Where to set up forwarding on Android: a complete guide

The modern rhythm of life dictates its own conditions, and it often happens that you cannot answer an important call right now. You are in an area with poor reception, engaged in another conversation, or simply left your smartphone in another room. At such moments, a function call forwardingcomes to the rescue, which will automatically redirect the incoming signal to another number or voicemail. This is not just a convenience, but often a necessity for those who cannot miss business calls.

The operating system Android implements several ways to activate this service. You can use hidden system codes, go into the deep phone settings menu, or use commands from your mobile operator. Each method has its own characteristics, and the choice of a specific option often depends on your device model and firmware version. Understanding these differences will help you quickly set up communications exactly the way you need.

It is important to note that call forwarding is a network service that is controlled not only by your phone, but also by the cell tower equipment. This means that even if the device is turned off or offline, the call can still be redirected if the service has been activated in advance. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods so that you can fully control your incoming calls and never miss important information.

Using USSD codes for quick management

The fastest and most universal way to set up call redirection is to use USSD requests. These codes work on almost all devices running Android, regardless of the shell manufacturer or operating system version. You do not need to search for the necessary items in the menu, just open the dialer and enter a certain combination of numbers.

Telecom operators have developed a unified code system that is standardized in many countries. However, it is worth considering that the tariffs for redirected calls may differ. If you redirect a call to your own operator's number, this may be free, but if redirected to other networks or abroad, additional charges may apply.

To activate unconditional forwarding (unconditional forwarding), when the call goes to another number immediately, preventing your phone from ringing, use the command *21*number#. To cancel this action, enter #21#. These are basic commands that are understandable to most network switches.

• 📞 *61*number# —activate forwarding if you do not pick up the phone (busy or no answer).
• 📞 *62*number# —forwarding if the phone is turned off or outside network coverage area.
• 📞 *67*number# — redirection only if the line is busy with a conversation.
• 📞 ##002# —complete cancellation of all types of voice call forwarding.

Using these codes allows you to instantly change the logic for processing incoming calls. This is especially useful in situations where you need to quickly adjust the phone's operation, for example, before a meeting or traveling while roaming.

⚠️ Attention: Before entering codes for forwarding to numbers of other operators, be sure to check the cost of this service with your telecom provider. Tariffs may differ significantly from the standard minute of conversation.

Setting up forwarding through the Android system menu

If you prefer a visual interface and are afraid of making mistakes in numbers, the operating system Android offers a built-in graphical tool for managing calls. The path to these settings may differ slightly depending on the model of your smartphone (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel and others), but the general logic remains the same.

Usually the settings are located in the “Phone” application. You need to open it, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen (menu) and select “Settings”. Next, look for the section related to accounts or calls directly. In some versions of the interface, this is hidden in the “More” or “Advanced” subsection.

Here you will see a list of SIM cards (if there are two) and forwarding options. The system itself will ask the network for the current status of the service. After this, fields for entering phone numbers will be available to you. This is a more visual method, as it allows you to see exactly what conditions have already been set.

• 📱 Open the application Phone and go to the settings menu.
• 📱 Find the section Calls or Accounts.
• 📱 Select the desired SIM card and press Call forwarding.
• 📱 Select the type (always when busy, unanswered, unavailable) and enter the number.

The advantage of the system menu is that it immediately shows the status of each option. You can see whether forwarding is enabled or not, and to which number it is configured. This eliminates the need to remember whether you activated the service with a code or not.

Why may the settings not open?

If when you click on a menu item you see a connection error or an endless wait, this means that the phone cannot contact the operator’s server to obtain the current status. Try turning airplane mode on and off or restarting the device.

Table of forwarding types and their purpose

To better navigate the settings, it is important to understand the difference between the types of call forwarding. Not all terms work the same, and choosing the right type depends on your specific situation. Below is a summary table that will help you understand the terms.

Forwarding type	When it works	Usage example	USSD code (activation)
Always (Unconditional)	Immediately when a call arrives	Vacation, meeting, phone is turned off	*21*number#
If busy (Busy)	During the second incoming call	Important negotiations, must not be interrupted	*67*number#
No Answer	If you didn’t pick up in 15-30 seconds	Phone in another room, noisy party	*61*number#
Unreachable	No network or phone turned off	Metro ride, low battery	*62*number#

Understanding these differences allows you to flexibly manage availability. For example, you can set up a forward to voicemail if you don't answer, but leave direct calls to important contacts if the phone is just busy.

It's worth remembering that the wait time before a No Answer forward is often regulated by the carrier, not the phone. The standard time is usually about 20-25 seconds, but in some cases it can be changed through special operator service codes.

Management through telecom operator applications

Modern mobile operators are trying to transfer all service management to the digital plane. For users Android this means the ability to set up forwarding through official applications such as “My MTS”, “My Beeline”, “My Tele2” or “My Megafon”. This is perhaps the most transparent way.

In the personal account of a mobile application there is usually a section “Services” or “Services”. There you can find a block related to calls. The advantage of this method is that you see current rates and conditions. The application itself will tell you whether redirection to the number of the same operator is free.

In addition, applications can often set up “smart” forwarding. For example, enable redirection only during certain hours or on certain days of the week. This flexibility is not available through standard USSD codes or the phone system menu.

• 📲 Download your operator's official application from Google Play.
• 📲 Log in using your phone number or via SMS code.
• 📲 Go to section Services → Communication (name may vary).
• 📲 Find the item Forwarding and activate the desired scenario.

Using operator applications also guarantees that the service is connected correctly from a billing point of view. You immediately see how much a minute of a forwarded call costs and can control costs in real time.

Features of forwarding on two SIM cards

Owners of smartphones with two active SIM cards are faced with additional nuances. C Android call settings are divided for each SIM card separately. This means that you can configure forwarding for the first card, while leaving the second one working as usual.

When you enter the call settings menu, the system will prompt you to select for which card you want to change the parameters. Be careful: if you enter a forwarding code in the dialer, it will be applied to the SIM card that is currently selected for making calls by default, or will require clarification.

This creates convenient usage scenarios. For example, you can set a work SIM card to be forwarded to a personal number after 18:00, but leave your personal SIM card unchanged. Or forward calls from both cards to one third number during the holiday period.

⚠️ Attention: When setting up forwarding on two SIM cards, make sure that the Caller ID service is activated on both numbers. Without transferring your number, redirection may not work correctly or may be blocked by the operator.

It is also worth considering the balance. If you forward calls, this may require credit, even if your incoming calls are free. Operators consider the forwarded call as coming from your side to a third subscriber.

Problems with forwarding and their solution

Despite the ease of setup, users sometimes encounter problems. The phone may write “Connection error” or “Failed to change forwarding settings.” Most often this is due to temporary failures in the operator’s network or incorrect format of the entered number.

One ​​of the common reasons is blocking of the service on the operator’s side. Some plans, especially archive or enterprise plans, may have restrictions on the use of forwarding. Also, the service may not be available if you have a negative balance.

If standard methods do not work, try a full reset of your call settings. This can be done through code ##002#that cancels all redirects. After this, try setting up the required condition again, carefully checking the number format (it is better to use the international format, for example, +7...).

In rare cases, the problem may lie in the software of the smartphone itself. Third-party calling applications (replacements for the standard dialer) may conflict with system forwarding settings. Try temporarily returning the standard application for testing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Am I charged for redirection if I am in roaming?

Yes, in roaming tariffs can be double. You may be charged for an incoming call (according to the terms of your roaming tariff) and for an outgoing call from your number to the forwarding number. The conditions greatly depend on the operator, so be sure to check this in your personal account before traveling.

Is it possible to redirect a call to a landline (landline) number?

Technically this is possible, but it depends on the rules of your telecom operator. Some providers only allow forwarding to mobile numbers, others allow any format. Check the possibility of such a service through the operator's application or support service.

Will forwarding work if the phone is completely turned off?

Yes, it will work, but only if you have previously configured the forwarding type “If unavailable” (*62*number#) or “Always” (*21*number#). The network knows that your phone is turned off and will redirect the call to the operator's server without trying to reach the device.

How do I know if I have redirection now?

The easiest way is to enter the code #21#. An information message from the network will appear on the screen indicating the forwarding status “Always” and the number to which it is configured. For other types, you can use codes #61#, #62#, #67#.

Does forwarding affect call quality or volume?

No, the forwarding service itself does not affect the quality of voice communication, speaker volume or microphone performance. This is a network signal routing function. If you hear interference, the problem is likely in the network coverage or characteristics of the phone.