The call forwarding function is a powerful mobile communication tool that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number or to an answering machine. However, there are situations when this option is enabled accidentally, configured incorrectly, or simply prevents you from receiving calls directly to your Androidsmartphone. Users often encounter a situation where the caller hears beeps, but the phone does not ring, or the call is immediately dropped to voicemail.
Disabling this function may be necessary when changing operators, losing the SIM card to which the transfer was configured, or simply to save money, since some types of forwarding may be paid. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to deactivate call forwarding: through the standard settings menu, using special USSD commands and through the services of your mobile operator.
It is important to understand that managing call forwarding often depends not only on the model of your phone, but also on the capabilities Mobile network. Sometimes settings on your phone may not apply due to carrier restrictions. Therefore, we will look at a comprehensive approach that will help you ensure that you regain control of incoming calls.
Standard settings in the Phone application
The easiest and most obvious way to check and change call forwarding settings is to use the built-in application to make calls. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (for example, OneUI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi), but the logic remains the same.
You need to open the “Phone” application and find the settings menu. It is usually hidden behind the three dots icon in the top corner of the screen or behind the gear icon. Inside the settings section, you should look for an item related to accounts or calls directly. In some firmware this section is called Call settings, and in others - Additional settings.
After going to the desired section, you will see a list of call management options. We are interested in item Call Forwarding. When you click on it, the system will send a request to the operator’s network to obtain the current status of the settings. This process may take a few seconds, during which a loading indicator will be displayed.
When the status loads, you will see four main types of forwarding. For each of them, you can choose an action: enable, disable or change the number. To completely remove redirection, you need to select the option Disable for each active type. If you see a third-party phone number there that you are not familiar with, this is a sure sign that forwarding was activated without your knowledge.
⚠️ Attention: If, when you try to change the settings, you receive a “Request Failed” or “Network Connection Error” error, this means that your telecom operator is blocking changes to settings through the phone menu. In this case, you need to use USSD codes.
☑️ Checking the forwarding settings
Universal USSD codes for disabling
If the smartphone menu does not allow you to change settings or does not work correctly, the most reliable method is to use USSD requests. These are special commands that are sent directly to the server of the cellular operator, bypassing the operating system interface Android.
There is a set of universal codes that work for most operators around the world. They allow you to manage different redirection scenarios. To disable all types of redirection at the same time, use the command ##002#. This is the fastest way to reset all network settings to factory defaults.
If you want to disable only certain types of calls, you can use more specific commands. For example, to cancel forwarding only when the line is busy, use the code ##67#. To cancel redirection if there is no answer - ##61#, and if the subscriber is unavailable - ##62#.
These commands are entered directly into the dialing field, as with a normal call. After entering the code and pressing the call button, a notification from the operator will appear on the screen about the successful completion of the operation or about an error. This works on any device, even if your sensor is broken or the interface does not load.
- 📞
##002#— Disable absolutely all types of forwarding (full reset). - 🚫
##67#— Disable forwarding if the number is busy. - ⏳
##61#— Disable forwarding if there is no answer. - 📶
##62#— Disable forwarding when the phone is unavailable.
Before using codes, write down the current settings if you need them. After executing the command ##002#, it will be impossible to restore them automatically without re-entering the numbers.
Specific settings for different telecom operators
Although universal codes work in most cases, large mobile operators often have their own, extended commands or services for managing services. This is due to the fact that different providers may implement unique types of forwarding, for example, to voicemail with special charging conditions.
For example, some operators have a “Default forwarding” service, which is activated automatically when registering on the network. Sometimes it is not possible to disable it using standard codes. In such cases, the use of specialized commands is required, which can be found in the subscriber’s personal account or on the operator’s official website in the help section. ##... sometimes it doesn't work out. In such cases, the use of specialized commands is required, which can be found in the subscriber’s personal account or on the operator’s official website in the help section.
Roaming should also be taken into account. If you are abroad, the forwarding rules may change. In international roaming, incoming calls forwarded to another number can be charged as two international calls: from the caller to you and from you to the new number. This may lead to unexpected expenses.
| Forwarding type | Trigger condition | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Unconditional | All calls at once | Disable if not in constant use |
| By busy | You are talking on another phone | Leave it on for important contacts |
| By timer | Didn't pick up in 15-30 sec | Check if it leads to a paid service |
| If unavailable | The phone is turned off or there is no network | Useful for missing important calls |
⚠️ Attention: Tariff plans and conditions roaming rates are constantly changing. Before activating or deactivating services while traveling, be sure to check the current tariff conditions in the official application of your operator or your personal account.
Forwarding to voicemail and answering machine
A particular and very common case of redirection is redirection to a voicemail service. Many users confuse this function with regular forwarding to a number, but technically this is often a separate service tied to a SIM card. On smartphones Pixel or devices with “clean” Android control of this can be placed in a separate application.
If your phone immediately hangs up the call after one ring and the caller hears the answering machine greeting, most likely, unconditional forwarding to the voicemail number is activated. To fix this, you need to find out your answering machine number. Usually this is a short number starting with special numbers depending on the operator.
In the phone settings, you can try to change the number to which the forwarding is performed to your own, or simply disable this option. However, if the operator has strictly tied this service to the SIM card profile, changing the settings in the menu Call settings may not have an effect. In this case, only a call to the support service or disabling the service through the operator's USSD menu will help.
There is a nuance with visual voicemail. If you use a carrier app to listen to messages, turning off forwarding on the system may cause callers to stop leaving messages and you won't see notifications in the app. Here it is important to find a balance between convenience and direct call reception.
How to find out your voicemail number?
Usually you can find out your voicemail number by dialing a short code, for example, *110*10# (the code depends on the operator), or by calling a special service number. Also, the number is often indicated in the contract or personal account. Try holding down the number 1 on the dialing keypad - often this is a quick call to the answering machine.
Problems with a dual SIM card (Dual SIM)
Owners of smartphones with support for two SIM cards are faced with managing call forwarding more often than others. In the system Android Call settings for each SIM card are separated. This means that by disabling forwarding on one card, you can leave it active on the second without even knowing it.
When you enter the call settings menu, the system will prompt you to select which SIM card you want to configure. It is necessary to check both cards sequentially. It often happens that the second SIM card is rarely used, and the settings on it remain factory or outdated, which leads to leakage of calls.
In addition, in Dual SIM mode, the “Forwarding when unavailable” function can be active for the second card when the first one is in an active conversation. This is a complex logical chain that depends on the implementation of the modem in your device. If you notice missed calls to only one of the cards, check its individual settings.
- 📱 Go to the call settings and select SIM-1.
- 🔍 Check all 4 types of forwarding and disable the unnecessary ones.
- 🔄 Switch to the settings menu for SIM-2.
- ✅ Repeat the verification and disconnection procedure for the second card.
⚠️ Attention: On some older smartphone models with two SIM cards, changing settings on one card may temporarily interrupt the network on the second. Wait for the network icons to appear before changing the settings of the second SIM card.
In smartphones with two SIM cards, forwarding settings are stored and applied independently for each card. Checking only one of them does not guarantee complete disabling of the service.
Diagnostics and solving problems through the engineering menu
In difficult cases, when standard methods do not work, you can resort to using the smartphone’s engineering menu. This is a hidden section of the system intended for testing equipment and networks. It is accessed through special codes that depend on the device processor (MediaTek, Qualcomm, Exynos).
For example, for devices based on MediaTek code often works ##4636##. Once in the menu, you need to select a section Information about the phone. There may be additional switches that control the behavior of the network, but caution is required when using this method. Incorrectly changing the parameters can lead to loss of connection.
It is worth noting that in modern versions Android (starting from 10 and higher) access to many functions of the engineering menu via USSD codes is closed for security reasons. Manufacturers hide these features from ordinary users. Therefore, this method should be considered as a last resort if you have sufficient technical qualifications.
If you accidentally changed the settings in the engineering menu and the phone stopped receiving the network, do not panic. Usually, simply restarting the device or resetting the network settings to factory settings through the menu helps. Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.
##4636## - Code to enter the test menu (does not work on all devices)What to do if the code is engineering the menu does not work?
If entering the code does not open the menu, it means that the manufacturer of your smartphone has blocked this feature in the firmware. Try installing the “Mtk Engineering Mode” application from the Play Store, but keep in mind that on Android 11+ it may also not work without root access.
Why does forwarding turn on automatically after shutdown?
This may occur due to synchronization with the operator’s cloud account or a malfunction of the SIM card profile. Also, some viruses or malicious applications may have permission to change phone settings and force redirection to intercept verification codes (SMS). It is recommended to check installed applications and access rights.
Does disabling call forwarding affect the quality of communication?
No, disabling call forwarding does not affect the quality of voice communication or Internet speed. This function only redirects the incoming signal to another number. When it is disabled, the call goes directly to your device, which may even speed up the connection a little.
Is it possible to set up forwarding only for specific contacts?
It is not possible to set up forwarding only for selected contacts using standard network and Android tools. This feature works globally for all incoming calls. For selective redirection, you need to use third-party autoresponder applications or the functions of the smartphone itself, if they support automation scripts.
Do they charge money to disable forwarding?
In most cases, disabling the forwarding service is free. However, if you have a paid subscription to extended voicemail or the Secretary service, then disabling forwarding to this service will not cancel the subscription fee for the service itself. You need to disable the subscription in your personal account.
How to check if call forwarding is active without going into settings?
Ask a friend to call you when you are in an area of poor signal or when the phone is turned off. If the call does not go through immediately, but goes to dial tone or to another person’s answering machine, then forwarding is active. You can also dial the code *#21# to check the unconditional forwarding status.