How to enable forwarding on Android 10

Modern smartphones are the center of our communication, and a missed call can cost an important transaction or personal contact. Owners of devices based Android 10 often face the need to redirect incoming calls to another number, especially when they are in a poor coverage area or simply cannot answer. The forwarding function allows you to flexibly manage the flow of calls, redirecting them to voicemail, a colleague or a second phone.

In the operating system Android 10 the call settings interface has undergone changes compared to previous versions, which sometimes causes difficulties for users. Google's stock Phone app, which comes pre-installed on most pure devices, hides some advanced options behind several layers of menus. Understanding where exactly to look for the right switches saves time and nerves.

There are several ways to activate this feature: through the settings GUI, using special USSD codes, or using third-party applications. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, depending on your smartphone model and carrier plan. In this guide, we will examine in detail all the available configuration options.

Preparing the device and checking operator conditions

Before you start changing system parameters, you need to make sure that your SIM card supports the forwarding service. Although this function is a standard for GSM networks, some tariff plans may require its prior activation in the subscriber’s personal account. Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account balance, as forwarded calls are often charged as outgoing calls to the forwarded number.

It is also important to check the network status. If the signal indicator shows no connection or Emergency Calls Only mode, you cannot set up call forwarding. The device must be registered in the operator's home network or be in roaming with the corresponding option activated. In some cases, operators block changes to forwarding settings when the subscriber is abroad.

⚠️ Attention: The cost of a minute of call when forwarding may differ from the standard tariff. Check with your carrier to avoid unexpected charges.

It is recommended to prepare in advance the phone number to which calls will be forwarded. This could be a landline phone, a mobile number from another operator, or a voicemail service. Write it down correctly, taking into account the country code and operator if you plan to use international forwarding.

Activation through the standard “Phone” application

The most convenient way to configure it is to use the built-in dialer interface. On smartphones with “clean” Android 10, such as Google Pixel or line devices Nokia, the path to the settings is unified. However, manufacturers often modify the shell, so the location of the items may vary slightly.

Open the application Phone and find the menu icon, usually located in the upper right corner of the screen (three vertical dots). Select item Settings. Next, the system will offer a list of available options, among which you need to find the section Call accounts or Additional settings.

If in your device If the dual-SIM version is installed, the system will ask you to select a specific SIM card for setup. This is a critical point because the settings only apply to the selected slot. After selecting the SIM card, a menu will open with various call management options.

• 📞 Find the item Call forwarding in the list of available actions.
• 🔄 The system will make a request to the operator's network to obtain the current service status.
• ⚙️ Select the operating mode: always, when busy, when there is no answer or when unavailable.

After selecting the mode, you will be asked to enter a phone number for forwarding. Enter it manually or select it from your contact book. Confirm the action by pressing the button Enable or OK. The device will send a command to the operator’s server, and after a few seconds the setting will take effect.

Using USSD codes for quick management

For those who prefer speed and versatility, USSD requests are an excellent solution. This method works on any phone, regardless of firmware version or model, since the command is processed directly on the side of the carrier's equipment, and not the smartphone.

To use this method, open the dialing screen and enter the appropriate combination of characters. Universal GSM codes are valid for most operators, but may have local features. For example, to enable unconditional forwarding, use the code *21*phone_number#.

21+79001234567#

After entering the code, press the call key. A notification about successful registration of the service or an error message will appear on the screen if the code is entered incorrectly or the service is unavailable. To disable forwarding, use the code #21#, and to check the status - *#21#.

Forwarding type	Enable code	Disable code	Check code
Unconditional (always)	*21*number#	#21#	*#21#
If the number is busy	*67*number#	#67#	*#67#
If there is no answer	*61*number#	#61#	*#61#
If unavailable	*62*number#	#62#	*#62#

Using codes is especially convenient when the phone's graphical interface freezes or does not work correctly. This is also the only way to set up call forwarding on feature phones or devices with outdated software connected to the same SIM card.

What to do if the code does not work?

If the universal code is returned with an error, your operator may be using its own combinations. Try to find the current codes in the help section on the provider's official website or call support.

Setting up conditional forwarding and timers

Conditional forwarding gives you more control over exactly when the call should be forwarded. In Android 10 you can flexibly configure the scenarios “If busy”, “If there is no answer” and “If unavailable”. This allows you not to miss important calls, but at the same time retain the ability to answer yourself if you are simply busy with another conversation.

Particular attention should be paid to setting the timer for the “If there is no answer” mode. By default, the operator's network waits for a response for a certain time (usually 15-30 seconds) before forwarding. In some interfaces, Android allows you to change this interval, but most often it is regulated by additional USSD codes.

For example, to change the waiting time before forwarding if there is no answer, you can use a command like *61*number*11*time#, where the time is indicated in seconds (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30). This is useful if you want to give yourself more time to pick up the phone before the call goes to another number.

⚠️ Note: Changing the wait timer may be a paid service or not available in your tariff plan. Check with your operator before entering complex codes to set the interval.

Combining different types of forwarding allows you to create complex logic for processing incoming calls. You can set up redirection to voicemail if the phone is turned off, and to a colleague's work number if you are busy on a call.

Features of working in dual SIM mode

Owners of smartphones with support for two SIM cards should take into account that forwarding settings are applied individually to each slot. In Android 10 managing two lines is implemented quite conveniently, but requires care when choosing an active card for configuration.

When entering the call settings menu, the system will immediately prompt you to select SIM 1 or SIM 2. The parameters set for the first card do not affect the second in any way. This means that you will have to repeat the setup procedure twice if you want to activate forwarding for both numbers.

• 📱 Make sure both SIM cards are active and have a network signal.
• 🔀 Switch between cards in the settings menu to check the status of each.
• 💰 Remember that forwarding the second card will also be charged according to its tariff plan.

If one of the cards is used only for the Internet, and the other for calls, set up forwarding only to voice SIM. This will eliminate confusion and unnecessary checks of the service status on a card inactive for calls.

Solving common problems and errors

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often encounter errors when enabling forwarding. The most common problem is a "Request Error" or "Network Connection Failed" message. This may be caused by temporary glitches in the operator's network or problems with SIM card registration.

If standard methods do not work, try restarting the device. This will update the phone's network registration and clear temporary network errors. It also makes sense to remove the SIM card, wipe the contacts and insert it back, making sure it is a tight fit.

In some cases, the problem lies in an application conflict. Third-party dialers or spam blockers can hijack call control and block system forwarding settings. Try temporarily disabling such applications or resetting the settings of the “Phone” application in the menu Applications → Phone → Memory → Reset.

⚠️ Attention: If the error persists after rebooting and checking the codes, the forwarding service may be blocked on the operator’s side. Contact your provider's technical support to unlock the function.

Another reason for failure may be an outdated version of the basic modem firmware. Although this is rare, updating the device software to the latest available version can fix software bugs that prevent USSD requests from being sent correctly. Android 10 This is rare; updating the device software to the latest available version can fix software bugs that prevent the correct sending of USSD requests.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will I pay for forwarded calls?

Yes, in most cases, forwarding is charged as an outgoing call from your number to the number where the forwarding is going. The cost of a minute depends on your tariff plan and the direction of the call (within the network, to other mobile or landline numbers).

Is it possible to set up call forwarding to an international number?

Technically this is possible, but requires entering the number in international format (with a plus and country code). However, many operators block international forwarding by default due to the high cost and risk of fraud. It is necessary to check the possibility with the provider.

Why does the setup through the phone menu not work, but the codes work?

This may be due to the incompatibility of your smartphone interface with the operator’s protocols or a software glitch in the “Phone” application. USSD codes are processed at a lower level and often bypass software restrictions of the interface.

How do you know if forwarding is currently active?

You can check the status using the USSD code *#21# (for unconditional) or through the call settings menu, where active modes will be marked with check marks or displayed destination number. Also, when forwarding is enabled, a special icon may appear in the status line (depending on the model).

Is forwarding reset after rebooting the phone?

No, forwarding settings are stored on the operator's server, and not in the phone's memory. Therefore, rebooting, turning off the device, or even removing the SIM card will not cancel active forwarding. You can disable it only with an explicit cancel command.