The situation when an important call goes to voicemail or to another subscriber, and you don’t even see the missed call, is familiar to many smartphone owners. This is due to an activated feature call forwarding, which may be enabled accidentally, configured by default by the operator, or installed by you previously to save roaming. On devices running Android controlling this feature is implemented in several ways, and understanding their differences is critical to regaining control over incoming calls.
In this guide, we will examine in detail all the available methods for disabling forwarding: from standard settings in the phone menu to using universal USSD codes and hidden engineering menus. You will learn why the "Disable" button in the settings may be grayed out, how to check the status of all types of redirection at the same time, and what to do if the system writes "Request Error" or "Could not change settings." Restoring normal network operation will only take a couple of minutes if you act consistently.
Checking forwarding status via USSD codes
The fastest and most reliable way to find out the current status of call forwarding is to use special commands that are sent directly to the mobile operator’s server. Unlike the smartphone menu, this method works even if the interface Android is buggy or the settings are lost after updating the firmware. To check the status of all types of forwarding at the same time, use the universal code *#002#. Typing this combination and pressing the call button will instantly display a successful deactivation message or confirm that the service has already been disabled.
If you need to check specific forwarding conditions, there are more detailed commands. For example, code #61# will show the number to which the call goes when you don’t pick up the phone, and the delay time before switching. The commands work similarly #62# (when the phone is turned off or outside the network area) and *#67# (when the line is busy). This data helps you understand the logic of your SIM card and identify hidden settings that you might have forgotten about.
⚠️ Attention: When using verification codes (
*#...), the call is not made and money is not debited from the account. However, disable codes (#...) are full-fledged requests to change tariff options, so make sure that you have a balance or an active package of minutes if the operator requires confirmation.
To completely reset all redirection settings to the network level, it is recommended to run the command ##002#. This is a “core” option that is guaranteed to clear the subscriber profile on the operator’s side of any rules for routing voice calls. Once completed successfully, you will see a message stating that voice call forwarding has been removed. This action does not affect the forwarding of SMS messages, which is controlled by individual commands or through the operator’s personal account.
Before executing reset commands, write down the number to which calls were previously sent, if it was important to you (for example, a work secretary or home phone). It will not be possible to restore it automatically after resetting ##002#.
Disabling forwarding through the standard Android menu
Most users prefer to control phone functions through a graphical interface, since it is clear and does not require memorizing digital combinations. The path to the settings may differ slightly depending on your device model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel) and shell version, but the general logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android. Typically, the required section is hidden inside the Phone application, which is responsible for dialing and call logs.
To find the settings you need, open the Phone application, click on the three dots in the upper corner (or the More button) and select Settings. Next, look for a section called “Accounts”, “Calls” or directly “Call Forwarding”. The system may take a few seconds to poll the network before displaying a list of four main modes: Always, When Busy, When Not Answering, and When Unavailable. The status of each mode will be signed: either “Voicemail”, or a specific phone number, or “Disabled”.
- 📞 Always: All incoming calls are instantly transferred to another number, your phone does not ring.
- ⏳ When no answer: Forwarding is triggered after a certain number of rings if you do not pick up.
- 🚫 When busy: Calls are redirected if you are already on a call on another line or reject the call manually.
- 📡 When unavailable: Activated when the phone is turned off, there is no SIM card or the network signal is lost.
To disable the function, just click on the active item and select the “Disable” or “Turn off” option. If the system asks for confirmation, agree to the action. In some cases, especially on older versions Android or custom firmware, the menu may offer a choice between “Voice Call” and “Video Call”. Make sure that you disable forwarding specifically for voice calls, since video calls (VoLTE) may have their own independent routing settings.
Disconnection problems: network errors and timeouts
Often users encounter a situation where, when trying to change settings An error message appears in the phone menu. The most common wording: “Failed to change forwarding settings,” “Request error,” or endlessly waiting for a response from the network. This does not always mean the smartphone is broken; Most often, the problem lies in an unstable cell tower signal or a temporary failure on the telecom operator’s side. In such cases, the graphical interface Android cannot correctly send a request to the server.
If the menu gives an error, first try switching the network operating mode. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks and temporarily change the standard from 5G/LTE to 3G or even 2G. After this, try again to disable forwarding through the menu or USSD code. Often older communication protocols (GSM/3G) provide a more stable channel for transmitting call control signals than overloaded modern networks.
⚠️ Attention: If the error persists after changing the network type and rebooting, it is possible that the paid “Virtual” service is activated on your number Secretary" or "Forwarding" at the tariff level. In this case, disconnection via telephone is impossible - a call to the operator's support service or a visit to the communication store is required.
It is also worth considering that some corporate tariffs or SIM cards issued by an organization may have blocked rights to change the forwarding settings by the user. In such a situation, the only solution is to contact your telephone network administrator. Do not try to endlessly reboot the phone - this will not solve the problem of limitations at the operator’s equipment level.
☑️ Diagnosis of shutdown error
Reset settings through the engineering menu and MMI code
When standard methods do not help, deeper phone management tools, known ones, come to the rescue as engineering menu or MMI (Man-Machine Interface) service codes. These tools allow you to interact with the device's radio module directly, bypassing standard interface checks. For devices on processors MediaTek (often found in Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme) a code is available ##4636##that opens a hidden testing menu.
In the menu that opens, select “Phone Information”. Scroll down to the Set Up Call Forwarding section. Here you will see a drop-down list with forwarding types. Select the type you want (for example, “Voice” for voice calls) and click the “Disable” button. This method is especially effective when the standard “Phone” application freezes or does not display the current service status due to a software glitch.
Actions in the engineering menu:1. Dial ##4636##
2. Select "Phone information"
3. Find the "Call Forwarding" section
4. Select the type "Voice"
5. Click "Disable"
It is important to understand that the engineering menu interface may differ on different versions. Android. On some devices (especially Samsung or clean Android on Snapdragon) this code may not work or open a different menu. In such cases, you should rely solely on USSD commands, since they are a universal GSM/UMTS/LTE standard and do not depend on the processor manufacturer or firmware version.
What to do if the code ##4636## does not work?
On many modern smartphones, access to the engineering menu is closed by the manufacturer for security reasons. Try installing a third-party application like "Engineering Mode" from the Play Market, but remember that it will require root access to work, which may void the warranty.
Comparison of forwarding management methods
The choice of how to disable forwarding depends on your specific situation: availability of menu access, network stability and urgency of the solution. Below is a comparison table that will help you choose the best method for your case. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each approach will allow you to avoid wasting time and nerves.
| Method | Working speed | Network dependence | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
USSD codes (##002#) |
Instant | Signal required | High (operator level) |
| Android menu | Medium (1-2 min) | A stable signal is required | Medium (depending on the firmware) |
| Engineering menu | Fast | Minimum | High (direct control) |
| Personal account | Slow (via the Internet) | Requires mobile data/Wi-Fi | High (official channel) |
As can be seen from the table, USSD codes are the most universal tool. They work even with a minimum signal level, when loading web pages of your personal account is impossible, and the phone menu may take a long time to respond. However, if you are afraid of making a mistake in the numbers or want to visually confirm the number to which the calls were sent before disconnecting them, then the smartphone menu or the operator’s personal account will provide a more friendly interface with explanations.
The most reliable way to guarantee disabling all types of forwarding is to enter the code ##002#. It works at the network core level and does not depend on the settings of a particular phone.
Features of disabling on different brands of smartphones
Although the operating system Android is the same, device manufacturers often make significant changes to the interface and location of settings. This can be confusing for a user who is used to one model. For example, on smartphones Samsung with the One UI shell, the path often lies through Settings → Applications → Phone → Three dots → Settings → Accounts → Forwarding. While on Xiaomi (MIUI) the desired item can be located immediately in the main settings menu in the "System applications" section.
To devices Google Pixel and smartphones with clean Android (Motorola, Nokia) the logic is as simplified as possible: open the “dialer”, click the three dots → “Settings” → “Accounts” → select a SIM card → “Call forwarding”. If you have a dual-SIM phone, it is critical to choose the exact SIM card on which the service is activated. Often, users check the settings of the first SIM card, while forwarding hangs on the second.
⚠️ Attention: On dual-SIM devices, forwarding settings are stored separately for each SIM card. Disabling the service on slot 1 will not affect the operation of slot 2. Check both accounts if you use two active lines.
It is also worth mentioning the specifics of working with virtual operators and MVNOs. Their applications often duplicate call settings functions, but may take precedence over the phone's system settings. If you cannot remove the redirection using standard methods, go to your operator’s proprietary application (for example, “My Beeline”, “MTS”, etc.) and check the “Services” section. There may be a checkbox that blocks changing parameters from the device.
If you travel frequently, create a shortcut for the USSD command ##002# on your desktop. This can be done through Action Shortcut widgets or special dialer applications to disable roaming forwarding in one click.
Why does forwarding turn on itself after a reboot?
This is a rare but possible software glitch when the radio module configuration file is damaged. Also check if your operator has activated the “Unlimited Secretary” service - some tariffs force this setting to be returned every time the phone registers to the network.
Does forwarding affect the cost of calls?
Yes, if forwarding is configured to another number (especially in roaming or to a landline number), an outgoing call from your phone to the forwarding point may be charged as an outgoing call. Forwarding to voicemail within the operator's network is usually free.
Is it possible to disable forwarding without a SIM card?
No. To disable the service, the phone must send a request to the operator's server. Without an active SIM card and registration on the network, this request will not go away. The only option is the operator's personal account via Wi-Fi on another device.
What does the "MMI code problem" error code mean?
This error means that the phone did not recognize the entered command. Check for extra spaces or characters. If the error occurs with standard codes, it is possible that your operator uses a non-standard command format, and you need to clarify them with support.
How to disable SMS forwarding?
SMS forwarding is managed separately from voice calls. Typically, a code is used for this *#132# (depending on the operator) or settings in your personal account. The standard code ##002# most often affects only voice calls.