Smartphone owners are often faced with the need to monitor incoming calls, especially when they are in an area of poor coverage or at an important meeting. Call forwarding becomes an indispensable tool that allows you not to miss a critical conversation, even if the main device is turned off or inaccessible. However, an activated function that you forgot about may cause information leakage or unnecessary communication costs.
On brand devices Samsungrunning the operating system Android, control of these settings is implemented quite deeply in the system menu. Users do not always understand where exactly their calls are redirected: to voice mail, to a second number, or to the operator’s secretary. You can understand the current redirection status in several ways, from using special codes to deep navigation in the One UI interface settings.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for checking the redirection status. You will learn to distinguish unconditional forwarding from busy forwarding, and also learn how to quickly disable unnecessary services. Understanding these mechanisms will help you maintain privacy and optimize your mobile communications costs.
Using universal USSD codes for diagnostics
The fastest and most reliable way to find out the current call forwarding status is to use special service commands known as USSD requests. These codes work at the operator network level and do not depend on the firmware version or model of your Samsung Galaxy. Just open the “Phone” application and enter the appropriate combination of characters.
To obtain summary information about all active types of forwarding, a universal code is used *#21#. After dialing and pressing the call button, a window with a detailed table will instantly appear on the screen. It will indicate whether call forwarding is active for voice calls, SMS messages, faxes and data, and the number to which they are forwarded.
⚠️ Note: The number displayed may be your operator's short service number (such as voicemail) and not a personal phone number. If you see an unfamiliar landline or mobile number, this is a cause for concern.
In addition to the general check, there are codes for diagnosing specific scenarios. For example, the command *#67# will show forwarding settings only if your number is busy. This is useful if you want to make sure that colleagues can reach you in an emergency, even when you are on another line.
To quickly access your dialing history on Samsung, you can simply swipe right on the main dialing screen if the corresponding feature is enabled in the dialer settings.
Using USSD codes requires an active SIM card and network coverage. If the phone is in Airplane mode or without a SIM card, the system will display a network connection error. In such cases, you need to switch to checking through the system settings menu.
Navigation through the Samsung system settings menu
Interface One UI on smartphones Samsung provides a convenient graphical interface for managing communication functions. Checking forwarding through the menu allows you not only to see the status, but also to immediately edit the number or disable the function without remembering complex combinations of numbers. The path to these settings may vary slightly depending on the version of Android.
To get to the desired section, open the standard “Phone” application, which usually has a green icon with a handset. In the upper right corner of the screen, find an icon with three vertical dots - this is a menu of additional actions. By clicking on it, you will see a drop-down list where you need to select the item Settings.
In the menu that opens, look for the section called “Additional services” or “Operator services”. On some models, this item may be hidden inside the Accounts submenu or only available if you have an active SIM card. After the transition, the system may request data from the network for several seconds before displaying a list of available options.
- 📞 Voice call: regular call redirection is configured here.
- 💬 Video call: separate setting for calls via IMS/VoLTE.
- 📩 Messages: forwarding incoming SMS (not available for all operators).
- 🌐 Voicemail: often has its own settings sub-item.
Having selected the desired type of communication, you will see four main options for forwarding conditions. The system will show the current state of each of them: on or off. If the function is active, the phone number will be indicated next to it. By clicking on a specific item, you can change the number or completely deactivate the service.
☑️ Checking settings in the menu
Types of forwarding and their differences
Not all users understand the difference between the various conditions under which redirection is triggered. On smartphones Samsung and in mobile operator networks, it is customary to distinguish four main types. Understanding their differences will help you configure your phone exactly the way you need, without blocking unnecessary calls.
The first type is always forward (unconditional forwarding). When this mode is activated, all incoming calls are immediately sent to the specified number, even if your phone is nearby, turned on and ready to receive a call. In this case, the screen of your device may not even light up, since the network redirects the call before it reaches the device.
The second and third types depend on the state of your device. Forwarding if busy will only work when you are already on a call or have manually rejected the call. Forwarding if unavailable is activated when the phone is turned off, out of network coverage, or in airplane mode. These modes are most popular among business people.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that your tariff plan supports forwarding to numbers of other operators. In some cases, a double fee may be charged for a minute of conversation via forwarding: for incoming to the first number and for outgoing from the second.
The fourth option is if not answered. This mode is useful when you want to give yourself time to pick up the phone, but if the call lasts more than a certain amount of time (usually 15-30 seconds), it automatically switches to another number or answering machine. The waiting time is often configured separately through service codes.
| Forwarding type | Activation code | Verification code | Disconnection code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always (Unconditional) | *21*number# |
*#21# |
#21# |
| If busy | *67*number# |
*#67# |
#67# |
| If unavailable | *62*number# |
*#62# |
#62# |
| If not answered | *61*number# |
*#61# |
#61# |
Using codes from the table allows you not only to check, but also to manage the settings manually. This is especially true if the graphical menu for some reason does not load or displays an error. Remember the disconnect code ##002# —it is a universal command for resetting all types of forwarding at once.
Problems with displaying settings and network errors
Sometimes, when trying to check forwarding, users encounter error messages such as “Could not obtain forwarding data” or “There is a problem connecting to the network.” On devices Samsung this is often not due to a breakdown of the phone, but to the peculiarities of interaction between the firmware and the operator’s network protocols.
One of the common reasons is the use of two SIM cards. In the settings menu, you must clearly select the SIM card for which you want to check the status. If you select a card that is temporarily inactive or does not support voice calls (for example, an Internet-only tariff), the system will not be able to send a request.
The problem may also lie in outdated access point settings or network preferences. Try temporarily switching the network mode in the settings: go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode and select force 3G/2G (auto-connect). Sometimes this helps to establish a stable connection with the switching center to send a USSD request.
What to do if the “Additional services” menu empty?
If the forwarding section in the phone settings menu is empty or inactive, try restarting the device in safe mode. Third-party calling apps or spam blockers may hijack call functionality. If the settings appear in safe mode, delete recently installed applications associated with the phone.
In rare cases, the telecom operator may block changing these settings through the phone menu, requiring you to contact your personal account or operator. This is often found on enterprise plans or specific offers for IoT devices. If the code *#21# works, but there is no menu, the problem is precisely in the smartphone interface, and not in the operator’s ban.
Third-party applications and forwarding management
Standard functionality Android and shells Samsung usually sufficient for most tasks. However, users who want more control can turn to third-party solutions at Google Play. There are call manager applications that offer a more convenient interface for managing call forwarding than a standard dialer.
Such applications often allow you to create complex scenarios. For example, forward calls only from certain contacts during business hours, and send everyone to voicemail on weekends. They can use Android API capabilities to automate these processes without having to enter USSD codes every time.
However, it is worth keeping security in mind. Giving an app call control rights gives it access to all your communications. Before installation, carefully review the permissions that the app requests. Avoid unverified utilities that promise "secret" forwarding features, as they may redirect your calls to scam toll numbers.
- 🛡️ Check permissions: Make sure the app is not asking for access to contacts or SMS unnecessarily.
- 📉 Impact on the battery: Background call monitoring services may increase battery consumption.
- 🔄 Compatibility: Not all applications work correctly with the latest versions of Android 13 and 14 due to stricter Google security policies.
For the average user, using built-in tools Samsung is the most secure and stable option. Third-party applications make sense only in specific business scenarios that require complex logic for processing incoming calls, which the standard menu cannot provide.
⚠️ Attention: If you installed a call management application and after removing it, the forwarding settings were reset or stopped changing, perform a complete reset of call settings through the engineering menu or contact your operator to re-register services.
Security and protection from call interception
Regularly checking forwarding is not just a matter of convenience, but also an important measure of digital hygiene. Attackers can gain access to your number and activate forwarding to their phone. In this case, all calls, including confirmation codes from banks, will go to them, and you will remain in the dark until money is debited from your account.
You should be especially vigilant after losing your phone or stealing your SIM card. Even if you have restored the card from the operator, you need to make sure that there are no “tails” left at the network level in the form of active forwarding to an old, lost number or to a fraudster’s device. Use the code ##002# immediately after receiving a new SIM card.
On smartphones Samsung there is also a function to protect against unauthorized changes associated with the account Samsung and device search Find My Mobile. However, it does not always block changes to forwarding settings via USSD codes, since this is a protocol of the telecom operator. Therefore, manual check remains the only reliable method of control.
Regularly checking the forwarding status using the code *#21# should become a habit, especially after traveling or using the phone in the wrong hands.
If you find an unknown number in the forwarding settings, immediately disable the service and change the PIN code of your SIM card. This will prevent attackers from re-activating the service. After changing the PIN code, be sure to restart the device for the new security settings to take effect.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the code *#21# not work on my Samsung?
This can happen for several reasons: lack of network, airplane mode, using VoLTE at the time of the request (try temporarily disabling VoLTE in the settings), or blocking by the operator. Also make sure that you are using the dialer and not the contact search bar.
Does the operator charge money for checking forwarding?
In most cases, checking the status through USSD codes (*#...) is a free service. However, activating or changing a forwarding number may be charged as an outgoing call or a separate service, depending on your tariff plan.
Is it possible to set up forwarding on WhatsApp or Viber?
No, classic telephone forwarding only works between phone numbers on a cellular network. It is technically impossible to redirect a regular call directly to the messenger application using standard Android or operator tools.
Is forwarding reset when changing the SIM card?
No, the forwarding setting is stored on the operator’s equipment, and not on the SIM card or in the phone. If you change the SIM card to another phone, forwarding will continue to work. To disable it, you need to use the deactivation or settings code on any phone with this SIM card.
How to learn how long the dial tone lasts before forwarding?
To check the waiting time before forwarding (for the “If not answered” mode), use the code *#61#. The network response will indicate the number and time in seconds, after which the call will be redirected.