tell you if that's the issue.
Call forwarding versus voicemail and other alternatives
Call forwarding and voicemail serve different purposes. Voicemail records a message from the caller if you don't answer, and you listen to it later. Call forwarding sends the call to you in real time on another number. You can use both at the same time — forward calls to your backup number, and if you don't answer there either, the call goes to voicemail.
If you want to answer calls on multiple devices without forwarding, some phones offer a feature called Wi-Fi calling or dual SIM support, which lets you use two phone numbers on one device. Google Voice lets you assign a single phone number to multiple devices and answer from whichever one you pick up first.
For businesses, a virtual phone system or call routing service offers more control than basic forwarding — you can set rules based on time of day, send calls to different departments, and see call history in a dashboard. These services usually cost more than basic forwarding but give you much more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the person calling me know their call is being forwarded?
No. The caller sees your original phone number on their screen, not the forwarded number. From their perspective, they're calling you normally — they have no way to know the call is ringing somewhere else.
Can I forward calls to multiple numbers at the same time?
Yes, if your phone or carrier supports simultaneous forwarding. Both numbers ring at once, and whichever one you answer first takes the call. Not all carriers offer this, so check your phone settings or ask your carrier whether it's available on your plan.
What happens to my voicemail if I have call forwarding on?
Voicemail still works. If you don't answer on the forwarded number, the call goes to your voicemail after a set number of rings. You can listen to voicemail messages on your original phone or through your carrier's app.
Can I forward calls only during certain hours?
Basic call forwarding doesn't have scheduling built in — it's either on or off. Some carriers and phone systems let you set time-based rules, but you usually have to ask customer service to set this up. For more control, consider a virtual phone system or Google Voice, which both let you create schedules.
Does 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 phone is off, calls will still forward to the number you set. This is why forwarding is useful when you're away from your phone entirely.