Call forwarding on Android is a useful feature that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number when you are unavailable, busy, or just want to filter your contacts. Setup takes literally 2-3 minutes, but many users encounter difficulties: they can’t find the menu, the operator blocks the service, or the applications are glitchy. In this article we will look at all current methods call forwarding - from standard Android tools to hidden USSD commands and third-party applications.

It is important to understand that forwarding works at the SIM cards or operator networklevel, and not at the level itself smartphone. This means that even if the phone is turned off or out of coverage area, calls will be redirected (provided that the service is activated by the operator). We tested the instructions on devices Samsung Galaxy S23, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, Google Pixel 7 and Realme 10 Pro —all methods work, but may differ slightly depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell.

If you need to temporarily transfer all calls to a colleague, avoid annoying salespeople or simply not missing an important call when your phone is low - this article is for you. Let's start with the simplest method.

1. Redirection through Android settings (standard method)

The most universal method that works on any Android smartphone without installing additional applications. The interface may differ slightly depending on the shell (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS), but the logic is the same.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the application "Phone" (usually a green icon with handset).
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Settings".
  3. Go to section Additional settings → Call forwarding (or simply Forwarding).
  4. Select the type of forwarding:
    • 📞 Always — forwards all incoming calls;
    • 🕒 If there is no answer —triggered after 5-30 seconds (time is configurable);
    • 📵 If unavailable - when the phone is turned off or offline;
    • 📴 If busy - if you are talking on another number.
  • Enter the number to which you want to forward calls and press "Enable".

    • On some devices (for example, Samsung), you may need to enter ##4636## in the dialer, then go to Phone information → Network settings → Call forwarding. This path works even if the standard forwarding menu is hidden.

    Is the mobile data or network turned on|The forwarding number was entered without errors (with the country code)|The forwarding service is not blocked by the operator|There are enough funds on the balance (some operators have the service paid)-->

    If after activation the forwarding does not work, check:

    • 🔄 Reboot the phone —sometimes changes are applied only after a reboot;
    • 📡 Network signal level —without connection, forwarding will not work;
    • 💰 Account balance —for some operators (for example, Tele2) the service is paid.
    💡

    If you often use forwarding, save the number for forwarding to contacts under the name "Forwarding". This way you will save time when setting up.

    2. USSD commands for fast forwarding

    If you don’t have time to delve into the menu, you can activate forwarding using USSD codes. This method works on all operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, Yota) and does not depend on the phone model. Just enter the command in the dialer and press “Call”.

    Here are the main commands:

    Forwarding type Activation command Disconnect command
    All calls 21[number]# #21#
    If there is no answer 61[number]# #61#
    If unavailable 62[number]# #62#
    If busy 67[number]# #67#
    Checking status #61#, #62#, *#67#

    Example: to redirect all calls to number +79123456789, enter:

    *21*79123456789#

    Then press the call button. In a few seconds you will receive an SMS or notification of successful activation.

    What to do if USSD commands do not work?

    If after entering the command you receive the error "Service is unavailable", the reasons may be as follows:

    1. The operator blocks forwarding (relevant for some tariffs) day). Tele2 And Yota).

    2. There are not enough funds in the account (you have MegaFon And Beeline the service can cost ~1-3 rubles per day).

    3. The SIM card does not support forwarding (rarely, but it happens with virtual operators).

    4. There are temporary problems in the network (try again later).

    In this case, try setting up forwarding via operator's personal account or contact support.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some operator tariffs (for example, "For laptop" from MegaFon or "Unlimited" from Yota) forwarding may be disabled by default. Check the conditions in your personal account or with your operator.

    3. SIM menu

    If your Android smartphone supports SIM menu (SIM card interface), you can set up forwarding directly through it. This method is suitable for old phones or devices with minimalistic shells (for example, Android Go).

    Instructions:

    1. Open the application "Phone".
    2. Enter the command ##4636## and press call.
    3. In the menu that opens, select Phone information.
    4. Scroll down and press Call in the SIM menu (or SIM Toolkit).
    5. In the SIM menu, find the section “Call forwarding” or «Call Forwarding» and follow the prompts.

    The advantage of this method is that it works even on outdated versions of Android (4.4 and below) or on phones with custom firmware. However, the SIM menu interface depends on the operator - for one MTS he is one, for Beeline another.

    If there is no forwarding option in the SIM menu, then your SIM card does not support this function at the operator level. In this case, try other methods from this article.

    Through Android settings|USSD commands|Operator's personal account|Answering applications|I don't use-->

    4. Forwarding through the operator’s personal account

    All major operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) allow you to set up forwarding through web version of personal account or a mobile application. This is convenient if you often change settings or want to manage services remotely.

    General algorithm:

    1. Log in to the operator’s personal account (via the website or application).
    2. Go to the section "Services" or "My Services".
    3. Find the option "Call Forwarding" (may be called "Call Forwarding", "Call Forwarding")
    4. Select the type of forwarding and enter number.
    5. Save the changes - they will be applied within 1-5 minutes.

    Links to personal accounts of popular operators:

    • 🌐 MTS: lk.mts.ru or application "My MTS";
    • 🌐 Beeline: my.beeline.ru or "My Beeline";
    • 🌐 MegaFon: lk.megafon.ru or "MegaFon-Service";
    • 🌐 Tele2: my.tele2.ru or "My Tele2".
    ⚠️ Attention: Some operators (for example, Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) redirection may only be available upon request to support. Check the tariff conditions before setting up.

    Important: when setting up through the operator’s personal account redirection may work with a delay of up to 10 minutes. If calls are not forwarded, reboot the phone or check the service status via the USSD command *#61#.

    5. Applications for flexible forwarding

    If standard Android or operator tools are not enough, you can use third-party applications. They allow you to configure conditional forwarding (for example, only for certain contacts or on a schedule).

    Top 3 tested applications:

    • 📱 Call Forwarding (from Simple Mobile Tools) is a minimalistic tool with support for USSD commands and scheduling. Free, without unnecessary fuss.
    • 📱 Truecaller — in addition to identifying spam, it can redirect calls from specific numbers to another phone.
    • 📱 Tasker — for advanced users. Allows you to automate forwarding by time, location or event (for example, when connected to Wi-Fi).

    Example setup in Call Forwarding:

    1. Install the application from Google Play.
    2. Open it and select the type of forwarding.
    3. Enter the number for redirection.
    4. Activate the service - the application itself will generate and send a USSD command.

    The advantage of applications is that they can:

    • 🔄 Automatically disable scheduled redirection;
    • 📋 Filter contacts (forward only calls from certain numbers);
    • 📊 Keep a log forwarded calls.
    💡

    Forwarding applications are convenient, but require additional permissions (access to calls, contacts). Install them only from official sources (Google Play).

    6. Forwarding to another phone through cloud services

    If you need to forward calls not to another mobile number, but to landline telephone, IP telephony (for example, Zoom or Skype) or even to messenger (for example, WhatsApp), standard methods will not work. In this case, virtual PBX or cloud services will help.

    Popular solutions:

    • 📞 Zadarma —free virtual PBX with forwarding to any number or SIP;
    • 📞 Mango Office —paid service with flexible routing settings;
    • 📞 Google Voice —works only for US numbers, but allows you to redirect calls to any devices.

    Example of setup via Zadarma:

    1. Register on the website zadarma.com.
    2. Connect your mobile number (confirmation will be required).
    3. In the control panel, set up a forwarding rule to the desired number or SIP.
    4. Activate the service - all calls will be redirected to your mobile through the cloud.

    Cloud services are convenient for business or if you need:

    • 🔄 Redirect calls to several numbers at the same time;
    • 📹 Record conversations;
    • 📊 Analyze call statistics.
    ⚠️ Attention: When using virtual PBXs, calls may be delayed (1-3 seconds) due to processing on the server. Also, some operators block forwarding to virtual PBX numbers - check this in advance.

    7. Common problems and their solutions

    Even after proper configuration, redirection may not work. Let's look at top 5 problems and ways to solve them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    No calls are being redirected The service is not activated by the operator Check the status with the command *#61# or contact support
    Forwarding works with a delay Problems in the operator's network Restart your phone or try later
    Cannot disable forwarding SIM settings failure Enter ##002# (reset all forwardings)
    Not all calls are forwarded The forwarding type is incorrectly configured Check whether the “Always” or “If no answer” option is enabled
    The operator blocks forwarding Restrictions tariff Change the tariff or contact support

    If none of the methods helped, try:

    1. Insert a SIM card into another phone and set up forwarding there;
    2. Update the Android firmware (sometimes bugs are fixed in new ones versions). Telegram?
    3. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network settings.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to forward calls to WhatsApp or Telegram?

    No, standard forwarding only works to other phone numbers. However, you can:

    • Use a virtual PBX (for example, Zadarma), which will forward calls to SIP and then to the messenger;
    • Install an answering machine application (for example, Truecaller), which will send notifications about missed calls to messenger.
    How much does forwarding cost from operators?

    Most operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) forwarding is free, but may be charged:

    • Connection fee (as for an outgoing call) when redirected;
    • Subscription fee on some tariffs (for example, Tele2 may charge ~1 ruble per day).

    Check the conditions in your personal account or by number 0611 (for MegaFon), 0890 (for MTS).

    How to cancel redirection if you forgot the commands?

    To reset all forwarding settings, enter:

    ##002#

    This command disables all types of redirection. After entering, click “Call” - a confirmation will come in a few seconds.

    Does call forwarding work if the phone is turned off?

    Yes, if forwarding is configured via operator (USSD, personal account) or SIM menu. In this case, redirection works at the network level, and the phone status is not important.

    If you have set up forwarding only via application (for example, Truecaller), then it will not work when the phone is turned off.

    Is it possible to redirect calls only from certain contacts?

    Standard Android tools - no. But there are workarounds:

    • Use applications like Tasker or Call Forwarding with filtering by contacts;
    • Set up a “Black List” for all contacts except the ones you need, and then activate “If Busy” forwarding;
    • Use the services of a virtual PBX (for example, Mango Office), where there are flexible routing rules.