Setting up call forwarding on Android

The modern rhythm of life requires constant availability, but there are situations when it is impossible to receive an incoming call on the main device. It is at such moments that the call forwardingfunction comes to the rescue. Many users find it difficult to find this option, since the menu location may differ depending on the smartphone model and operating system version.

The need to forward calls arises for various reasons: a weak network signal, a low battery, or the desire to combine several numbers for convenience. It is important to understand that this function is controlled not only through the phone interface, but also directly through the telecom operator’s network using special USSD codes. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods of activating and configuring the service.

Before you start changing the settings, it is worth noting that redirection is a paid service for most mobile operators. Tariffing for incoming forwarded calls depends on your tariff plan and the terms and conditions of your specific communications provider. Always check the cost of a minute of conversation when redirecting to avoid unexpected charges on your account.

Search for settings through the standard “Phone” application

The most obvious and frequently used method of managing calls is located directly in the app interface for making calls. However, Android smartphone manufacturers often change the menu structure, hiding the necessary items in different sections. In the classic shell Stock Androidused on smartphones Google Pixel and Moto, the path to the settings usually looks like this.

Open the application Phone and find the menu icon, which is most often represented by three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen. After clicking, select item Settings. In the list that opens, you need to look for the section related to accounts or directly to calls. On some devices, this item may be called Accounts or Advanced settings.

If you use smartphones from Samsung with a shell One UI, the search logic is slightly different. Here you need to click on the three dots, select Settings, and then scroll the list down to the item Additional services. It is within this section that all carrier-related parameters are hidden, including voicemail and forwarding. The interface may ask for permission to access network settings, which is normal system behavior.

• 📱 Open the dialer application.
• ⚙️ Tap on the menu (three dots) and select “Settings.”
• 📞 Go to the “Accounts” or “Additional Services” section.
• 🔄 Find the “Call Forwarding” item.

After going to the desired section, the system may require several seconds to load the current parameters from the operator. Don't be alarmed if the screen freezes for a moment - this is the data synchronization process. In some cases, especially when using two SIM cards, you will be asked to select which line you want to set up forwarding for.

Setting through the Android system menu

Alternate path to control calls lie through the global settings of the operating system. This method is especially relevant for devices with custom firmware, where the standard phone application can be replaced by a third-party solution. To get to the desired section, go to the main menu Settings of your device.

Depending on the Android version and the manufacturer's interface, the item you are looking for may be in the Applications, Network and Internet or Connectionssections. On smartphones Xiaomi with a shell MIUI or HyperOS there is often a direct item Calls in the main list of settings. When you click on it, a menu opens that duplicates the functions of the phone application, but with the possibility of deeper integration with the system.

It is worth noting that in the settings menu systems often display only basic parameters. To access advanced features such as conditional forwarding (when busy or unavailable), the system will still redirect you to the SIM card interface. This is due to the fact that the call processing logic is implemented on the side of the operator’s network equipment, and the phone acts only as a control panel.

⚠️ Attention: If the “Forwarding” item in the settings is inactive (grayed out), check whether the SIM card is installed correctly and whether there is a network signal. Without registering in the operator's network, changing parameters is impossible.

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, after updating the firmware, the path to the settings changes. In such cases, it is easier to use the search inside the settings menu. Enter the word “call” or “forwarding” into the search bar, and the system itself will suggest the desired section. This is a universal method that works on most modern devices, regardless of brand.

Using USSD codes to manage calls

The most reliable and fastest way to set up call forwarding, which works on absolutely any phone, even without access to the touch screen or settings menu, is to use USSD commands. These codes are sent directly to the carrier's server and execute the command instantly. They are universal for all GSM networks and do not depend on the model of your smartphone.

To activate various types of forwarding, there are standard codes approved by GSM specifications. You need to open the dialer application, enter the appropriate combination of characters and press the call button. The system will respond with a pop-up message about successful activation or an error if the service is unavailable.

21[phone number]# - Forwarding all incoming calls
67[phone number]# - Forwarding if the number is busy
62[phone number]# - Forwarding if the number is unavailable
61[phone number]# - Forwarding if there is no answer

To cancel the setting and return calls to your number, deactivation codes are used. The most common code for canceling all types of redirects is ##002#. You can also override specific conditions by replacing the asterisk with a hash at the beginning of the command, for example #21# to cancel all call forwarding. After entering the command, you will receive a notification from the network about the status of the operation.

• 🔢 Enter the activation code with the recipient number.
• 📞 Press the call button (green handset).
• ✅ Wait for a confirmation message from the operator.
• ❌ To cancel, use the code ##002#.

This means that instead of the usual eight at the beginning of the number, you need to use the country code, for Russia this +7 or 7. For example, to forward to the number 8-900-123-45-67, the command will look like *21*79001234567#.

Features of forwarding on dual-SIM smartphones

Owners of devices that support dual SIM cards face an additional level of complexity when setting up. Android allows you to manage settings for each SIM card independently, which gives you flexibility but requires careful consideration. When entering the forwarding menu, the system will definitely ask you to select a slot: SIM 1 or SIM 2.

Settings for the first and second cards may differ radically. For example, on the main SIM card you can set up forwarding to a colleague’s work number, and on the second SIM card to your home phone. The selection interface usually appears immediately after clicking on the “Call Forwarding” item in the phone settings.

Forwarding type	When it works	Recommended use
Always	For any incoming call	Complete number change, vacation
If busy	During a conversation on another line	Business, important negotiations
If unavailable	No network or phone is turned off	Poor reception areas, low battery
If there is no answer	After a certain time of beeps	When you cannot come right away

Some users mistakenly believe that the forwarding setting on one SIM card is automatically applied to the second. This is a misconception. Each line is serviced independently, and to activate the service on the second slot, you must repeat the setup procedure again, selecting the appropriate SIM profile.

What happens if you remove a SIM card with forwarding configured?

The forwarding setting is stored on the operator's server, and not in the phone's memory. Therefore, if you remove the SIM card or move it to another device, forwarding will continue to work. Calls will be redirected to the specified number until you cancel the service with a cancellation code or through the settings.

Checking the status and disabling the service

After setting up, it is important to make sure that the service is active and working correctly. There are also special USSD codes to check the current forwarding status. The command #21# allows you to find out whether all call forwarding is active and to which number it is configured. Similar commands work for other conditions: #61# (no answer), #62# (unavailable), #67# (busy).

Disabling the service may be necessary when the need to redirect calls is no longer necessary. The easiest way is to use a universal cancellation code ##002#which erases all forwarding settings for all condition types at the same time. This ensures that no calls are missed or diverted accidentally.

If you prefer to use the GUI, return to the call settings menu described in the first sections. Select the type of forwarding that you want to disable and press the button Disable or switch the toggle switch to the inactive position. The system will send a request to the operator and update the status of the service.

⚠️ Attention: After disabling forwarding, be sure to check the status with the *#21# command to make sure that the operator’s server correctly accepted the reset command. Sometimes, due to temporary network failures, the setting may be saved.

In rare cases, when neither codes nor menu settings help disable the service, you may need to contact the support service of your mobile operator. This may be due to blocking of the service on the provider's side or technical work on the network. The operator will be able to forcefully reset the forwarding parameters in your profile.

Possible problems and solutions

When setting up forwarding, users may encounter various errors. One of the most common problems is the message “Error sending request” or “Failed to change setting.” Most often, this is due to the fact that the forwarding service is not activated on the tariff plan or is blocked by the operator.

Another common situation is that forwarding does not work at the right time. This may occur because the phone is in an area of ​​unstable reception and cannot send a request to the server when a call arrives. It is also worth checking whether the “Do Not Disturb” mode is set on your phone, which may conflict with the logic for processing incoming calls.

• 🚫 The service is not activated by the operator.
• 📶 Weak network signal at the time of setup.
• 🔒 Prohibition of changing settings in corporate plan.
• 📲 Conflict with third-party calling applications.

If you are using a third-party calling application downloaded from the app store, it may not have full access to the system call control features. In such cases, it is recommended to temporarily switch to the standard application Google Phone or the manufacturer’s native dialer to make settings.

⚠️ Attention: Tariffing for forwarded calls may differ from the standard one. In roaming, forwarding is often charged as an outgoing call from the country in which you are located, which can result in significant costs. Disable the service before traveling abroad.

Sometimes the problem lies in the number itself to which the forwarding is made. If this number is blocked, does not exist, or is also set to forward (creating a loop), the call will not go through. Make sure that the target number is active and capable of receiving incoming calls.

Why doesn't forwarding work on a dual-SIM phone?

Most often the problem is that the setting was applied to only one of the SIM cards. Check the settings for both slots. Also make sure that the second SIM card is active and registered on the network. If one of the cards operates in 2G/3G data-only mode, it may not support voice forwarding.

Is it possible to forward calls to a landline number?

Yes, technically this is possible. When entering a USSD code or setting up through the menu, enter the full landline phone number, including the area code, in international format. However, the pricing of such a call will depend on the conditions of your operator, since it will be a long-distance or international call.

How much does a minute of a forwarded call cost?

The cost depends on your tariff plan. Typically, incoming forwarded calls are charged as outgoing calls from your number to the number where the forwarding is going. In your home region, this may be free with a package of minutes, but in roaming the price can be high.

How do I know if my call is being forwarded?

The person you are calling usually does not see information that the call has been forwarded, unless he uses special applications or operator services. For yourself, you can check the status of active forwarding using the code *#21#.

What are conditional and unconditional forwarding?

Unconditional forwarding forwards all calls at once, preventing the phone from ringing. Conditional only works under certain circumstances: if the line is busy, the subscriber is unavailable or does not pick up after several rings.