Managing incoming calls on a modern smartphone requires flexibility, especially when you are in an area of poor reception or busy on another line. Device owners Samsung often face the need to redirect calls to another number so as not to miss important information from colleagues or loved ones. This function is standard for mobile networks and does not require the installation of additional software, since it is built directly into the phone’s hardware and the operator’s logic.
The activation process may not seem obvious due to the constant updating of the shell interface One UI. Users often look for the necessary items in the general system settings, while call management is concentrated in a specialized phone book menu. Understanding the menu architecture allows you to quickly find the desired switch and configure redirection scripts to suit your current tasks without unnecessary clicks.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for activating the service, from the standard graphical interface to the use of hidden USSD codes. You will learn how the redirection modes differ, how to avoid hidden charges, and what to do if the system reports an error executing the request. Proper configuration of this function will provide you with constant communication regardless of the state of your main device.
Main types of call forwarding
Before starting the technical setup, you need to understand the logic of the service. Cellular operators provide several scenarios, each of which is activated under certain conditions. Choosing the right type depends on your goal: do you want to drop all calls or only those that come in when the phone is turned off.
The most common option is unconditional forwarding, or unconditional forwarding. When you select this mode all incoming calls they are instantly redirected to the specified number without causing a beep on your device. Your phone at this moment may be turned on and on the network, but it simply will not respond to the call, since the operator’s switchboard will redirect the signal even before it reaches the device.
There are also conditional types of redirection that work only when specific situations arise. For example, Busy Forward is useful if you are using the call waiting feature and cannot answer a second call. Another popular scenario is redirection when unavailable, when the phone is turned off or outside the network coverage area.
⚠️ Attention: Activating redirection to numbers of other operators or in roaming may be charged separately. Check the cost of a minute of forwarded conversation in your operator's personal account to avoid unexpected expenses.
Use unconditional forwarding only when you know for sure that the number to which the calls are made is active and ready to receive the call. Otherwise, the caller will hear beeps, but no one will answer.
Activation through the standard phone menu
The easiest and safest way to set up redirection is to use the built-in “Phone” application, which is pre-installed on all smartphones Samsung Galaxy. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the One UI shell, but the general navigation logic has remained unchanged for several years.
First, open your dialer app and look for the menu icon, usually located in the top or bottom right corner of the screen (three vertical dots). In the list that opens, select “Settings”. This is where all the parameters related to the operation of the SIM card and voice communication are concentrated.
In the settings menu, find the “Additional services” or “Call services” section. The system may request confirmation of an action or show a loading indicator as the smartphone sends a request to the operator's network to obtain the current status of services. After loading, you will see a list of available options, among which will be “Voice forwarding”.
- 📞 Unconditional forwarding: redirects absolutely all calls immediately.
- ⏳ When busy: triggered if you are talking to another subscriber.
- 🚫 If there is no answer: activated if you do not pick up after a certain number of rings.
- 📶 If unavailable: works when the phone is turned off or there is no network signal.
Select the desired type of forwarding and enter the phone number to which you will receive calls are coming. Be sure to enter the number in international format, starting with a plus and country code (for example, +7 for Russia) to avoid routing errors. After entering the number, click the “Enable” or “Activate” button.
☑️ Checking forwarding settings
Using USSD codes for quick control
For experienced users or in situations where the graphical interface does not work correctly, there are universal USSD commands. These codes work at the network level and do not depend on the firmware version of your Samsung. Commands are entered directly into the dialing field, as with a regular call, but instead of making a call, you press the send button.
The codes are standardized by the GSM consortium and work for most operators worldwide. However, some mobile providers may block certain commands or require the use of their own unique combinations of numbers. If the standard code gives a connection error, it is recommended to contact your operator's support service.
Below is a table with the main commands for managing forwarding. Please note that instead of the characters * you must substitute the phone number to which you want to redirect calls. The number format must be complete, without missing digits.
| Action | USSD command | Result description |
|---|---|---|
| Enable unconditional | **21*number# |
All calls go to the specified number |
| Disable unconditional | ##21# |
Return to standard call reception |
| Check status | *#21# |
Display current forwarding number |
| Disable all types | ##002# |
Full reset of all redirection settings |
After entering the command and pressing the call button, a system notification about the successful completion of the request or an error will appear on the screen. It's important to wait for the text confirmation pop-up to appear before closing the dialer app. In some cases, the response from the network may arrive with a delay of several seconds.
⚠️ Attention: When using USSD codes, carefully check the entered numbers. An error in one digit of the number can lead to your calls being redirected to someone else's number, which will create inconvenience for you and the stranger.
Solving problems with request execution errors
Quite often, users are faced with a situation where, when trying to enable forwarding, the smartphone displays the message “Request execution error” or “Failed to change settings.” This doesn't always mean the phone is broken; most often the problem lies in the network settings or restrictions on the part of the operator.
The first reason may be the lack of support for the service on your tariff plan. Some budget plans or corporate SIM cards have the forwarding function blocked by default. In this case, the GUI will show an error because the network is rejecting your request to activate the service.
The second common reason is a conflict with Do Not Disturb mode or specific call blocking settings. If blocking all incoming messages is activated on your phone, an attempt to set up incoming messages redirection may be rejected by the system. You must first disable all call restrictions in the Number Blocking menu.
It is also worth checking whether the VoLTE service is active. On some networks, voice call forwarding does not work correctly when voice over 4G is active. Try temporarily switching the network type in the mobile data settings to 3G/2G and try again to activate the forwarding.
What to do if nothing helps?
If standard methods and codes do not work, reset the network settings. Go to Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but will restore the factory settings for working with the SIM card.
Features of working on dual-SIM devices
Owners of modern flagships Samsung, such as the series Galaxy S or Note, often use two SIM cards at the same time. This adds a layer of complexity to the setup process, as you need to be clear about which line you are configuring the forwarding for.
When entering the additional services menu, the system will prompt you to select a SIM card: SIM 1 or SIM 2. The settings are applied strictly individually for each line. Activating forwarding on the first SIM card will not in any way affect the operation of the second; they operate independently of each other.
It is important to consider that when redirecting calls from one SIM card to another located in the same phone, a logical loop or conflict may arise if the correct conditions are not configured. For example, if you forward calls from SIM 1 to SIM 2 under the condition “always”, then calls to the first SIM will never go through, and the second will constantly receive calls intended for the first.
Recommendation: If you use two SIM cards from the same operator, check the possibility of internal forwarding. Some operators consider this as a regular outgoing call from the first SIM card to the second, which can lead to charges per minute of conversation, even if the call was not accepted.
How to disable forwarding and return the settings
After the need for call forwarding has ceased, it is critically important to disable this function in time. Forgotten active forwarding can cause you to miss important calls, thinking that the phone is simply silent, when in fact the calls are going to another number.
The fastest way to deactivate is to use a universal code ##002#. This command resets all types of forwarding (unconditional, busy, unavailable) at the same time. Enter the code in the dialer and press call; you should receive confirmation that all redirection services have been successfully removed.
An alternative method is to return to factory settings through the menu. Go to “Additional Services”, select each type of forwarding in turn and click the “Disable” button. The status opposite each item should change to “Disabled” or “Not activated.”
⚠️ Attention: After turning off forwarding, be sure to call your number from another phone to make sure that the call goes through correctly and the phone starts ringing. Don't rely solely on the status in the settings menu.
Code ##002# is a universal solution for completely resetting all forwarding settings if you do not remember which mode was activated previously.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will I be charged for a forwarded call?
Yes, in most cases, forwarding is charged as an outgoing call from your number to the forwarding number. If the number is in your home region, the rate will be charged according to your plan. If the number is in roaming or in another region, special rates may apply.
Is it possible to forward calls to a landline number?
Technically, this is possible if your operator supports such a function. You need to enter the full landline number with the area code in the settings field. However, the cost of such a minute can be significantly higher than mobile communication.
Why doesn’t forwarding work when the phone is on?
Most likely, you have the “When unavailable” or “When there is no answer” mode activated. In these modes, the phone first tries to call you. If you want the call to immediately go to another number without beeps on your phone, enable “Unconditional forwarding.”
Does forwarding affect the operation of the mobile data?
No, forwarding only applies to voice calls and SMS (if configured separately). The speed and stability of the mobile data, as well as data transmission via 4G/5G, remain unchanged and do not depend on voice routing settings.
What to do if the code ##002# does not work?
Some virtual operators or specific tariffs may block direct USSD reset commands. In this case, the only solution is to call the operator’s support service or use the “My Operator” application to manage services via the Internet.