Where to find the forwarding settings on Android: a complete guide

Setting up call forwarding is a basic but often hidden feature that allows you to avoid missing important calls when you are busy or out of network coverage. Many users get lost in the maze of menus on modern smartphones, as manufacturers constantly change the interface and layout of options. The answer to the question where are the forwarding settings in Androiddepends not so much on the version of the operating system, but on the specific shell of the manufacturer and your mobile operator.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to activate this function: from the standard “Phone” application to hidden USSD codes and personal accounts of operators. You will learn how to set up unconditional forwarding, forwarding when busy or no answer, and also understand why this option may not be active on your device. Android offers flexible tools for managing incoming calls, but access to them requires an understanding of the logic of network settings.

Before you start changing settings, it is important to understand how this technology works. Redirection is processed not by the smartphone itself, but by the equipment of your cellular operator. The phone only sends a command to the network server, indicating the number to which calls should be redirected. Therefore, even if you change your SIM card or phone, the settings may remain on the operator's side until they are reset.

Searching for settings through the standard “Phone” application

The most obvious and common way to find the menu you need is to use the built-in call application. In “clean” Android, which is used on Google Pixel, Motorola and some Nokia models, the path to settings is as unified as possible. You need to open the application Phone, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select the section Settings.

Next, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

• 📞 In the settings menu, find item Accounts for calls or Additional settings.
• 🔍 Select the active SIM card if you have a device with two SIM cards.
• ⚙️ Click on the section Call forwarding.
• 📝 Wait for the network poll - the phone will contact the operator’s server to obtain the current status.

After downloading the status, you will see four main options for forwarding: always when the line is busy, when there is no answer and when the phone is unavailable. For each of them you can set your target number. Please note that on some firmware this item may be called Operator settings, which sometimes misleads users.

⚠️ Attention: If, when you go to the forwarding menu, you see an endless loading or connection error, check your account balance and network availability. Commands are sent through voice communication channels, and if the signal is poor, the request may not go through.

Features of interfaces from Samsung, Xiaomi and other manufacturers

Large smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard interface Androidby adding your own shells, such as One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi. This causes traditional navigation paths to change. For example, on Samsung devices, the menu may be hidden deeper in the general system settings, and not just in the dialer application.

Let's consider the specifics of searching for settings on popular brands:

• 🇰🇷 Samsung: Go to general Settings phone → section Applications → select Phone → three dots in the corner → Settings → Additional services.
• 🇨🇳 Xiaomi / Redmi: Open Phone → three menu bars → Settings → Advanced settings → Call forwarding.
• 🇹🇼 Asus / Zenfone: The path is similar to stock Android, but sometimes you need to go to the Calls tab in the general settings of the device.

Owners of smartphones with two SIM cards should be especially careful. The interface will offer to configure forwarding separately for each SIM card. This allows you to implement complex scenarios, for example, redirecting calls from a work SIM card to a personal one, and from a personal SIM card to a home phone in the evening. Changes take effect instantly after clicking the “Enable” button or entering a number.

Sometimes manufacturers remove direct links to these settings for the sake of interface minimalism. In such cases, the system may redirect you to a page with USSD codes or offer to download the operator’s application. This is not a bug, but a feature of customizing the firmware, aimed at simplifying interaction with communication services.

Why do some phones not have a forwarding menu?

Some budget models or specific firmware (for example, Chinese versions without Google services) may not have a built-in interface for managing operator services. In this case, the only solution is to use USSD codes or call support.

Using USSD codes to manage forwarding

If the graphical interface is unavailable for some reason or does not work correctly, the most reliable method remains USSD requests. This is a universal method that works on any phone, from a push-button dialer to a flagship smartphone, since the command is processed directly by the operator’s network, bypassing the device software.

To control forwarding, a standard set of codes defined by the GSM specification is used. However, before using them, you need to know the number to which calls will be forwarded. Commands are entered into the dialing field in the same way as a regular telephone number, and are launched by the call button.

Basic commands for managing services:

• 🔢 *21*number# — activation of unconditional forwarding (all calls).
• 🔢 *67*number# — forwarding if the number busy.
• 🔢 *61*number# — forwarding if there is no answer.
• 🔢 ##002# —cancel all types of forwarding at the same time.

After entering the command, you will receive an SMS notification or a pop-up message on the screen confirming the activation of the service or indicating an error. This method is especially useful when roaming, when the phone's settings menu may try to access your home network and throw errors. The USSD code is always sent to the operator whose SIM card is currently active to make a call.

⚠️ Attention: When using USSD codes, be extremely careful when entering the number. An error in one digit will result in your calls being lost to a stranger. Always double-check the number before pressing the call button.

Configuration through the operator’s personal account and applications

Modern mobile operators are striving to transfer all service management to a digital environment. Setting up forwarding via personal account on the operator’s website or in a proprietary application is often the most convenient way. This method allows you not only to enable the service, but also to view in detail the history of call forwarding and the cost of a minute of conversation depending on the tariff.

Advantages of using operator applications:

1. Visual interface with clear switches.
2. Ability to set up a work schedule forwarding.
3. Instantly receive notifications about the status of the service.

To find the desired option, go to your operator’s application (for example, “My MTS”, “Megafon”, “Beeline”, “Tele2”) and go to the “Services” or “Tariff” section. There is usually a “Calls” or “Forwarding” category. The application interface is regularly updated, so the location of the buttons may vary slightly.

In the application, this information is usually displayed before confirming the action.

Table: Comparison of setup methods redirects

For the convenience of choosing a service management method, we have prepared a summary table comparing the main methods according to key parameters. This will help you quickly decide which option is suitable for your specific situation.

Setting method	Complexity	Network dependence	Visibility
Phone menu (Android)	Low	Requires a stable signal	High
USSD codes	Medium (need to remember the code)	Minimum	Low (text message)
Operator application	Low	Requires mobile data	Very high
Call support	Low	Requires voice communication	Medium (verbal description)

As can be seen from the table, the phone menu provides the best balance between convenience and accessibility, but requires a network to poll the server. USSD codes benefit in situations with weak Internet, but are less intuitive. Operator applications offer maximum functions, but depend on mobile traffic.

Possible problems and solutions

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often encounter errors when trying to enable forwarding. The most common problem is the message “Error sending request” or “Failed to connect.” This may be due to the fact that the service is not connected on the operator’s side or is blocked on the tariff.

Another common situation arises when using corporate tariffs. Corporate network administrators often limit the ability to configure forwarding for employees for security reasons or to save budget funds. In this case, even the correct actions in the menu Settings will not lead to results.

Error: Call barring active
Solution: Check if blocking of outgoing/incoming calls is activated.

If you have changed your number-preserving operator (MNP), the forwarding settings may be confused or not work correctly due to the peculiarities of profile migration in the new network. In such cases, it is recommended to completely reset all code forwarding settings ##002# and configure them again through the new operator's application.

⚠️ Attention: Mobile application interfaces and phone settings menus are regularly updated by developers. If the described paths do not match your screen, use the search in your phone settings by entering the word “forwarding.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do operators charge for Call forwarding?

Yes, in most cases call forwarding is a paid service. Typically, you are charged per minute of forwarded call at your operator's rates. Sometimes there is a subscription fee for the very ability to use the function. The exact conditions depend on your tariff plan.

Is it possible to set up forwarding to the phone of another operator?

Yes, it is technically possible to redirect calls from the number of one operator (for example, MTS) to the number of another (for example, Beeline). However, the cost of such a minute of conversation can be significantly higher, since it is often charged as an outgoing call in roaming or on the network of another operator.

Why is the forwarding setting inactive (grayed) in the phone menu?

This can happen for several reasons: lack of network at the moment, blocking of the service by the operator, active Airplane mode or the use of VoLTE/VoWiFi, which sometimes conflict with old forwarding protocols. Try switching the network type in the settings to 3G/2G and try again.

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

The fastest way is to enter the USSD code *#21# and press call. The status of all types of forwarding will appear on the screen. This information can also be seen in the operator’s personal account or in the phone settings menu, where the number to which the forwarding will be indicated will be indicated.

Are forwarding settings reset when changing the SIM card?

No, since the settings are stored on the operator’s equipment, and not in the phone’s memory or on the SIM card. If you change the SIM card to another phone, forwarding will continue to work. To disable it, you need to send a cancel command or change the settings through your personal account.