In the modern world, mobile communications have become an integral part of life, and a missed important call can cost an expensive contract or ruin personal plans. Fortunately, the operating system Android provides users with powerful tools for managing incoming calls, allowing you to flexibly configure call routing. The forwarding function is indispensable in situations where you are out of network coverage, roaming, or simply cannot answer a call at the moment.
Setting up this option may seem difficult for beginners due to the variety of interfaces from different smartphone manufacturers. However, the basic principle of operation remains the same for most devices, be it a flagship Samsung Galaxy or a budget device from Xiaomi. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for activating call forwarding, from standard phone settings to using special USSD commands.
Main types of call forwarding
Before proceeding with the technical settings, it is important to understand which redirection scenarios are available to the user. Cellular operators and smartphone software typically offer four main modes of operation. The specific type you choose depends on your current needs and situation.
Unconditional forwarding is the most radical option. When activated, all incoming calls are immediately forwarded to the specified number, even if your phone is lying next to you and is ready to receive a call. Your device in this mode usually does not ring at all, and the caller hears beeps already on the number where the transfer occurred.
The remaining types of forwarding are conditional and work only under certain circumstances. This allows you to maintain control over the connection, forwarding calls only when you really cannot answer. Forward when busy will work if you are in another conversation, and Forward when no answer will turn on if you have not picked up after a certain number of rings.
- 📞 Always forward: all calls go to another number instantly.
- ⏳ If unavailable: triggered when the phone is turned off or there is no network.
- 🗣️ If busy: transfer a call during your conversation with another by the subscriber.
- ⏰ If does not answer: activation after the response timeout has expired.
Setting through the standard phone menu
The most convenient and safest way to manage call forwarding is to use the built-in operating system interface. This method does not require memorizing complex codes and provides clear information about the status of each service. The path to the settings may differ slightly depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell.
First, open the standard application Phone, which you use to make calls. This is usually the green tube in the bottom navigation bar. Next, you need to find the additional settings menu, which is most often hidden behind three dots in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. After clicking on this icon, select Settings or Options.
In the menu that opens, look for the section related to operator services or accounts. On pure Android this can be called Additional settings, and on devices Samsung — Additional services. The system may request confirmation of the action or a pause for connecting to the operator’s server in order to obtain the current status of services.
☑️ Check before setting
After entering the appropriate section, you will see a list of the four types of forwarding that we talked about earlier. By clicking on any of them, the system will prompt you to enter a phone number to which calls will be redirected. Enter the number in international format or select a contact from the phone book. After confirming the setting, the status will change to Enabled.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models with two SIM cards, forwarding settings are located in separate submenus for each SIM card. Make sure that you are setting up exactly the card that receives targeted calls.
Using USSD codes for quick control
For those who prefer speed and versatility, there is a setup method via USSD requests. This method works on any phone, even the oldest one, and does not depend on the version of the operating system or the availability of Internet access. Commands are entered directly into the dialing field, like a regular telephone number.
Universal GSM codes allow you to manage services directly through the operator’s network. For example, to enable unconditional forwarding to the number 79990000000, you need to dial the command *21*79990000000# and press the call button. The system will instantly process the request and send a notification about successful activation.
21[phone number]# - enable all call forwarding#21# - disable all call forwarding
*#21# - check forwarding status
The codes for conditional redirects. To redirect calls when the line is busy, the prefix 67is used, and for the “no answer” situation, the prefix 61is used. Disabling these services is done by replacing the asterisk after the prefix with a hash, for example #67#. This knowledge can save you in a situation where the phone menu is frozen or does not work correctly.
Why USSD codes may not work?
Sometimes telecom operators change standard GSM codes to their own. If the universal command gives an error, check the current codes in your operator’s personal account or on the official website.
Most often you need to enter a number without a plus, starting with the country code (for example, 7 for Russia). An error in one digit will result in calls being sent to an unknown subscriber, and you may lose important information.
Setting features on different smartphone models
Despite a single basis Android, manufacturers actively modify the interface, which sometimes makes it difficult to find the necessary menu items. Understanding the logic of the location of settings in popular shells will help save time and avoid unnecessary confusion when you first get acquainted with the device.
In smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI the path to the settings looks like this: application Phone → three menu points → Settings → Additional services. Here you may need to wait a few seconds while the phone polls the network. The interface is designed in a minimalist style with large switches.
Devices Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco with a shell MIUI or HyperOS often hide these functions deeper. The path may look like this: Settings (general phone settings) → Applications → System application settings → Calls → Accounts operator. This multi-level structure sometimes confuses users accustomed to more direct access.
| Smartphone brand | Path to settings | Interface features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Phone → Settings → Additional. services | Direct access, fast network response |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Settings → Applications → System → Calls | Multi-level menu, separation by SIM |
| Google Pixel | Phone → Settings → Accounts | Pure Android, minimalism |
| Huawei / Honor | Phone → Menu → Settings → Forwarding | Separate item in the main call menu |
If you cannot find the settings in the menu, use the search by phone settings. Enter the word “forwarding” or “calls” into the search bar in the main system settings menu.
On smartphones Google Pixel and other devices with clean Android the logic is as simple as possible. After selecting an operator account, the settings are loaded almost instantly. However, it is worth considering that on dual-SIM devices, the settings only apply to the currently selected active SIM card for outgoing calls, unless you switch manually.
Forwarding through operator applications
Modern mobile operators offer their subscribers convenient mobile applications that become a powerful alternative to standard phone settings. Through your personal account in the application, you can manage communication services without delving into the technical features of a specific smartphone model.
This method has a number of advantages. Firstly, the application interface is usually more friendly and understandable than dry system menus Android. Secondly, you see the current tariffs and conditions for connecting to the service, which eliminates surprises with debits. Thirdly, the setup takes place on the operator’s network side, so it is guaranteed to work correctly.
To use this method, download the official application of your operator (My MTS, My Beeline, My Tele2 etc.) and log in to it. In the Services or Service Management section, find the category related to calls. There you will find a forwarding option, where you can not only turn it on, but also choose a beautiful number or set up a schedule for the service.
⚠️ Attention: Forwarding services are connected through the operator's application, may be paid according to your tariff plan. Be sure to check the cost per minute of the forwarded call before activation to avoid unexpected costs.
Using the operator application is the most reliable way to avoid settings conflicts between the phone and the network, as well as control costs.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter difficulties during activation redirects. Understanding the causes of errors will help you quickly troubleshoot problems and regain control over incoming calls without contacting support.
One of the most common problems is the message “Request failed” or “Not connected to the network” when trying to change settings in the phone menu. This often means that the smartphone has temporarily lost connection to the operator's service server. In this case, simply switching airplane mode helps: turn it on for 10 seconds and turn it off, then try setting it up again.
Another common situation is the inability to disable forwarding. If the buttons in the menu are inactive or the reset does not work, check whether the service is activated on the operator’s side through your personal account. Sometimes settings made through a USSD code or application block changes to parameters through the phone’s system menu until the service is completely deactivated.
- 🔄 Reboot: a classic method for solving temporary software network failures.
- 📶 Checking the signal: make sure that you have a stable cellular network signal, and not just Wi-Fi.
- 💳 Account balance: Some operators prohibit changing services with a negative balance.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and settings menus can be updated by developers. If the described paths do not match your screen, look for similar sections or use the search inside the settings.
It is also worth considering that forwarding will not work if the phone is completely turned off and does not support the forwarding function in the absence of network access at the hardware level (although most modern networks support this). In the case of roaming abroad, the conditions for forwarding can change dramatically and be very expensive, so before traveling, be sure to check the conditions with the operator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will there be a charge for forwarded calls?
Yes, in most cases, forwarding is paid service. Typically, charging occurs for an outgoing call from your number to a forwarding number. If the forwarding is to a number within your operator's network, it may be free, but when calling to other networks or while roaming, rates may be high.
Will the caller know that the call has been forwarded?
As a rule, no. The subscriber who calls you hears regular dial tone and does not receive any special sound signal that the call has been forwarded. For him, the process looks like a regular call to a subscriber who simply picked up the phone on another device.
Is it possible to set up forwarding to voicemail?
Yes, this is one of the most popular use cases. Typically, this requires you to enter your carrier's special voicemail number instead of your regular mobile number. Often this number is already registered in the system by default when you select the “Forward to voicemail” item.
What to do if forwarding turns on itself?
Spontaneous activation of forwarding may indicate a failure in the operator’s network or, in rare cases, an attempt at unauthorized access. Immediately check the settings via the USSD code #002# to cancel all forwarding and change the password for your operator's personal account.
Does forwarding work if the phone is located abroad?
Technically yes, but it can be extremely expensive. If you are roaming and forwarding to a number in your home region is enabled, the call goes from the caller to you (roaming), and then from you to the forwarded number (international calling or roaming). Check the tariffs before your trip.