Where is forwarding in an Android phone

Managing incoming calls is one of the basic functions of any smartphone, but finding forwarding settings in modern versions of Android is becoming increasingly difficult. Operating system developers are constantly changing the menu structure, moving important options deeper into the settings or hiding them in specialized applications. Users often get lost trying to redirect calls to another number when the phone is turned off, busy or unavailable on the network.

In this article we will take a detailed look at where is forwarding in an Android phone on various device models and firmware versions. We will look at both standard paths through system settings and a universal method using USSD codes, which works even if the interface fails. You will understand the difference between the conditions of forwarding and learn how to quickly activate or disable this function.

Let's start with the fact that the location of the menu you are looking for directly depends on the manufacturer of your gadget. Shells like MIUI from Xiaomi, One UI from Samsung or ColorOS from Oppo have a unique interface logic. However, the overall structure remains similar, with call settings typically tied to the standard Phone app. If you cannot find the item you need right away, do not rush to reset the settings - most likely, it is simply hidden behind an additional click.

Searching for settings through the standard “Phone” application

The most obvious and logical way to manage calls is through the main dialing application. In pure Android, which is installed on Google Pixel, Motorola and some Nokia smartphones, this process is as standardized as possible. You need to open the application Phone, click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.

Next, the algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system. In Android 10 and newer, you often need to go to the Call accounts or Advanced settingssection. This is where the forwarding management menu is hidden. If you have a device with two SIM cards, the system will prompt you to select a specific card for configuration, since the settings are applied individually for each number.

For owners of Samsung devices, the path may look different. In the shell One UI settings are often placed in a separate application Settings of the smartphone itself, and not inside the dialer. However, the classic method via the menu (three dots) in the dialer app often works as well. The main thing is to look for a section related to operator services or additional communication functions.

In some cases, especially on custom firmware, the forwarding point may be called differently, for example, “Call forwarding” or “Operator services”. Don’t be afraid to explore all subsections of the call menu.

Setting up call forwarding on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones

Users of Xiaomi devices often encounter difficulties due to aggressive optimization of the MIUI or HyperOS system. Here the forwarding settings can be hidden quite deeply. The standard path looks like this: open the application Phone, click on the settings gear, then select Incoming call accounts. After this, you need to tap on the desired SIM card.

In the menu that opens, look for the item Advanced settings. It is inside this section that the option Call forwardingis usually located. The system may take a few seconds to download the current service status from the operator. If the download freezes, check your account balance and network availability, as the request cannot be processed without contacting the operator's database.

MIUI also allows you to quickly turn on and off various types of forwarding using toggles. You can enable forwarding of all voice calls or set conditions such as only when the line is busy. Please note that on some Redmi models with a simplified shell this item may not be available, and then the only solution is to use USSD commands.

It is worth noting an important feature: in new versions of MIUI Google sometimes replaces the standard one "dialer" to your application. In this case, the search logic returns to the “pure” Android described in the previous section. If you recently updated your firmware and cannot find the old menu item, check which application is installed by default for making calls.

Using USSD codes to manage call forwarding

If the graphical interface of your smartphone does not allow you to find the desired option or gives an error when you try to save settings, the most reliable method remains USSD codes. These are special commands that are entered directly into the dialing field, like a regular telephone number. They work at the operator network level and do not depend on the Android version or phone model.

A basic code is used to manage forwarding 21. To activate unconditional forwarding (when all calls go to another number regardless of the state of your phone), you need to enter a command in the format *21*phone_number# and press the call button. For example, to redirect calls to the number +79001234567, the command will look like 21+79001234567#.

There are also codes for conditional forwarding that work only under certain circumstances. These commands are more complex, but provide flexibility in managing incoming traffic. Below is a table with the main codes that work for most Big Four operators in Russia and the CIS countries.

Forwarding type	Activation command	Cancellation command	Status check
Unconditional (always)	*21*number#	#21#	*#21#
If the number is busy	*67*number#	#67#	*#67#
If there is no answer	*61*number#	#61#	*#61#
If the phone is turned off	*62*number#	#62#	*#62#

After entering the command and pressing the call button, you will receive a pop-up message from the operator about successful activation or error. If you receive a request error message, check that the phone number is entered correctly in international format (usually a “+” sign or country code is required). Also make sure that the forwarding service is available on your tariff plan.

What to do if the USSD code does not work?

If the command is not executed, additional services may be blocked on your tariff or the function must first be activated in the operator’s personal account. Try contacting support.

Setting features on Samsung Galaxy devices

Samsung smartphones have one of the most sophisticated shells One UI, but even here the settings may not be obvious to a beginner. In the latest versions of the software, the company has separated settings for SIM cards and general device settings. To find call forwarding, go to general Settings phone, scroll down to the section Applications and find there Phone.

Inside the Phone application menu, select Additional settings or Operator services. In some regions and firmware versions, this item may be called simply Call forwarding. The system will ask you to confirm the action, since changing these parameters affects the operation of the cellular network. Click “Allow” or “OK” to continue.

An interesting feature of Samsung is the ability to set up forwarding for video calls separately from voice calls. If you actively use video calling, check the corresponding tabs in the settings menu. It is also worth considering that when Do Not Disturb mode is turned on, forwarding may behave unpredictably, so it is better to test the settings with the standby mode active.

Owners of older Samsung A or J series models may encounter a simplified menu where call forwarding is placed directly in the main call settings screen. The logic of operation remains the same: selecting the type of forwarding, entering a number and activation. The main difference is the responsiveness of the interface, which may be slower on older devices due to hardware limitations.

Conditions and types of call forwarding

Understanding the difference between types of forwarding is critical to correctly configuring use cases. Not all users know that calls can be forwarded not only when the phone is turned off, but also in other specific situations. This allows you to flexibly manage availability for subscribers without the need to constantly turn the function on and off.

Let's consider the main types of conditions that are supported by GSM and LTE networks:

• 📞 Always: Absolutely all incoming calls are instantly redirected to the specified number. Your phone does not ring at all.
• 🚫 If busy: Forwarding works only if you are on another phone or manually rejecting an incoming call.
• ⏳ If there is no answer: Calls are forwarded if you have not answered the phone within a certain time (usually 15-30 seconds).
• 📴 If unavailable: The function is activated when the phone is turned off, out of network coverage, or in Airplane mode.

Setting the “If there is no answer” condition often requires an additional parameter - waiting time. In the smartphone menu you can see a field for entering seconds. The standard value is usually 20 seconds, but can be increased to 30 if you need more time to take your phone out of your bag or pocket.

⚠️ Attention: When activating “If No Answer” forwarding, make sure that the wait time on your phone is less than the wait time on the operator's side. Otherwise, the call may be dropped by the operator before forwarding to another number works.

Combining these settings allows you to create a reliable communication system. For example, you can set up forwarding to voicemail if there is no answer, and to the secretary's personal number if the line is busy. This flexibility is especially useful for entrepreneurs and freelancers who cannot miss an important call.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with proper configuration, users may encounter errors when activating call forwarding. The most common problem is the message “Connection request failed” or “Failed to change forwarding settings.” Most often, this is not due to a breakdown of the phone, but to restrictions on the part of the telecom operator or incorrect access rights.

Check your personal account balance. Many operators have a paid forwarding service, and payment may be charged both for activation and for each minute of the forwarded conversation. If the balance is negative or close to zero, the network will block the request to change the settings. Also make sure that the service itself is not blocked in your personal account.

Another common reason is a conflict in the VoLTE (Voice over LTE) settings. On some networks, when you have an active high-speed 4G call, standard forwarding commands may not go through. Try temporarily disabling VoLTE in the mobile network settings and try setting it up again through the menu or USSD code.

⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and available functions may vary depending on your mobile operator and region. If the menu on your phone looks different, check the official instructions on the telecom operator's website.

If all else fails, perform a complete reset of call settings. In the phone settings menu there is often an item Resetting call settings or Restore default values. This action will return all call settings to their original state, after which you can configure call forwarding again “from scratch.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does call forwarding affect on mobile data consumption?

No, voice call forwarding does not consume mobile data traffic. This is a voice service that is processed at the operator switch level. However, if you forward calls to a number that is roaming, special rates may apply.

Is it possible to set up forwarding if the phone is turned off?

It is not possible to set up forwarding remotely when the phone is turned off through the smartphone menu, since it requires a connection to the network to send the request. However, if the service was activated in advance, it will continue to work even when the device is turned off. You can change the settings through the operator’s personal account or by calling the support service.

Will money be charged for a forwarded call?

Yes, in most cases, a forwarded call is charged as an outgoing call from your number to the forwarding number. If both numbers are on the same network and in the same region, the call may be free according to your tariff, but technically it is considered outgoing.

How do I know if call forwarding is currently active on my number?

The fastest way is to enter the universal USSD code *#21# and press the call button. An information message from the operator will appear on the screen with the current status of unconditional forwarding and the number to which it is configured.

Why are forwarding settings reset after a reboot?

Forwarding settings are stored on the operator's side, and not in the phone's memory, so a reboot should not reset them. If this happens, you may have a third-party call management app installed that conflicts with system settings, or you may be experiencing a temporary outage in your operator's network.