Managing incoming calls is one of the basic needs of a modern smartphone user. Situations when you are in an area of poor coverage, in a meeting, or simply cannot answer, require an instant response from the system. The function call forwarding allows you to redirect a call to another number, voicemail or answering machine without your direct participation. In the Android operating system, this mechanism is deeply integrated into the phone application and system communication settings.
However, the menu interface may differ significantly depending on the device manufacturer and firmware version. Users often wonder about where to find the right item if the standard path is not obvious. In this article we will analyze in detail all the configuration methods, including universal USSD codes, hidden engineering menus and standard graphical interfaces of popular shells.
You need to understand that the function itself is provided by your mobile operator, and the phone only sends a command to activate the service to the network. Therefore, the success of the setup depends not only on the model Samsung or Xiaomi, but also on the tariff plan and availability of services from the communication provider.
The standard path through the “Phone” application
The most obvious and frequently used method of managing calls lies on the surface of the interface. In most stock versions of Android and shells like One UI or MIUI the settings are hidden behind three dots or a gear icon in the corner of the dialing screen. You will need to open the application Phone, find the menu of additional options and select the section Settings.
Then the algorithm of actions may vary slightly. Usually you should go to subsection Call accounts or Additional settings. This is where the point Call forwardingis hidden. The system may take a few seconds to poll the network before displaying the current service status. If the phone is dual-SIM, you will be prompted to select a specific SIM card for setup.
⚠️ Attention: If the “Call forwarding” item is grayed out or not is pressed, check whether the “Flight” mode is turned on and whether there is a stable network signal. Setup is impossible without registering the phone in the operator's network.
After entering the menu, you will see four main types of redirection: always, when busy, when there is no answer and when unavailable. Selecting a specific type allows you to flexibly manage the flow of incoming communications. For example, you can set up forwarding only for the duration of a meeting, leaving other modes active on the main device.
Before changing settings, write down the current forwarding number or take a screenshot of the screen. This will help you quickly return everything to the way it was if the new configuration turns out to be inconvenient.
Using USSD codes for quick control
For those who prefer speed and do not want to wander through the menu, there are universal ones USSD commands. This method works on any phone, even the simplest push-button one, since the command is sent directly to the operator’s server, bypassing the Android graphical interface. Commands are entered into the dialing field as a regular call.
There is a basic set of codes that are supported by most of the world's telecom operators. They allow you to activate, disable or check the status of forwarding. Below is a table with the main commands that you can use right now.
| Action | Command code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Disable all | ##002# |
Complete cancellation of all types of forwarding |
| Check status | *#21# |
Display the current forwarding number |
| Always enable | **21*number# |
Activate unconditional forwarding |
| Always disable | ##21# |
Removing unconditional forwarding |
Instead of the word “number” in the command, you must substitute the full phone number to which calls will be sent, usually in international format (for example, 79991234567). After entering the command and pressing the call button, a system message about the successful completion of the operation or an error will appear on the screen. This is the most reliable method if the graphical menu is glitchy.
Features of settings in different Android shells
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard Android interface, adding their own unique elements or changing the logic of the location of items. This can be confusing for a user accustomed to “pure” Android. Let's look at the most popular custom firmware and their specifics.
On devices Samsung with the One UI shell, the path often goes through the general system settings, and not just through the dialer. You need to go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Voice forwarding. Here the interface is more detailed and allows you to configure timeouts for the “No Reply” mode down to the second.
In smartphones Xiaomi (MIUI) and Poco the settings can be hidden deeper. Sometimes you need to go to Settings → Applications → System application settings → Calls. If you cannot find the item you need, use the settings search by entering the query “forwarding”. The system itself will redirect you to the desired section.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces are updated every year. If the described paths do not match your screen, use the built-in search in the phone settings - this is the fastest way to find a hidden item in the new software version.
Devices from Google Pixel and Motorola with pure Android retain the classic structure: three dots in the phone application → Settings → Accounts for calls. There are no unnecessary add-ons, which makes the process as transparent and quick to understand.
Why can settings be reset?
Sometimes after updating the firmware or replacing the SIM card, forwarding settings may be reset to default values. This is due to the fact that the phone re-registers on the network and requests the current service profile from the operator.
Forwarding types and usage scenarios
Understanding the difference between call forwarding types is critical for proper configuration. Selecting the wrong mode may result in you missing important calls or, conversely, receiving duplicate notifications.
- 📞 Always: All incoming calls are immediately forwarded to the specified number. Your phone does not ring. Ideal for when you have lost your phone or are going on vacation.
- 🚫 If busy: The call goes to another number only if you manually rejected the call or are talking to another subscriber at that moment.
- ⏳ If there is no answer: Forwarding works after a certain number of rings if you don't pick up. It is useful so that the call does not disappear when you are busy with business.
- 📶 If not available: Activated when the phone is turned off, outside the network area or in airplane mode. Insurance in case of low battery.
Combining these modes allows you to create complex call processing logic. For example, you can set up forwarding to a colleague only during working hours (Busy or No Answer mode), and leave voicemail on weekends. The flexibility of the system allows you to adapt your phone to any rhythm of life.
The “Always” mode completely blocks incoming messages on the current device. Don't forget to turn it off as soon as you return the phone to active use, otherwise you will be left without communication.
Activation problems and ways to solve them
Often users are faced with a situation where the setting is not saved or gives an error. The most common reason is lack of support for the service on the operator’s side or insufficient account balance. Some tariff plans require a separate connection to the forwarding service through your personal account.
Also, the problem may lie in a settings conflict. If you try to enable forwarding to a number that itself has active forwarding, the network may reject the request to avoid call routing in a round-robin manner. Make sure the target number is active and able to receive calls.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings helps. To do this, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return the network settings to factory settings, which often solves software failures.
☑️ Diagnosing the problem with forwarding
Financial aspects and tariffing
When a call is forwarded, it appears to the network as two connections: one from the caller to you, and one from you to the new number. It is the second leg of the journey that is usually charged as an outgoing call from your number.
The cost may depend on where the call is redirected: within your operator’s network, to numbers of other mobile operators or to city landlines. In roaming, the situation is even more complicated: for a redirected call, money can be charged both for an incoming call in roaming and for an international outgoing one.
⚠️ Attention: Tariffs for forwarding can be changed by the operator unilaterally. Before actively setting up forwarding to long-distance numbers, be sure to check the current rates in your operator's application or on the official website.
To avoid unexpected charges, many operators offer minute packages that include forwarded calls. Check the terms of your tariff plan. If you rarely use the function, it may be more profitable to disable it after use via code ##002#.
Does forwarding affect the quality of communication?
Forwarding itself does not degrade the sound quality, since it is only signal routing at the network level. However, if the forwarding chain is too long or the target number is in an area of poor coverage, connection delays or breaks may occur.
Is it possible to forward calls to instant messengers?
Standard voice forwarding only works with phone numbers. You cannot directly forward a call to WhatsApp or Telegram through the operator settings. This requires special third-party answering apps that work at the smartphone level.
What happens if the forwarding number is turned off?
If the target number is turned off or unavailable, the call simply will not go further. The caller will hear standard waiting tones and then an out-of-call message, as if you had not picked up the phone. The chain is interrupted.
How do I know if my calls are being forwarded secretly?
Use the code *#21#. It will show the status of all types of forwarding. If you see an unfamiliar number in the Voice field or other fields, then call forwarding is active. To disable, enter ##002#.
Does forwarding work when the phone is turned off?
Yes, the “If unavailable” mode works. Since the setting is stored on the operator’s server, and not in the phone’s memory, the network itself will redirect the call when it detects that your device does not respond to registration requests.