Modern smartphones based on Android are complex multifunctional devices capable of managing the flow of incoming information with high accuracy. One of the key functions that often remains in the shadow of user attention is call forwarding. This feature allows you to automatically redirect incoming calls to another phone number, which becomes critical when there is a loss of connection, low battery, or simply during business hours when you cannot answer. Understanding how this function works will save you from missed business conversations or important personal messages.
The setup process may vary depending on the version of the operating system, installed firmware and specific policies. mobile operator. Some operators block standard menu-based setup methods, requiring the use of special USSD codes, while others provide full access through the app. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for activating this service, the features of working in roaming and the potential financial consequences that you should know about in advance. Phone. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for activating this service, the features of working in roaming and the potential financial consequences that you should know about in advance.
Principles of operation and types of forwarding
The call forwarding function is not a simple signal forwarding, but is a complex protocol for interaction between the operator’s network and your device. When someone dials your number, the network first checks the status of your line. If forwarding is activated, the signal is instantly redirected to the one you specify target number even before your phone starts ringing (in case of unconditional forwarding) or after a certain number of rings. It is important to realize that the processing of this request occurs on the server side of the telecom operator, and not directly in the processor of your smartphone.
There are several main scenarios in which this technology is used. Users often confuse them, believing that the setting is the same for all cases, but the systems GSM i LTE support a clear separation of conditions. Choosing the right type of forwarding allows you to flexibly manage your availability: you can be unavailable to colleagues, but remain in touch for emergency services or close relatives.
- 📞 Unconditional forwarding: All incoming calls are forwarded immediately, your phone does not ring at all.
- ⏳ Busy forwarding: only works if you are talking to another subscriber or reject call manually.
- 🕒 Timer forwarding: activated if you do not pick up the phone after a certain number of rings (usually 15-30 seconds).
- 🚫 Forwarding when unavailable: activated when the phone is turned off, is out of network coverage, or is in mode flight.
It is worth noting that activating several types of forwarding at the same time is possible and often necessary to create a reliable communication system. For example, a combination of busy and timed forwarding ensures that the call goes to a secretary or a second number if you cannot answer immediately. However, the presence of such settings may affect the display of line status for the calling subscriber.
⚠️ Attention: When you activate forwarding to numbers of other mobile operators or to numbers in other regions/countries, significant funds may be debited from your account according to the tariffs of your operator for outgoing calls to the appropriate directions.
Settings through the standard Android menu
The most intuitive way call control - use the built-in interface of the operating system. Smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixelmay slightly change the layout of menu items, but the general logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem. Android. To get started, you need to open the dialer application, which usually has a green handset icon on the home screen.
After opening the application, find the additional options menu. In most modern interfaces, it is hidden behind three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen or behind a button labeled More. Clicking on this element will open a list of actions, from which you must select Settings or Call settings. In some older firmware versions, this section may be called Advanced settings.
Inside the settings menu, find the section responsible for voice communication. It may be called Voice call, Call forwarding or simply Calls. The system will ask for permission to access the phone if this is your first time. After going to the desired section, you will see a list of redirection types that we talked about earlier. Clicking on any of the items will start the process of searching for available networks and will ask you to enter the phone number to which calls will be forwarded.
☑️ Check before setting
The number is usually entered in international format, starting with the symbol + and the country code. For example, for Russia it is +7followed by a ten-digit number. After entering, confirm the action with the Enable or OKbutton. The system will send a request to the operator’s server, and after a few seconds you will see the status Enabled opposite the selected forwarding type. If the setup fails, check whether this service is blocked in your operator's personal account.
Use USSD codes to manage calls
In situations where the graphical interface the phone does not respond or the telecom operator restricts access to settings through the menu, they come to the rescue USSD commands. These are special text requests that are sent directly to the operator’s network and executed at the server level, bypassing the settings of the smartphone itself. This method is considered the most reliable and universal, as it works on any device, from a feature phone to a flagship tablet with support for SIM cards.
To activate unconditional forwarding (when all calls go to another number), a standard code is used **21*. The command syntax requires the target number to be specified and terminated with a hash character. The command is entered in the dialer application in the same way as a regular telephone number, after which you need to press the call button. The system will instantly process the request and issue a notification that the service has been successfully activated.
**21*+79001234567#Commands for other conditions work in a similar way. If you need to redirect calls only when the line is busy, use the code 67*. For forwarding when you do not pick up the phone, the code is used 61*. An error in one character will cause the system to display an invalid request message.
| Forwarding type | Activation code | Disconnect code | Status check code |
|---|---|---|---|
| All calls (unconditional) | **21*number# |
##21# |
*#21# |
| If the line is busy | **67*number# |
##67# |
*#67# |
| If there is no answer | **61*number# |
##61# |
*#61# |
| If unavailable | **62*number# |
##62# |
*#62# |
⚠️ Attention: USSD codes may differ slightly among different telecom operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2). If standard codes do not work, check the latest information in the help section on the official website of your operator or in the mobile application.
Features of forwarding to numbers of other operators
Forwarding calls to a number belonging to another telecom operator is technically possible and is implemented in the same way easily, just like to a number within the same network. However, the financial consequences of such an operation can be an unpleasant surprise for an inexperienced user. When a call is forwarded, it appears to the phone network as an outgoing call from your number to the forwarding number. Therefore, charging occurs according to the rules of your tariff plan for outgoing calls.
If your tariff includes unlimited minutes for calls within the network or to any numbers, then call forwarding may be free or included in the package of minutes. But if you have packaged minutes or per-minute payment, then every minute of the call that your second phone received will be debited from the balance of the first phone. In roaming, the situation is even more critical: forwarding to a local number can be expensive due to double charging.
Before setting up call forwarding to another operator, call support and check the cost per minute of an outgoing call in this direction to avoid unexpected costs.
Some operators offer special services such as “Unlimited call forwarding” or include this option in premium tariffs. Activating such services allows you to ignore standard rates for outgoing calls when forwarding. You can check the availability of such options through your personal account or using the command *100# (code may vary). Ignoring this aspect can lead to a quick reset of the account, especially if forwarding is configured to a landline number or a number in another country.
Voice control and smart functions
With the development of artificial intelligence technologies and voice assistants, managing phone functions is becoming more and more convenient. Owners of devices with installed Google Assistant can activate forwarding without touching the screen. This is especially useful in situations where your hands are full or you are driving. Just say the command “OK, Google” or press the button to call the assistant.
To configure the function, clearly say a phrase, for example: “Turn on call forwarding to +79990000000” or “Forward all calls to work.” The voice assistant will recognize the intent, clarify details if necessary, and execute the command by sending a corresponding request to the system. However, it is worth considering that the accuracy of recognition depends on the quality of diction, the level of noise around and the version of the assistant software.
In addition, some manufacturers are introducing their own smart functions. For example, Do Not Disturb mode on smartphones can be set to automatically forward calls from all but selected contacts to voicemail or another number. This is achieved through a combination of profile settings and notification rules. Such scenarios allow you to flexibly manage the flow of information without manually activating and deactivating services each time. Samsung or Xiaomi can be configured to automatically forward calls from all but selected contacts to voicemail or another number. This is achieved through a combination of profile settings and notification rules. Such scenarios allow you to flexibly manage the flow of information without manually activating and deactivating services each time.
What to do if the voice assistant does not understand the command?
Try saying the command more slowly and clearly, avoiding background noise. If the problem persists, check your Google Assistant settings to see if permission to access your phone and contacts is enabled. Also make sure that the system language and the assistant language match.
Troubleshooting and common errors
Despite the mature technology, users often encounter situations where forwarding does not turn on or does not work correctly. The most common reason is the lack of support for the service from the operator on a specific tariff plan. Some budget tariffs or corporate packages may have restrictions on the use of additional network services. In this case, even the correct settings in the phone menu will not lead to the desired result.
Another common problem is the incorrect format of the entered number. The system may reject the request if the number is entered without a country code or contains extraneous characters, such as parentheses or dashes, that are not supported by the command protocol. Always use a clean format: plus sign, country code and number without spaces. The problem may also lie in the prohibition of outgoing calls to certain directions set in the SIM card settings.
If you see a connection or MMI code error message, try rebooting the device. This action forces the phone to re-register with the network and update its service profile. In rare cases, removing and reinserting the SIM card may help. If all else fails, the only correct solution is to contact the operator's technical support, since the problem may be on the side of the network equipment.
⚠️ Attention: If redirection turned on by itself without your participation, this may be a sign of virus activity or a fraud attempt. Immediately disable all types of forwarding through shutdown codes (for example,
##002#) and change the password from your operator’s personal account.
Most problems with forwarding are solved by checking the number format and checking the availability of the service with the telecom operator, and not by resetting the settings phone.
Does call forwarding affect sound quality?
No, redirection occurs at the operator's network switching level before a connection is established with your phone. The sound quality depends only on the network in which the phone that received the forwarded call is located, and on the communication channel between the caller and this phone.
Is it possible to forward calls to a landline number?
Yes, technically this is possible. However, such a call will be charged as per call to a landline number in your region or another city, which can be significantly more expensive than a call to a phone. Check the rates with your operator.
How to check if call forwarding is active right now?
The fastest way is to enter the universal code *#002# and press call. If the service is active, the system will show the number to which the call is forwarded. The status is also displayed in the call settings in the phone menu.
Does call forwarding work if the phone is turned off?
Yes, it does. Since the setting is stored on the operator’s server and not in the phone’s memory, forwarding when unavailable (when the phone is turned off) will function correctly. The network itself will determine the status of your line and redirect the call.
How much does it cost to activate the forwarding service?
In most cases, activating and setting up forwarding is free. You will only be charged for the minutes of the redirected call according to your tariff plan. Some operators may charge for the service itself if it is not included in the tariff.