Modern brand smartphones Realme offer users a wide range of options for managing communications, but some basic functions are sometimes hidden in the depths of the shell interface Realme UI. One of these functions is call forwarding, which allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number when you are busy, out of range, or simply don’t want to answer.
The relevance of this setting can hardly be overestimated: it is indispensable when changing a SIM card, while roaming, or when the main phone is low and you can’t miss an important call. Device owners Realme can activate this option in several ways, from quickly entering USSD commands to deep settings in the system menu.
In this guide, we will analyze each method in detail, explain the difference between types of forwarding and help avoid common mistakes due to which calls may not reach the subscriber. You will learn how to set up silent call transfer and what to do if your telecom operator blocks this function.
Quick setup via USSD codes
The most universal and fastest way to set up call redirection is to use special USSD requests. This method works on any device Android, including Realme, and does not depend on the firmware version or phone model. The main advantage here is speed: you don’t need to wander through the menu, just enter a combination of characters in the dialer.
To activate unconditional forwarding, when all calls are immediately sent to another number, use the code *21*number#. Instead of the word "number", you must enter the recipient's full telephone address, including the country code and operator. For example, to transfer calls to a Russian number, the format will look like 21+79990000000#.
There are other codes for specific situations. If you want to forward calls only when the line is busy or when the phone is switched off, other combinations apply. These commands are sent directly to the server of your telecom operator, bypassing the settings of the smartphone itself.
- 📞
*21*number#— forwarding of all incoming calls without conditions. - ⏳
*67*number#—forwarding only when the line is busy. - 📵
*62*number#— call forwarding when the phone is turned off or there is no network. - ⏰
*61*number#— call transfer if you have not answered the phone for a certain time.
⚠️ Attention: The forwarding service is often paid. Tariffing depends on the conditions of your telecom operator and can be charged both per minute of conversation and for the fact of connecting the service.
Setting through the Realme UI system menu
If you prefer a visual interface and are afraid of making mistakes in the code numbers, the operating system Android on smartphones Realme provides a convenient graphical interface for managing calls. The path to these settings may differ slightly depending on the version Realme UI (2.0, 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0), but the general logic remains the same.
First, open the standard “Phone” application, which usually has a green icon with a handset. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen to open a drop-down menu and select Settings. In the list that opens, look for the section associated with accounts or telecom operators.
In newer versions of the shell, the path may look like Settings → Telecom operator accounts. Here the system will show a list of installed SIM cards. Select the card for which you want to set up forwarding. After clicking on the desired SIM card, the operator services menu will open, where there will be an item Call forwarding.
The system may require a few seconds to poll the operator's network. Once loaded, you'll see four main types of forwarding: always, busy, unanswered, and unavailable. By clicking on each item, you can enter the number for transfer or disable the function.
☑️ Check before setting
Differences between types of forwarding
Understanding the difference between call forwarding modes is critical for the correct operation of communication. The wrong choice of type can lead to the fact that callers will not be able to reach you even when you are free and ready to talk.
Unconditional forwarding —this is the most radical mode. In this case, your phone does not ring at all. The call is instantly redirected to the specified number as soon as the other party presses the call button. This mode is convenient if you are on vacation and want your secretary or colleague to take calls.
The other three types are conditional. The mode "If busy" will only work when you are in another conversation or have manually rejected an incoming call. Mode "If no answer" activated if you do not pick up after a certain number of rings (usually from 5 to 30 seconds).
⚠️ Attention: The waiting time before forwarding in the "No answer" mode is regulated by the telecom operator and often cannot be changed by the user manually through the phone settings.
Mode "If unavailable" is a salvation in areas of poor coverage. If your Realme is turned off, in airplane mode, or simply lost the network signal, the call will automatically go to a backup number. This ensures that emergency calls are not lost.
Technical nuances of conditional forwarding
When you set up "if unanswered" forwarding, the countdown timer starts on the carrier side, not on your smartphone. Therefore, even if you put the phone on the table immediately after starting a call, forwarding will only work after the standard waiting interval has expired.
Using the Google Phone application
Many smartphones Realme, especially those intended for the global market or updated to the latest versions of Android, use the Google application as a standard typist - Google Phone. The settings interface in it differs from the manufacturer's proprietary shell.
To find the settings, open the application and click on the three dots in the corner. Select Settings, then scroll down to the Telecom operator accounts or Additional settingssection. In some versions, the item may be simply named Call forwarding and located in the main list.
Google Phone's interface is often more minimalist. Here you will not see complex operator menus, but only simple switches and fields for entering a number. The system itself will pull up the current status of the service from the network. If the fields are inactive (gray), it means that the operator does not allow changing settings through the software interface.
In this case, the only working option is to use the USSD codes described in the first section. This restriction is not related to the phone, but to the policy of a specific cellular operator, which blocks remote modification of call profiles through Android protocols.
| Forwarding type | When it works | Does your phone ring | Usage example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always (Unconditional) | Immediately when a call is received | No | Vacation, illness, change of number |
| If busy | During another conversation | No (busy tone) | Business negotiations, important call |
| If does not answer | After 15-30 seconds without answer | Yes (up to forwarding) | You moved away from the phone, in the shower |
| If unavailable | No network or phone is turned off | No | Poor coverage, low battery |
Activation problems and solutions
Users Realme sometimes encounter a situation where, when trying to enable forwarding, the phone displays the error “The request could not be completed” or “Network error”. This is a common problem, which most often lies not in a malfunction of the smartphone, but in the operator’s settings.
The first reason is the lack of support for the service on your tariff. Some budget plans do not include forwarding by default. In this case, you need to contact the operator’s support service or check your personal account on the provider’s website.
The second reason is a settings conflict. If you already have unconditional forwarding enabled, you will not be able to enable conditional types (for example, "if busy"). The system allows only one type of forwarding to be active for one direction, or requires disabling the main priority.
⚠️ Attention: If you change the operator with number preservation (MNP), the forwarding settings may be lost. After switching to a new operator, it is recommended to double-check all active services.
It is also worth checking whether third-party software is installed on your phone for blocking calls or managing contacts. Such applications can intercept call control and block system requests to change call routing.
Before setting up forwarding, make sure that the number to which you are transferring calls is also allowed to receive such calls. Some corporate numbers or virtual PBXs may block incoming forwarded calls.
Disabling and checking the status of the service
After the need for forwarding has ceased, it is critically important to disable this function in time. Forgotten active forwarding can lead to unexpected expenses, especially if you are in roaming or calling numbers of other operators.
The most reliable way to disable all types of forwarding at once is to use a universal USSD code ##002#. Enter this command in the dialer and press the call button. You will receive a confirmation message from the operator that all forwarding services have been successfully deactivated.
You can use the code *#21#to check the current status. It does not require pressing the call button (it works as a request for information) and displays a pop-up window with a list of all active call forwards and the numbers to which they are configured.
If you disable the function through the phone menu, go to the same section Call settings and select the option Disable for each active item. After this, it is recommended to restart your smartphone Realmeto reset the network settings cache.
Code ##002# is a universal key for completely canceling all types of forwarding on any GSM operator in the world. Use it to ensure that the service is disabled.
Why doesn't forwarding work on a dual-SIM Realme?
On smartphones with dual SIM cards, the settings apply only to the card that is selected in the menu. Make sure that you set up forwarding exactly for the SIM card (Slot 1 or Slot 2) to which calls are received. Settings are not automatically synchronized between slots.
Is it possible to forward calls to an international number?
Technically this is possible, but most telecom operators block forwarding to numbers in other countries for security and tariff reasons. Such a service often requires a personal visit to the operator’s office and activation of a special option.
Does call forwarding affect Internet consumption?
No, call forwarding is a voice communication service that operates through GSM/3G/4G channels for voice. It does not consume mobile data packages, even if your phone is connected to an LTE network.
What to do if the code *#21# does not show information?
Some operators have hidden the status display through USSD requests. In this case, the only way to check the activity of the service is to call your number from another phone and see where the call goes, or contact the operator's support.
Is the forwarding reset after rebooting the phone?
No, the forwarding settings are stored on the operator's server, and not in the memory of your smartphone Realme. Rebooting, removing the SIM card, or even changing the phone will not cancel active forwarding - you need to disable it specifically.