How to remove a forwarding number from an Android phone: step-by-step guide

The situation when incoming calls are unexpectedly redirected to another subscriber number often baffles smartphone owners. This can happen for various reasons: from an accidentally activated service to fraudsters or technical failures in the operator's network. Forwarding is a powerful tool, but when it works without your knowledge, it violates privacy and blocks communication with you.

Operating system Android provides several levels of access to manage this parameter, but not all of them are equally obvious to the average user. Sometimes the standard settings menu does not display active redirection codes, and you have to resort to deeper control methods. In this article, we will look at all the ways to delete a forwarding number on an Android phone, from simple combinations of numbers to hidden engineering menus.

First of all, it is worth understanding that call management is a function not so much of the smartphone itself, but of the cellular network. The phone only sends a request to the operator, who redirects the signal. Therefore, even if you change the device, the incorrectly configured service may continue to operate until you forcefully disable it. Reset settings networks is the first thing to do when a problem is detected.

Using USSD codes to disable forwarding

The fastest and most universal way to cancel call redirection is to use special USSD commands. These codes work on any phone, even if the screen is locked or the device does not have a SIM card (for emergency calls), and do not require an Internet connection. They send a direct request to the telecom operator's server.

To completely clear all types of forwarding (when busy, when not picking up, when unavailable and unconditional forwarding) there is a single master code. You need to open the “Phone” application, dial the combination ##002# and press the call button. After a second, a notification from the network will appear on the screen indicating that the redirect has been successfully deleted. This action cancels all previously established voice redirection rules.

If you only need to disable a specific type of redirection, you can use more detailed codes. For example, the command ##61# cancels forwarding when the subscriber does not answer, and ##67# when the line is busy. Using these codes is convenient if you want to save some of the settings, but remove unnecessary ones.

⚠️ Attention: After entering the code, be sure to wait for a pop-up message from the operator about the status of the operation. If the message does not appear or an error appears, it is possible that your tariff plan does not support control via USSD or there are problems in the network reception area.

It is important to note that these commands work at the GSM/UMTS/LTE network level. This means that they are relevant for any device, be it an old push-button phone or a modern flagship. Deleting a number via USSD occurs instantly, and changes take effect immediately, without the need to reboot the device.

Disabling forwarding through the standard Android menu

For those who do not like to remember digital combinations, the developers Android have provided a graphical interface for managing calls. The location of menu items may differ slightly depending on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell (for example, from Samsung or from Xiaomi), but the general logic remains the same. To find the settings you need, open the standard Phone application (handset). Click the three dots in the top right corner or the More button, then select Settings. In the list that opens, look for the “Call Accounts” or “Calls” section. This is where OneUI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi), but the general logic remains the same.

To find the settings you need, open the standard Phone (handset) application. Click the three dots in the top right corner or the More button, then select Settings. In the list that opens, look for the “Call Accounts” or “Calls” section. This is where forwarding menuis located, which is synchronized with the SIM card settings.

Inside the section you will see four main types of forwarding:

• 📞 Always - calls are transferred immediately without ringing to your phone.
• ⏳ If busy - transfer when you are talking to another subscriber.
• ⌛ If there is no answer - transfer after several rings.
• 🚫 If not available - transfer when the phone is turned off or there is no network.

By clicking on any of these items, the system will ask for the current status of networks. If forwarding is active, you will see the phone number to which calls are made. To disable, you need to click the “Disable” or “Turn Off” button. If you want to completely clear the list, repeat the procedure for all four items.

It is worth considering that the Android settings menu can sometimes get stuck or take a long time to load the status if the network signal is weak. In such cases, the GUI may display information incorrectly, indicating that forwarding is disabled when in fact it is active. Therefore, after manipulating the menu, it is recommended to always double-check the result with the code ##002#.

Hidden engineering menu and MMI code

In the operating system Android there is a hidden section known as the engineering menu or testing menu. It is intended for developers and service center engineers, but can also be useful for ordinary users for in-depth diagnostics and resetting communication parameters. It is accessed through special MMI codes.

One ​​of the most useful commands for managing forwarding is ##4636##. After typing this code on some devices (mostly stock Android and Google Pixel devices), the Test menu opens. Here you need to select “Phone Information”. By scrolling down the list, you can find sections related to call forwarding, which sometimes display more detailed logs and reset options that are not available in the regular menu.

However, the interface of this menu is highly dependent on the chipset manufacturer and phone model. On devices Samsung or Xiaomi the code may not work or lead to another menu. In such cases, you can try a universal network reset code ##7780# (does not work on all models and requires confirmation), which returns system settings to factory settings without affecting personal files.

⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful in the engineering menu. Changing radio module parameters or network preferences without understanding their purpose can lead to a complete loss of signal or the inability to register with the network. Do not change values ​​unless you are sure of their function.

If standard codes do not help, you can use the command ##4636## (similar to the previous one, but with a different syntax). In the menu that opens, the “Turn off radio” option is sometimes available, briefly turning it on and off can reboot the network module and reset frozen forwarding sessions.

What to do if the codes do not work?

If none of the USSD codes are executed, your operator may have blocked control via MMI commands or you are in roaming In this case, try temporarily removing the SIM card, inserting it into another phone, disabling call forwarding there, and returning the card. The “Airplane” mode for 10 seconds also helps.

Management through telecom operator applications

Modern mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2, Yota, etc.) are actively introducing digital service channels, transferring service management to their own applications and personal accounts. This is often the most reliable method, since it works directly with the operator’s database, bypassing possible phone glitches.

To delete a forwarding number, download the official application of your operator. After authorization (usually via SMS), find the “Services”, “Communication Settings” or “Tariff” section. There should be a category called “Forwarding” or “Call Forwarding”. In this section you will see active numbers and can click the “Disconnect” button.

The advantage of this method is that you see exactly what the operator sees. If an error is displayed on the phone, but the service is listed as active in the application, the problem is definitely not in the device. In addition, through the app you can configure the “White List” or temporary forwarding, which gives more flexibility.

The table below shows how the forwarding control sections in applications of different operators can be called:

Operator	Name of the section in the application	Path to menu (approximate)	Additional options
MTS	Services	My MTS → Services → All services → Forwarding	Setting by schedule
Beeline	Services	My Beeline → Services → Business → Forwarding	Voice menu
Megafon	Services	My Megafon → Services and options → Forwarding	SMS notifications
Tele2	Services	My Tele2 → Management → Call forwarding	Conditional forwarding

During this time, the old forwarding number may remain active in the network cache for some time. Synchronization data between the operator's base and your phone occurs automatically the next time you register on the network.

Removal specifics for Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei

Large smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard interface Androidby adding their own shells. This also affects the location of call settings. Owners of popular brands should know some nuances in order to quickly find the right option.

On devices Samsung with a shell One UI the path to the settings looks like this: “Phone” → three dots at the top right → “Settings” → “Additional services”. It is in “Additional settings” that the forwarding menu is hidden. If you click on it, the phone will ask the network for confirmation of the action. Sometimes the Samsung system may take a long time to respond “Request in progress,” which is the norm for waiting for a response from the base station.

In smartphones Xiaomi (shell MIUI or HyperOS) the logic is similar, but there is a peculiarity with dual-SIM devices. When you enter call settings, the system will immediately ask you which SIM card you want to configure. It is necessary to check the forwarding settings for each card separately, since they are independent. Path: “Phone” → settings (gear) → “SIM card settings” → “Forwarding”.

Devices Huawei And Honor (with shell EMUI or MagicOS) are also divided by SIM cards. The menu is located along the path: “Phone” → four dots or “More” → “Settings” → “Call forwarding”. In new versions of Huawei software, Huawei often integrates service management directly into the “Support” or “My Huawei” application, where you can find the “Operator Services” section.

Problems with VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling

With the development of voice communication technologies, services appeared (Voice over LTE) and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi Calling. They allow you to make calls via 4G/5G and Wi-Fi data channels, respectively. However, these technologies may conflict with older forwarding control protocols.

The problem is that with VoLTE active, the phone tries to control forwarding through IP protocols, while the network may require a classic signaling channel. This leads to the fact that the command to disable redirection is simply “lost” or does not reach the server. As a result, the user sees that the setting does not change.

To solve this problem, it is recommended to temporarily disable VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling. This can be done in the “Mobile network” section in the Android settings. Find the LTE Calling or Wi-Fi Calling switches and deactivate them. After this, try sending the redirect cancellation command again (for example, ##002#). Once the service is deleted, the functions can be returned back.

⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and operator names may change with software updates. If you do not find the described items, check the current help in the settings of your device or on the manufacturer’s website, since the location of the elements depends on the Android version and model.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does forwarding affect my tariff plan?

Yes, it does. When a call is forwarded, your account will typically be charged minutes for the outgoing call to the forwarding number, and may also incur additional charges for the forwarding service itself if it is not included in the basic package. Unconditional forwarding (“always”) is regarded by the operator as an outgoing call initiated by you.

Can a virus enable forwarding itself?

Theoretically, yes, malware with access rights to the phone can send USSD commands or change settings in the background. However, most often scammers do this through social engineering or if the phone has been repaired. If you find an unknown forwarding number, immediately delete it and scan your device with an antivirus.

What to do if forwarding returns after shutdown?

If the setting returns on its own, this may indicate a failure on the operator’s side (duplicate profile in the database) or a deep firmware error. Try doing a full network reset (not data!) in the Android menu. If this does not help, the only option is to contact the communication center or the operator’s support service to force reset the service on their side.

Do forwarding cancellation codes work in roaming?

In international roaming, USSD codes may not work correctly or may be subject to a fee. In addition, some types of forwarding (for example, “if unavailable”) may work differently when roaming due to the nature of call routing between operators in different countries. It is better to manage the service through the operator’s application before leaving.