Call forwarding is one of the basic, but often underestimated functions in the world of mobile communications, available to every owner of a smartphone based on Android. In simple words, it is a mechanism that automatically redirects an incoming call from your number to another specified phone number. Imagine the situation: you are in an area of poor reception or simply do not want to answer work calls on a weekend. Instead of missing calls or turning off your phone, you can set them to be forwarded to a colleague, home, or straight to voicemail.
Many users confuse call forwarding with simply rejecting a call, but the difference is fundamental. When rejected, the call is simply interrupted and the subscriber hears short beeps or an unavailable message. In the case of redirection the cellular operator's network system accepts the call for you and instantly connects it to the third number that you previously specified in the settings. This function works at the level of the operator's network, and not just your device, which guarantees that it will work even if the phone is turned off or out of range, depending on the selected type of redirection.
Understanding what does forwarding mean in the context of your plan, is critical to controlling costs. While incoming calls forwarded within your home network often remain free, forwarding to long distance or international numbers may be charged as an outgoing call from your device. Therefore, before activating this option, you should make sure that you know the conditions of your telecom operator in order to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the billing period.
Main types and modes of forwarding
The mobile communication system offers several call forwarding scenarios, each of which solves specific user problems. In smartphones based Android these settings are usually hidden in the dialer menu, but technically they are controlled by the network settings. The most common option is unconditional forwarding, in which absolutely all calls are sent to another number, without even giving your phone a chance to ring. This is an ideal option for completely transferring tasks to another person during vacation.
Other modes are conditional and only work under certain circumstances, which makes them more flexible in everyday use. For example, busy forwarding is useful for freelancers or support staff who can't respond right away but want to avoid a customer waiting in line. If the line is busy with a conversation, the second caller will automatically be redirected to the secretary or voice box.
There is also a no answer forwarding mode, which is activated if you do not pick up the phone after a certain number of rings. This allows you to first try to reach you personally, and only if you ignore the call, connect the subscriber to an alternative number. Finally, there is an unavailable redirection option that works when the phone is turned off or out of network coverage.
- 📞 Unconditional: All calls are redirected immediately, the phone does not ring.
- ⏳ When busy: Triggers if you are already on a call on another line.
- 🕒 If there is no answer: Activated after a series of unanswered beeps.
- 📶 If unavailable: Works when the phone is turned off or there is no network.
Use the “No answer” mode for personal numbers so as not to miss an urgent call if you just walked away from the phone, but at the same time give the opportunity to contact you through an alternative channel.
How to set up forwarding through the Android menu
The most intuitive way to control this function is to use the standard operating system interface. Although smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel, may design the menu slightly differently, the logic of action remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android. You don't need to be a technical expert to activate this option in a couple of clicks.
First, open the default Phone app that you use to dial a number. In the upper right corner of the screen there are usually three vertical dots or a gear icon indicating the settings menu. Clicking on this element will take you to the call configuration section. Here you need to find an item that may be called “Call forwarding”, “Advanced settings” or “Operator settings”. In some shells, this item is hidden deeper, in the “Accounts” or “SIM cards” section.
⚠️ Attention: If the “Call Forwarding” menu item is inactive (gray) or disappeared immediately after clicking, this means a connection problem. Make sure that you have a stable network signal, since to change these settings the phone must send a request to the operator's server.
After entering the forwarding menu, the system will prompt you to select the type of SIM card if the device has two installed. Next you will see a list of the four main modes that we talked about earlier. Select the desired scenario, for example, "Always Forward". A field for entering a phone number will open. Enter the number to which calls should be received, in international format (starting with a plus and country code), and confirm the action with the “Enable” or “Activate” button.
☑️ Checking forwarding settings
Management via USSD codes and engineering menu
For those who prefer speed or are faced with the fact that the graphical interface does not work correctly, there are special ones USSD codes. This is the universal language of communication between your phone and the equipment of the cellular operator. Commands are entered directly into the dialing field as a regular telephone number and are launched with the call button. This method works on any device, regardless of the version Android or smartphone model.
Standard GSM codes are the same for most operators in the world, which makes them a reliable tool. For example, to activate unconditional forwarding to the number 79001234567, you need to enter the combination *21*79001234567# and press the call button. The system will instantly process the request and issue a success notification. To disable this function, use the code #21#. Similar combinations exist for other conditions: busy, unanswered and unavailable.
*21*number# - Enable unconditional forwarding
#21# - Disable unconditional forwarding
*67*number# - Enable forwarding when busy
#67# — Disable call forwarding when busy
*61*number# — Enable when there is no answer
#61# — Disable when there is no answer
*62*number# — Enable when unavailable
#62# — Disable when unavailable
##002# - Cancel all types of forwarding at once
In addition to manually entering numbers, there is a useful command for checking the current status of all types of forwarding. By entering the code *#21# and clicking call, you will receive a pop-up window with detailed information about which numbers and under what conditions your calls are currently forwarded. This is a great way to make sure that you don't forget to turn off forwarding to someone else's number after a temporary need.
What to do if the code gives a connection error?
If, when entering the USSD code, you see a message about a connection error or incorrect MMI code, try rebooting the phone. Also make sure that the forwarding service is generally available on your tariff plan - some budget tariffs may block this function by default.
Comparison table of setup methods
The choice between using the settings menu Android and entering USSD commands depends on your preferences and specific situation. Below is a comparative table that will help you determine which method will be more effective for you in different usage scenarios.
| Criteria | Android settings menu | USSD codes | Operator application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access speed | Medium (you need to search in the menu) | High (keyboard input) | Low (launching the application) |
| Visibility | High (clear interface) | Low (text messages) | High (graphical interface) |
| Internet dependence | Not required | Not required | Often required |
| Universal | Depends on OS version | Works on all phones | Only for operator clients |
USSD codes are the most reliable method of managing forwarding, since they work directly with the operator’s network and do not depend on a software glitch in the interface of your smartphone.
Features of working on dual-SIM smartphones
Owners of devices that support dual SIM cards face an additional level of complexity when setting up call forwarding. In modern smartphones based on Android each SIM card is considered by the system as an independent communication module with its own settings. This means that enabling forwarding on the first SIM card will in no way affect the operation of the second.
When entering the call settings menu, the system will definitely ask you to select an active card for configuration. You will need to sequentially go into the settings of the first SIM card, configure the necessary parameters, and then repeat the procedure for the second. This is important to consider if you use one card for personal calls and the other for work, and want to forward only work calls to a colleague, leaving the personal number active.
It is worth noting that some older phone models or specific firmware may have restrictions on simultaneous activation of forwarding on both cards, especially if the standby mode of the same network is used. However, on modern devices that support 4G and 5G, there are practically no such restrictions, and you can flexibly combine modes for different numbers.
⚠️ Attention: When setting up forwarding on a dual-SIM device, carefully monitor which number is displayed in the status bar when you enter the USSD code. Very often, users accidentally set up forwarding on the wrong SIM card, which is why calls go to the wrong place.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the function, users often encounter situations where forwarding does not turn on or works incorrect. The most common reason is the lack of support for this service by the telecom operator on a specific tariff plan. Some budget offers may have the forwarding feature disabled by default or require a separate paid subscription.
Another common problem is the incorrect format of the entered number. The system may not accept a number if it is written without a country code or with extra characters. Always use the international format starting with a plus sign. In addition, if you are trying to redirect a call to a number that is itself roaming or blocked, the operator may reject the request to activate the service.
- ❌ MMI error: Try entering the code slowly or reboot the device.
- 🚫 Service blocked: Contact operator support for clarification tariff.
- 📵 No network: Make sure that the signal indicator shows a stable connection before setting up.
- 🔢 Wrong number: Check for the presence of the country code and the absence of spaces in the forwarding number.
If none of the methods helps, and the settings menu constantly gives an error, the problem may lie in the software of the smartphone itself. In rare cases, resetting the network settings (not completely resetting the phone, but resetting the mobile network settings) can help restore correct communication with the operator’s equipment and unlock the ability to change forwarding settings.
Before calling operator support, try inserting your SIM card into another phone. If forwarding works there, then the problem is in the settings of your main smartphone, and not in the operator’s services.
Will you be charged for forwarded calls?
Yes, in most cases, a forwarded call is charged as an outgoing call from your number to the forwarding number. If you forward a call to a number in your area, it usually costs as much as a minute on your call rate. If the call goes to a number in another city or country, the payment will correspond to the tariffs for long-distance or international calls.
Will the caller know that the call has been forwarded?
As a rule, no. For the person calling you, the process looks like a regular call. He hears beeps and then the voice of the person to whom the forwarding is configured. The standard GSM network does not provide any special sound signals or messages indicating that the call has been forwarded, although some modern smartphones can display the call status in the log.
Is it possible to forward a call to a landline number?
Yes, technically this is possible. You can specify any valid phone number in the settings, including landline city numbers. The main condition is to correctly enter the city code and number in international format. However, make sure that your tariff plan allows calls to landline numbers, as this is the call that will be emulated by the network.
What is the code ##002# and when to use it?
The code ##002# is a universal command for completely canceling all types of forwarding of voice, data and fax calls (if supported). This is the fastest way to “reset” all forwarding settings if you suspect that someone else’s forwarding is activated on your number, or just want to return everything to its original state in one action.
Does forwarding work if the phone is turned off?
It depends on the type of forwarding. The “When unavailable” mode (62) works precisely when the phone is turned off or outside the network area, since the signal is processed by the operator’s equipment before it tries to reach your device. However, the “No answer” mode will not work when the phone is turned off, since the network will not be able to initiate the call process to your device to count down the waiting time.