The simplest way to forward calls depends on your phone type and service provider

Call forwarding lets you send incoming calls from one phone number to a different phone — yours, a family member's, or an office line. The method varies: smartphone users can usually set it up in Settings within minutes, while landline customers need to contact their provider or use a code. Some services are free, others cost a few dollars per month. The key is knowing whether your phone is a smartphone, a basic phone, or a landline, and whether your service provider supports the feature.

When call forwarding is active, your original phone will not ring — all calls go directly to the forwarded number. You can turn it off anytime, and incoming calls will return to your original phone. The process takes just a few minutes to set up, and most carriers allow you to change or disable it without penalty.

Key Takeaways

  • Smartphone users can turn on call forwarding in Settings without contacting their provider or paying extra.
  • Landline customers must call their phone company to activate call forwarding, or use a code like *72 if their provider supports it.
  • Some providers charge a monthly fee for call forwarding; others include it free with your plan.
  • When call forwarding is active, your original phone will not ring — all calls go directly to the forwarded number.
  • You can turn call forwarding off anytime, and incoming calls will return to your original phone.

How to set up call forwarding on an iPhone

Open Settings and tap Phone. Scroll down and tap Call Forwarding. Toggle it on, then enter the phone number where you want calls sent. Your iPhone will confirm the number and show it on the screen. Once it is active, you will see a small arrow icon in the status bar at the top of your screen, reminding you that forwarding is on.

To turn it off, go back to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and toggle it off. Your phone will return to normal and ring when someone calls. There is no charge for this feature on iPhones — it is built into your service at no extra cost.

How to set up call forwarding on an Android phone

The steps vary slightly by manufacturer and Android version. On most phones, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, and select Settings. Look for Call Forwarding or Call Settings. Tap Unconditional Call Forwarding (or Always Forward), enter the destination phone number, and save. Some Android phones put this setting in Settings > Apps > Phone instead.

If you cannot find it in the Phone app, try Settings > Advanced Calling or Settings > Calls. Android call forwarding is typically free, but check with your carrier — some prepaid plans charge a small monthly fee. To disable it, return to the same menu and toggle forwarding off. The setting usually takes effect within a few minutes.

How to set up call forwarding on a landline

Call your phone company's customer service number (printed on your bill) and ask to activate call forwarding. Have the destination phone number ready. The representative will turn it on immediately, and it usually takes effect within minutes. Ask whether there is a monthly charge — most landline providers charge between $3 and $5 per month for this feature.

If your provider supports it, you can also use a code to activate call forwarding yourself without calling. Dial *72, then the 10-digit phone number where you want calls sent, then press #. To deactivate, dial *73 and press #. Not all landline providers support these codes, so confirm with your company first. If the code does not work, call customer service instead.

What happens when call forwarding is active

When call forwarding is turned on, your original phone will not ring at all. Every incoming call goes directly to the forwarded number. If someone calls your original number, they will not know the call was forwarded — they just reach you on the other phone. Your voicemail on the original phone will not pick up calls unless the forwarded number does not answer.

If you want calls to ring on both phones at the same time, call forwarding is not the right tool — you would need a service like Google Voice or a business phone system that rings multiple devices simultaneously. Call forwarding sends calls to one destination only, which is why it works best when you are away from your main phone and want all calls to reach you elsewhere.

Turning call forwarding off and troubleshooting

To stop forwarding, use the same method you used to turn it on. On a smartphone, go to Settings and toggle it off. On a landline, call your provider or dial *73. Once you disable it, your original phone will ring normally again within a few minutes.

If calls are not forwarding after you turned it on, check that you entered the phone number correctly — including the area code. Make sure the destination phone has service and can receive calls. If you are forwarding to a business line, confirm that the number accepts incoming calls. If the problem persists, contact your phone company; they can verify the setting on their end and troubleshoot connection issues.

When to use call forwarding versus other options

Call forwarding works well if you are temporarily away from your main phone and want to catch all calls on another device. It is also useful if you are consolidating two phone numbers or testing a new phone before switching completely. The setup is quick and there are no contracts or long-term commitments.

However, if you want calls to ring on multiple phones at the same time, or if you need to screen calls before they reach you, consider alternatives. Google Voice lets you forward calls to multiple numbers and provides a web interface to manage them. Business phone systems and virtual phone services offer more control over routing and recording. If you simply want to avoid missing calls while you are away, call forwarding is the fastest and cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person calling know their call was forwarded?

No. From the caller's perspective, they reach you normally on your original number. They will not see any indication that the call was forwarded to a different phone. The forwarding happens behind the scenes.

Can I forward calls to an international number?

Most carriers allow it, but international forwarding often costs extra — sometimes $1 to $3 per call or a monthly fee. Contact your phone company before setting it up, because charges can add up quickly if you receive many calls. Some prepaid plans do not support international forwarding at all.

What if I forward calls but the destination phone is turned off?

The call will go to voicemail on the destination phone if that number has voicemail set up. If not, the caller will hear a message that the number is unavailable. Your original phone's voicemail will not pick up because the call never reaches it.

Can I forward calls to multiple phones at once?

Standard call forwarding sends calls to one number only. If you need calls to ring on multiple phones simultaneously, use Google Voice, a business phone system, or ask your carrier about simultaneous ring (if they offer it). These services cost more but let you answer from whichever phone is closest.

Does call forwarding use my phone's data or minutes?

Call forwarding does not use your data. The forwarded call uses minutes from whichever phone receives it. If you forward to a mobile phone, those minutes count against that phone's plan. Forwarding to a landline typically does not use minutes on either end.