To get your calls forwarded, you'll need to jump into your phone's built-in settings or use a few special codes from your carrier. It’s a simple feature, but don't underestimate it. This is a seriously powerful tool for managing how people reach you, making sure you never miss an important call, whether you're traveling, swamped with work, or just trying to build a better workflow.
Why Forwarding Calls Is a Modern Necessity
In a world where everyone expects you to be available 24/7, call forwarding has grown from a handy trick into a must-have strategy. It’s not just about bouncing a call to another phone when you can't pick up anymore. Today, it’s a core piece of professional communication and smart time management.
For entrepreneurs and small business owners, it’s all about creating a polished, professional image. Think about it: routing calls from your personal cell to a 24/7 AI phone assistant or a virtual receptionist means every client gets a professional greeting. It doesn't matter if you're on a job site or in a meeting with another customer—the experience is seamless. That’s how you build trust and stop opportunities from slipping through the cracks.
Practical Scenarios for Call Forwarding
The uses for this go way beyond the small business owner. The ability to redirect calls is a total game-changer in a bunch of situations:
- For the Frequent Traveler: This is a classic. Rerouting calls from your main number to a local SIM card can slash those insane international roaming fees. It’s a simple move for staying connected and in control on holiday without the heart attack when you see your next phone bill.
- For On-Call Teams: Instead of passing around a bunch of personal numbers, you can have a single, rotating on-call number that forwards to whoever is on duty. It makes life so much easier for customers and your own staff.
- For Work-Life Balance: This one is my favorite. Set up conditional forwarding to shoot all work-related calls straight to voicemail after 5 PM. It creates a real boundary, letting you actually disconnect without turning your phone off completely.
By directing calls based on timing, who's calling, or your own availability, you're doing more than just forwarding a ring—you're implementing a basic form of call management. It's the first step toward a communication system that's actually organized and responsive.
The Evolution of Call Management
This technology has come a long way. What started as something an operator had to do for you back in the 1990s is now built into cloud platforms serving hundreds of millions.
By 2025, advanced forwarding is just a standard feature in unified communications systems, letting businesses send calls to any device, anywhere on the planet. To get a better sense of the tech behind this, check out our deep dive on https://www.marlie.ai/blog/what-is-call-routing. It all points to a massive shift toward software-driven communication, a trend that’s incredibly easy to tap into yourself.
Forwarding Calls Directly From Your iPhone or Android
Often, the simplest way to get your calls rerouted is sitting right in your pocket. Both iOS and Android have call forwarding baked directly into their settings, letting you handle everything on the device itself without messing with carrier codes or calling customer service.
This is your go-to method for what’s called unconditional forwarding—where every single call that comes to your number gets sent somewhere else, no questions asked. It's the perfect "set it and forget it" solution when you know you'll be unreachable for a while, like during a vacation or if you're dedicating a specific phone line to a project.
How to Forward Calls on an iPhone
Apple makes this process incredibly straightforward. Because the iOS interface is so consistent across devices, you can usually get this done in less than a minute.
Just follow this path:
- Head into the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Find and select the Call Forwarding option.
- Flip the toggle switch on (it’ll turn green).
- Tap Forward To and punch in the complete phone number you want calls sent to, area code and all.
Once you’ve entered the number and tapped back, the setting is saved. From that moment on, every voice call to your iPhone will be redirected until you come back to this screen and toggle it off. Simple as that.
Navigating Call Forwarding on Android Devices
One of Android's biggest advantages is its flexibility, but that also means settings aren't always in the exact same spot on every phone. Setting up call forwarding might look a little different on a Google Pixel versus a Samsung Galaxy, but the core idea is always the same.
No matter the brand, you’ll almost always start in your phone’s main dialer app.
For Google Pixel Phones (and most stock Android):
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, then choose Settings.
- Navigate to Calls > Call forwarding.
- You’ll see a few options; tap Always forward and enter your desired number.
For Samsung Galaxy Phones:
- Launch the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
- Go to Supplementary services, then tap Call forwarding.
- Under the "Voice calls" section, select Always forward and type in the number.
This direct-from-device approach works great for personal use or for professionals who just need a quick way to manage their calls. It’s a fantastic starting point.
However, if you're managing a team or need more sophisticated call routing rules, you'll quickly outgrow these basic settings. That's when looking into a dedicated phone system for remote workers makes sense, as it gives you far more control and flexibility.
Using Carrier Codes for Instant Call Forwarding
Poking around in your phone's settings works, but let's be honest, it’s not exactly fast when you need to forward cell phone calls on the fly. For anyone who prefers a more direct route, there's a powerful shortcut that works on just about any phone, no matter who made it or what OS it's running.
The trick is using what are known as Man-Machine Interface (MMI) codes, or more commonly, "star codes." These are simple little commands you punch right into your phone's dialer to talk directly to your carrier's network. Think of them as universal shortcuts that let you skip the menu-diving and take instant control of your calls.
The Power of the Dial Pad
Instead of tapping through screen after screen, you can turn call forwarding on or off in a matter of seconds. This is a game-changer for professionals who are constantly switching between taking calls on their personal phone and sending them to an office line, a virtual assistant, or a team member.
Picture a contractor wrapping up at a job site. Before even starting the truck, they can punch in a quick code to forward all incoming calls to their office administrator. Just like that, no new leads are missed while they're driving. It’s a much faster, more nimble way to manage your availability.
The real beauty of MMI codes is that they work for everyone. It doesn't matter if you have the latest iPhone or an older Android model—these network-level commands do the same job, making them an incredibly reliable tool.
A Quick Reference for Major Carriers
Most MMI codes are standardized because carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile use the same underlying GSM network technology. Verizon, however, does things a little differently.
To help you get started, here’s a quick reference table with the most common codes. Just type the code into your dialer and hit the call button, exactly like you're making a phone call.
Common Carrier MMI Codes for Call Forwarding
| Action | Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Activate Forwarding | **21*PHONE-NUMBER# |
**21*12125551234# |
| Deactivate Forwarding | ##21# |
##21# |
| Check Status | *#21# |
*#21# |
Note: These codes are primarily for AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon uses a slightly different system.
For Verizon customers, the codes are even simpler:
- To activate forwarding, dial
*72immediately followed by the phone number (e.g.,*722125551234). - To deactivate forwarding, just dial
*73.
These codes are your go-to for unconditional forwarding, which means every single call gets rerouted. This is a foundational skill for taking active control of your call flow. And if you're juggling calls for your business, combining these forwarding tricks with a more structured setup can be incredibly effective. You can learn more about how to approach this by exploring options for multiple business phone lines.
Unlocking Advanced Conditional Call Forwarding
Basic call forwarding is an all-or-nothing game—every single call gets routed to another number. While it has its uses, it definitely lacks nuance. The real power move is conditional call forwarding, a much smarter system that gives you precise control over when and why your calls get rerouted.
Instead of a blunt instrument, think of this as creating a specific set of rules for your phone. This approach lets you forward calls based on what’s actually happening in the moment, turning a simple feature into a sophisticated call management strategy. It ensures that no matter the circumstance, your callers are always handled exactly the way you want.
This decision tree gives you a simple way to think about when and why you might need to forward your calls.
The flowchart visualizes that primary decision point, guiding you toward using these forwarding tools right when you need them.
The Three Pillars of Conditional Forwarding
Conditional forwarding really boils down to three distinct scenarios, each triggered by its own unique MMI code. This is how you can build a customized call flow that adapts to your availability in real-time.
- Forward When Busy (
*67*): This rule kicks in only when you're already on another call. Instead of the new caller hitting a busy signal, their call is instantly sent to the number you’ve designated. It's perfect for routing a second incoming call to a colleague or an AI assistant who can help out immediately. - Forward When Unanswered (
*61*): If you don't pick up after a certain number of rings (usually about 15-20 seconds), this rule takes over. This is the ideal way to send missed calls to your main office line, a dedicated voicemail service, or a team member who can provide backup. - Forward When Unreachable (
*62*): This one’s for when your phone is turned off, in airplane mode, or just has no signal. It acts as a safety net, guaranteeing that if someone tries to reach you and can't get through, the call still gets captured by another line or service.
By combining these simple rules, you can build an incredibly resilient communication system. A potential client never hits a dead end, and you maintain a professional image even when you're completely unavailable.
Putting It All Into Practice
Using these codes is just as easy as the unconditional ones we covered earlier. You just dial the code, follow it with the 10-digit phone number you want to forward to, and then hit the pound sign (#).
For example, to forward your unanswered calls to (212) 555-1234, you would dial: *61*12125551234# and press the call button.
You can learn more about how these rules work together by checking out our complete guide on conditional call forwarding. It dives into even more detail and scenarios to help you master this technique.
This level of automated routing is essential in modern business. Contact centers have been using similar overflow logic for years to handle high call volumes. In fact, a staggering 61% of call center managers reported a significant increase in call volumes since 2020, forcing them to rely more heavily on this kind of overflow forwarding to manage the load.
What to Know Before You Forward Calls
Setting up call forwarding is surprisingly easy, but it’s the fine print that can trip you up. Before you start to forward cell phone calls, it pays to spend a few minutes thinking through the potential costs, security risks, and simple best practices. A little foresight now can save you from a major headache—and a nasty bill—down the road.
Let's get the money talk out of the way. It’s a common myth that forwarding a call is "free" for you. The reality is your carrier sees the forwarded portion of the call as an outgoing call from your phone. That means it’s going to chew through your plan’s minutes just like any other call you dial yourself.
And if you happen to forward your calls to a long-distance number, you could find yourself paying long-distance rates, even if the original caller is right next door.
Staying Secure and Avoiding Scams
As useful as call forwarding is, it's also a tool that scammers love to exploit. A classic scam involves a fraudster tricking you into forwarding your calls to a phone number they control. Once they do that, they can start intercepting verification calls and one-time passcodes from your bank, email, or other sensitive accounts, giving them a backdoor to your life.
Never, ever forward your number to someone you don't know and trust completely. Be extremely skeptical of any unsolicited request to dial a strange code on your phone—it could be a hidden command to activate forwarding without you realizing it.
Here are a few simple rules to keep yourself safe:
- Verify Independently: If someone claiming to be from a company asks you to forward calls for "testing," just hang up. Find the company's official number and call them back directly to confirm.
- Check Your Status: Every so often, use your carrier’s MMI code (for many, it's dialing *#21#) to see if call forwarding is active on your line.
- Secure Your Account: Protect your mobile carrier account with a strong password and two-factor authentication. This stops crooks from logging in and changing your settings behind your back.
Unwanted calls are a huge part of the problem. If you’re looking for more ways to keep them at bay, our guide on how to block spam phone calls has a ton of practical strategies.
Simple Best Practices for Smooth Forwarding
Finally, a bit of common sense goes a long way. Always ask for permission before you decide to forward your line to another person’s number. Nobody appreciates an unexpected flood of your calls blowing up their phone.
Also, remember to turn the feature off when you don't need it anymore. It’s an easy thing to forget, but leaving it on can lead to a lot of missed calls and confusion for everyone. If you want to dive deeper into the technical side and see what different service providers offer, check out Snap-Dial's dedicated Call Forwarding page.
Not too long ago, forwarding calls internationally was absurdly expensive. Thankfully, modern VoIP technology has completely changed the game, cutting those costs by as much as 90% and making global communication a much more practical option.
Common Questions About Call Forwarding
Even after you get the hang of forwarding calls, a few practical questions always seem to pop up. It's totally normal. Getting straight answers to these is the key to using the feature with confidence and not getting hit with any nasty surprises.
Let’s tackle some of the most frequent ones I hear.
How Does Call Forwarding Affect My Bill?
This is probably the biggest one: will forwarding calls cost you extra? The short answer is yes, it absolutely can. When you forward a call, your carrier treats that second leg of the journey—the part from your phone to the new number—as a brand new, outgoing call.
That means it chews up your plan's minutes. And if you’re forwarding to a long-distance or international number? You’ll be on the hook for those rates, just as if you’d dialed it directly. It's a critical detail to keep in mind to avoid a shocking phone bill.
Will Forwarding Affect My Text Messages?
Another point of confusion is whether call forwarding messes with your texts. Thankfully, the two systems are completely separate.
You can rest easy on this one. Activating call forwarding will not affect your ability to send or receive SMS and MMS messages. The feature is designed to only redirect incoming voice calls. Your text conversations can carry on as usual without a single interruption.
How Can I Tell If My Calls Are Being Forwarded?
Here’s a tricky one. Your phone doesn't usually show a big, flashy icon letting you know forwarding is active. Because it's so subtle, it's incredibly easy to turn it on for a meeting and completely forget to turn it off.
So, how do you double-check? You’ve got a few solid options:
- Punch in an MMI Code: The quickest way is often to use a carrier code. Dialing
*#21#on most GSM networks (think AT&T and T-Mobile) will instantly show you the status of your unconditional forwarding. - Check Your Settings: You can always just pop back into the call forwarding menu on your iPhone or Android. The toggle switch will give you a clear yes or no.
- The Old-Fashioned Test: When in doubt, the simplest check is the most reliable. Just have a friend call you, or call your number from another phone. Seeing where the call actually rings gives you an immediate, definitive answer.
Getting into the habit of checking your forwarding status is a smart move. It stops you from accidentally ghosting important callers because you forgot to disable the feature after a vacation. It’s a simple check that keeps you in control.
A little bit of diligence here goes a long way. It ensures your calls are going exactly where you want them to, exactly when you need them to.
For any business, managing calls effectively isn't just about convenience—it's about never missing an opportunity. Instead of just forwarding calls to another line (and another voicemail), consider an assistant that works 24/7. Marlie Ai is an AI phone assistant that ensures every single call is answered instantly and professionally. Marlie can handle routine questions, book appointments, and screen leads, freeing you up to focus on the work that matters. See how an AI assistant can transform your business at https://www.marlie.ai.
