How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone, Android, and Landlines

Need your calls to reach you wherever you are? Call forwarding sends incoming calls to another number, such as a colleague, your mobile, or a voicemail service. This guide covers iPhone, Android, and UK landline call services, with quick steps, useful short codes, and simple checks to make sure it works.

Before you start

• Have the number you want to forward to ready, including the full area code.

• Check with your provider for any charges. Some networks bill per forwarded minute.

• Forwarding rules live on the network, not the phone, so the settings can follow your SIM to a new device.

iPhone (iOS)

There are two ways to set up forwarding on an iPhone: through Settings for unconditional forwarding, or using short network codes for conditional rules.

A) Forward all calls via Settings

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Phone.

3. Tap Call Forwarding.

4. Turn Call Forwarding on.

5. Tap Forward To and enter the destination number.

6. Place a test call to your iPhone from another phone.

Notes:

• The Call Forwarding menu appears on many UK GSM networks. Some carriers hide this toggle. If you do not see it, use the short codes below.

• This option forwards every call immediately.

B) Conditional forwarding with short codes

Dial these codes in the Phone app, then press Call:

• Forward when busy: **67*destination-number#

• Forward when not answered: **61*destination-number#

• Forward when unreachable: **62*destination-number#

• Forward all calls: **21*destination-number#

To cancel a rule, dial the matching cancel code and press Call:

• Cancel all calls: ##21#

• Cancel when busy: ##67#

• Cancel when no answer: ##61#

• Cancel when unreachable: ##62#

To check status, use:

• Check all-call divert: *#21#

• Check busy: *#67#

• Check no answer: *#61#

• Check unreachable: *#62#

Tip: For no-answer forwarding, many networks let you set the ring time before divert. Try: **61*destination-number**seconds# where seconds is 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30.

Android

Android menus vary slightly by brand, but the path is similar. You can also use the same short codes listed above.

Set up in the Phone app

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Tap the three dots or More menu.

3. Go to Settings or Call settings.

4. Tap Calling accounts or SIM settings, then select your SIM.

5. Choose Call forwarding.

6. Set the rules you want:

   • Always forward

   • When busy

   • When unanswered

   • When unreachable

7. Enter the destination number and Save.

8. Make a quick test call.

If you cannot find the menu:
Use the short codes in the dialler, for example **21*destination-number# then press Call.

UK Landline Call Services

Many UK landline providers support call diversion using star codes from your handset. The most common patterns are below. Always check your provider’s help page for pricing and any differences.

Common landline codes

• Divert all calls: *21*destination-number#

• Cancel divert all: #21#

• Divert when busy: *67*destination-number#

• Cancel busy divert: #67#

• Divert on no answer: *61*destination-number#

• Cancel no answer divert: #61#

• Check status: *#21#, *#61#, *#67#

Notes:

• On services like BT Call Diversion, you may hear a confirmation tone or message.

• Some providers require the destination number in full national format, for example 01XXX XXXXXX or 07XXX XXXXXX.

• To change the no-answer ring time, your provider may offer a setting through customer services rather than a code.

Number format and examples

• UK landline to mobile: 07XXXXXXXXX

• UK landline to landline with area code: 01XXX XXXXXX or 02XXX XXXXXX

• International: include + and country code, for example +353... for Ireland. Check costs first.

Testing checklist

1. Call yourself from another phone. Confirm the call diverts to the correct number.

2. For conditional rules, test each trigger:

   • Busy: call while you are already on a call.

   • No answer: let it ring until divert kicks in.

   • Unreachable: put the phone in flight mode and call it.

3. Voicemail interaction: if you forward to a mobile, the mobile’s voicemail may answer. Decide if that is what you want.

4. Cancel test: use the cancel code, then confirm calls ring your original line again.

Troubleshooting

• Option missing on iPhone or Android: use the short codes. Menu availability depends on the network.

• Forwarding did not stick: re-enter the code using the full number format, then power the phone off and on.

• Rings too long before divert: for mobiles, try the **61*destination-number**seconds# format with 20 or 30 seconds.

• Forwarding loops: avoid forwarding two numbers to each other. You may hit a network block.

• Charges: forwarded minutes are usually billed as outbound calls from the original line. Check rates, especially for international forwarding.

Good practice for business lines

• Keep a note of active rules, destination numbers, and the date you set them.

• Use conditional forwarding first, so calls still ring you before diverting to a backup.

• During holidays, set an all calls divert and add a voicemail greeting that explains your hours and the best contact route.

Quick reference: mobile short codes

• Forward all: **21*number#

• Forward when busy: **67*number#

• Forward when no answer: **61*number#

• Forward when unreachable: **62*number#

• Cancel all: ##21#

• Cancel busy: ##67#

• Cancel no answer: ##61#

• Cancel unreachable: ##62#

• Check status: *#21#, *#61#, *#62#, *#67#

Summary

Set forwarding on iPhone or Android through the call settings, or use short network codes for precise rules. On UK landlines, star codes usually handle all, busy, and no-answer diversion. Test each case, note any charges, and keep your forwarding plan simple so callers always reach someone who can help.