Mobile communications have become an integral part of our lives, and missed calls can be expensive, literally and figuratively. Situations when the subscriber is unavailable, is in an area of uncertain reception, or simply cannot answer, require competent management of incoming traffic. This is where the function Call forwardingcomes to the rescue, allowing you to automatically redirect calls to another number.
Smartphone owners Samsung often wonder how to activate this option so as not to lose important business contacts or communication with loved ones. The ecosystem Androidthat all modern gadgets of the Korean brand are equipped with has implemented several ways to control this function. You can use the standard phone settings menu or resort to faster methods through a set of special commands.
Understanding how call routing works will help you flexibly customize communication scenarios for any life circumstances. Whether it's a vacation, a meeting, or a low battery on your main device, properly configured forwarding will ensure continuity of communication without your direct participation.
Main types of forwarding on Samsung devices
Before you begin technical setup, it is important to understand the types of call forwarding available on your device. Cellular operators and software Samsung offer several scenarios, each of which solves specific user problems.
The first type is unconditional forwarding. When you select this option all incoming calls you will be instantly redirected to the number you specified, regardless of whether your line is free. In this case, your phone will not even ring or vibrate, since the operator’s switchboard will immediately route the call to the recipient.
The second type is busy forwarding. This option only works if you are talking to another person at the time of the call. If the line is free, the call will arrive at your device as usual. This is convenient for those who often conduct long conversations and do not want to miss emergency calls.
The third and fourth types are associated with the subscriber's unavailability. This includes forwarding on no answer (when you don't pick up the phone for a certain time) and when unavailable (the phone is turned off or there is no network). These settings allow you to create reliable insurance in case of force majeure.
⚠️ Attention: Conditional forwarding (when busy or no answer) depends on the timer of the telecom operator, and not on the phone settings. Usually this is 15-30 seconds, and it is impossible to change this interval through the smartphone menu.
Activation through the standard settings menu
The most visual and safe way to set up call routing is to use the built-in interface of the “Phone” application. This method does not require memorizing codes and allows you to visually monitor the status of each option. The interface may differ slightly depending on the shell version One UI, but the logic remains the same.
First, open your dialer app, which usually has a green handset icon. In the upper right corner of the screen, find an icon with three vertical dots - this is a menu of additional actions. By clicking on it, you will see a list of options, among which you need to select the item Settings.
In the menu that opens, scroll down the list to the “Additional services” or “Call services” section. Here the system will ask for access to network settings, so it may take a few seconds to download data from the operator. After loading, you will see a list of all available redirection types.
Select the scenario you need, for example, “Redirect always”. In the window that appears, enter the phone number to which calls will be received. Do not forget to indicate the country code and operator if the number belongs to another region. After entering, click the button Enable or “Activate”.
☑️ Check before setting
The system will send a request to the operator's server. If the service is available and the number is entered correctly, you will receive a notification about successful activation. In the list of settings next to the selected item, a checkmark or the status “Enabled” will appear, and the number to which the redirection is being made will also be displayed.
If the “Additional services” item is missing or inactive, check whether the SIM card is installed in a slot that supports voice calls, especially on dual-SIM models.
Using USSD codes for quick controls
For experienced users or in situations where the phone menu is not available (for example, when the interface fails), there are universal USSD commands. These codes work at the operator network level and are the fastest way to manage communication services. They are the same for most operators in the region, but may have nuances.
To enable unconditional forwarding, open the dialer application and enter the command 21*phone_number#. Instead of the words “phone_number”, enter the full number, including the country code and operator, without pluses or spaces. For example, for the number +79990000000 the command will look like 21*79990000000#.
After entering the command, press the call button. A pop-up message from the operator will instantly appear on the screen confirming the activation of the service. Codes for other conditions work in a similar way: 67*number# for forwarding when busy and 61*number# if there is no answer.
**21*number# - Enable forwarding for all calls##21# - Disable forwarding of all calls
*#21# - Check forwarding status
One extra star or missing pound sign can lead to a command execution error or a call to a completely different service. Be careful when entering numbers, especially if you are dictating a number to someone or copying it from notes.
⚠️ Attention: Some virtual operators or corporate tariffs may block the execution of USSD commands to change forwarding settings. In this case, use only the settings menu or the operator’s personal account.
Comparison of setup methods and their features
The choice between the settings menu and USSD codes often depends on the user’s preferences and the specific situation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account when managing communication services on a smartphone Samsung.
The graphical interface provides more visual information and protection against input errors. The system itself will prompt you for the number format and warn you about possible settings conflicts. The codes require knowledge of the exact sequence of characters, but they work faster and are independent of the firmware version.
| Criteria | Settings menu | USSD commands | Operator application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access speed | Medium (you need to go through the menu) | High (direct input) | Low (launching the application) |
| Risk of error | Minimal | High (human factor) | Minimal |
| Status visualization | Full (checkmarks, numbers) | Text message | Detailed statistics |
| Internet dependence | Not required | Not required | Often required |
Use of your mobile operator's application is often the “golden mean”. There, the forwarding settings are placed in a separate section with clear switches, and the cost of the service is also displayed if it is charged separately from the main package of minutes.
For one-time quick setup, use USSD codes, and for constant monitoring and changing parameters, it is more convenient to use the regular smartphone menu or the operator's application.
Setting up features on dual-SIM devices
Owners of modern flagships and budget phones Samsung often use two SIM cards at the same time. This adds a layer of complexity to the setup process since communication services are tied to a specific slot and number. Incorrect selection of the active card may result in forwarding not working or being enabled on the wrong number.
When entering the call settings menu, the system will prompt you to select a SIM card for configuration. You will see a division into “SIM 1” and “SIM 2” (or by operator name). Settings applied to one card do not in any way affect the operation of the second. This allows you to flexibly combine scenarios: for example, enable forwarding to a secretary on a work SIM card, and to a spouse on a personal SIM card.
If you use USSD commands on a dual-SIM device, be extremely careful. By default, the command is executed through the SIM card that is set for default voice calls, or the system will ask you every time you send a request. Always check the pop-up notification about which card the request is coming from.
⚠️ Attention: When one of the SIM cards is removed, the forwarding settings associated with it may be automatically reset by the telecom operator. When you return the card to the slot, you will need to re-activate the services.
Roaming should also be taken into account. If one of the cards is roaming, enabling forwarding may be blocked by the operator or cost additional money. In the settings menu, next to the name of the operator in roaming, there may be a corresponding mark that limits access to some functions.
What happens to the second SIM card when making a call?
If unconditional forwarding is configured on the first SIM card, the second SIM card remains active and can receive calls or use the Internet if it is not busy at the moment. Forwarding concerns only a specific number.
Tariffication and financial aspects of the service
The issue of cost often becomes a stumbling block for users who enable forwarding without delving into the terms of the tariff. It is important to understand that a forwarded call is two separate connections: from the caller to you and from you to the person to whom you are forwarding the call.
An incoming call to your number is usually free (in your home region), but the moment of forwarding turns it into an outgoing call from your number to the forwarding number. Consequently, for this part of the call minutes are debited from your package or charged at the price of minutes of outgoing communication.
Particular attention should be paid to international calls. If you are in Russia and have set up call forwarding to a number in another country, every minute of conversation will be very expensive according to the international roaming or international communication tariffs of your operator.
Some operators include the forwarding service in the basic package without a subscription fee, while others may charge a fixed amount for the very fact of connecting to the service, regardless of the duration of the calls. You can check the current conditions in the “Tariffs” section of your personal account or by calling the support service.
Before a long trip abroad, temporarily disable call forwarding to local numbers or make sure that you have activated the "Unlimited Minutes" package to avoid bills.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the function, users sometimes encounter situations where redirection is not enabled or does not work correctly. Most often, the problem lies not in the smartphone Samsung, but in the network settings or account status.
The first thing you need to check is your personal account balance. If the number has a negative balance or is zero, the telecom operator blocks the ability to install new services, including forwarding. Top up your account and try sending the request again.
The second common reason is the lack of support for the service at the tariff plan level. Some legacy plans or specialized SIM cards (for example, Internet only) may not have voice forwarding capabilities. In this case, only changing the tariff will help.
It is also worth checking whether you have activated the “Call Barring” service or similar restrictions. If all outgoing calls are blocked, then forwarding (which is technically an outgoing call) will not work. Remove restrictions in the call security menu.
Why does forwarding not work when the phone is turned off?
It depends on the type of forwarding. If the "When unavailable" option is selected, the call should be redirected. However, if the phone was turned off for too long, the network could lose subscriber registration. Try turning on the phone for a minute, wait for the network to appear, and turn it off again. Also make sure that in the settings the type is “When unavailable” and not “When there is no answer.”
Can calls be forwarded to a landline number?
Yes, technically this is possible. You need to enter the full landline phone number, including the area code, in the forwarding settings field. However, make sure that your mobile plan allows you to make calls to landline numbers, as tariffs may differ from calls to mobile numbers.
How do I know if I have call forwarding enabled by someone else?
Use the command *#21# to check the status of unconditional call forwarding. The screen will display the number to which your calls are sent if the service is active. If you see an unfamiliar number, immediately disable the service with the command ##21# and change the password from the operator's personal account.
Are forwarding settings reset after a reboot?
No, forwarding settings are stored on the operator's side in its database (HLR). Rebooting the smartphone, removing the SIM card, or even changing the device does not affect the active settings. They can only be canceled by sending the disconnect command again or through the settings menu.
Why does the caller hear beeps even though the call is being forwarded?
This is normal behavior for conditional forwarding (when busy or no answer). The beeps mean that the network is trying to reach you. Forwarding will only work after the timer expires or a busy signal is received. With unconditional forwarding, the caller should not have any beeps (or they will be very short).