Call forwarding lets you send incoming calls to a different phone number automatically
Call forwarding is a phone service feature that redirects calls meant for one number to another number you choose. When someone calls your primary phone, the call rings on your forwarding number instead — or in addition to, depending on the type you set up. You do not need a second phone line or a new phone number; you use what you already have.
The setup takes minutes and costs nothing on most phone plans. How you turn it on depends on whether you use a landline, mobile phone, or internet-based phone service. Each has a slightly different process, but all work the same way once activated.
Key Takeaways
- Call forwarding redirects incoming calls to a different phone number without requiring a new line or number.
- Mobile phones use a menu in Settings or the Phone app; landlines typically use a code like *72; internet phones use an online account portal.
- Unconditional forwarding sends all calls immediately; conditional forwarding sends calls only if you do not answer or your line is busy.
- You can usually turn call forwarding on or off anytime, and most carriers do not charge extra for the feature.
How to set up call forwarding on a mobile phone
On an iPhone, open Settings, tap Phone, then Call Forwarding. Enter the phone number where you want calls sent and tap Enable. The phone will confirm the number is active. To turn it off, return to the same menu and tap the toggle.
On an Android phone, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, then Call Forwarding. Select Voice Call Forwarding (or Conditional Forwarding), choose the type you want, and enter the destination number. Save your changes. The exact menu names vary by manufacturer and carrier, but the path is similar on most devices.
If you cannot find call forwarding in your phone's settings, contact your carrier directly. Some carriers let you set it up through their website or app instead. You can also call your carrier's customer service line and ask them to activate it for you over the phone.
How to set up call forwarding on a landline
Landline call forwarding usually works through a code you dial from your phone. The most common code is *72, followed by the phone number where you want calls sent. Dial *72, wait for a tone, then enter the destination number and press #. You should hear a confirmation tone. To turn it off, dial *73 and press #.
Some carriers use different codes or require you to dial from a different phone. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service to confirm the correct code for your account. If you have an older phone system or a business line, your carrier may require you to set it up through their online portal or by calling in.
Test the forwarding by having someone call your landline from another phone. If the call rings on your forwarding number, it is working. If not, check that you entered the number correctly and that the activation tone played.
Unconditional versus conditional call forwarding
Unconditional forwarding sends every incoming call to your chosen number immediately, regardless of whether you answer your primary phone. This is useful if you are away from your main phone for an extended time or switching to a different device entirely.
Conditional forwarding sends calls only under specific conditions. The most common type is no-answer forwarding, which rings your primary phone first and sends the call to your forwarding number only if you do not pick up after a set number of rings (usually 4 to 6). Busy forwarding sends calls to your forwarding number only when your primary line is already in use. Unavailable forwarding activates when your phone is off or out of service.
Choose unconditional forwarding if you want all calls to go to the other number without exception. Choose conditional forwarding if you want to keep receiving calls on your primary phone but need a backup number to catch calls you miss. Most people use no-answer forwarding as a safety net.
How to set up call forwarding on an internet phone service
Internet-based phone services like Vonage, Ooma, or Google Voice handle call forwarding through your online account, not through codes or phone settings. Log into your account on the provider's website, find the Call Forwarding or Call Settings section, and enter the phone number where you want calls sent. Save the changes.
Some internet phone services let you set up multiple forwarding numbers and choose which one receives calls based on the time of day or day of the week. This is useful if you forward to your work phone during business hours and your home phone after hours. Check your provider's settings to see what options are available.
Test the forwarding the same way you would with a mobile or landline: have someone call your internet phone number and confirm the call rings on your forwarding number. If it does not work, log back into your account and verify the number was saved correctly.
What happens to voicemail when call forwarding is active
When call forwarding is on, voicemail behavior depends on the type of forwarding you chose. With unconditional forwarding, calls never reach your primary phone, so voicemails go to your forwarding number's voicemail instead — not your original voicemail box. This means callers leave messages on the wrong account.
With conditional forwarding (no-answer or busy), your primary phone rings first. If you do not answer, the call goes to your forwarding number. If the forwarding number also goes unanswered, the call goes to that phone's voicemail, not your original one.
To avoid confusion, tell people who call you regularly that you have set up forwarding and give them the forwarding number if they need to leave a message. Alternatively, check both voicemail boxes regularly until you are sure where callers are leaving messages. Some people disable voicemail on their primary phone when using unconditional forwarding to force callers to leave messages on the forwarding number instead.
Turning call forwarding off and troubleshooting common problems
To turn off call forwarding on a mobile phone, go back to the same Settings menu where you turned it on and toggle it off. On a landline, dial *73 and press #. On an internet phone service, log into your account and disable the forwarding setting.
If calls are not forwarding, check that you entered the destination number correctly, including the area code. Confirm that the forwarding number itself is working by calling it directly. If the number works but forwarding is not, turn the feature off and turn it back on to reset it. If that does not work, contact your carrier — there may be a technical issue on their end or a setting in your account that is blocking it.
If you are forwarding to a mobile phone and calls are going to voicemail instead of ringing, the mobile phone may be off or out of service. Turn the phone on and check that it has a signal. You can also test by calling the mobile phone directly to confirm it is receiving calls normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I forward calls to multiple numbers at once?
Most carriers do not support simultaneous forwarding to multiple numbers through the standard call forwarding feature. However, some internet phone services and business phone systems allow you to set up a call queue or ring group that sends calls to several numbers at the same time. Check with your provider about whether this option is available on your account.
Will I be charged for calls that are forwarded?
Call forwarding itself is usually free. However, if you forward to a long-distance or international number, you may be charged long-distance rates for each forwarded call, depending on your plan. Check your carrier's pricing to understand whether forwarded calls count toward your minutes or incur additional charges.
Can I set up call forwarding on a phone I do not own?
You can only set up call forwarding on a phone number you control or have permission to manage. If it is a work phone, ask your IT department or phone administrator. If it is a family member's phone, you will need their permission and access to their account settings or carrier account.
What if the person I am forwarding to does not want to receive my calls?
Turn off call forwarding immediately. Forwarding calls to someone without their consent can damage your relationship and may violate their phone plan if they are charged for the calls. If you need to forward calls, discuss it with the person first and agree on the arrangement.
Does call forwarding work if my primary phone is turned off?
Yes, unconditional call forwarding works even if your primary phone is off or has no battery. Conditional forwarding also works — calls will go to your forwarding number if your primary phone is off. The only exception is if your carrier has shut off your account for non-payment or other reasons.