The basics of call forwarding
Call forwarding sends incoming calls from your phone number to a different phone — a second cell phone, a landline, or even a voice mail system. The person calling you dials your regular number; the call rings on whichever phone you've set up to receive it. You don't need a new phone number, a new carrier, or any special equipment.
Most carriers build call forwarding into your account at no extra cost, though some charge a small monthly fee. The setup takes minutes and you can turn it on or off whenever you need it. This is different from call transfer, which moves an active call to another phone while you're already on it.
Key Takeaways
- Call forwarding is a carrier service that sends your incoming calls to another phone number you choose, and most carriers include it free or for a small fee.
- You can set up call forwarding through your carrier's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service, and it usually takes effect within minutes.
- Forwarding to a different phone number may incur long-distance charges if the destination is outside your calling plan, so check your carrier's rates first.
- You can forward all calls, only calls that go unanswered, or calls from specific contacts, depending on what your carrier and phone type support.
- Turning off call forwarding is just as simple as turning it on, and you should disable it if you're no longer using the destination phone.
How to set up call forwarding on a smartphone
On an iPhone, open Settings, tap Phone, then Call Forwarding. Enter the phone number where you want calls sent, and toggle the switch on. The phone will confirm the number and activate the service. You'll see a small arrow icon in the status bar when forwarding is active.
On an Android phone, the path varies by manufacturer and carrier. Open the Phone app, tap the menu (three dots), go to Settings, then Call Forwarding or Call Settings. Enter the destination number and save. Some Android phones require you to dial a code instead: dial *21* followed by the phone number and #, then press call. Your carrier will confirm the setup with a text message.
If you can't find call forwarding in your phone's settings, contact your carrier directly. Some carriers disable the feature in their software or require you to set it up through their app or website instead.
Setting up call forwarding through your carrier
You can also set up call forwarding without touching your phone's settings. Log into your carrier's website or mobile app, find the call forwarding or call settings section, and enter the destination number. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others all offer this option online.
If you prefer to do it by phone, call your carrier's customer service number (usually on your bill or the back of your SIM card). A representative can set up forwarding for you and answer questions about charges or limitations. This route is useful if you're unsure whether your phone supports the feature or if you want to forward calls to a number outside your regular calling area.
Some carriers charge a monthly fee for call forwarding — typically $3 to $5 — while others include it free. A few carriers charge per-minute rates if you forward to an international number. Ask your carrier about the cost before you activate it.
Understanding forwarding options and limitations
Unconditional forwarding sends every call to the destination number immediately. Selective forwarding lets you choose which contacts get forwarded and which ring on your original phone. No-answer forwarding sends calls to the destination only if you don't pick up within a set number of rings — useful if you want to keep some calls on your main phone.
Not all phones and carriers support all three options. iPhones support unconditional forwarding through Settings. Android phones vary; some support selective forwarding through the Phone app, while others require you to use your carrier's app. If you need selective or no-answer forwarding, check your carrier's website or call them to see what's available on your plan.
Call forwarding does not work if your phone is turned off or has no signal. The destination phone must be able to receive calls — if it's also off or out of service, the call will not go through. Some carriers will route the call to voice mail instead; others will let it ring indefinitely on your original number.
Charges and calling plan considerations
If you forward calls to a number within your regular calling plan — another cell phone on the same plan, for example — there is usually no extra charge beyond the monthly forwarding fee (if your carrier charges one). The call counts as a regular call on your plan.
Forwarding to a number outside your calling plan can trigger long-distance charges. If you forward to a landline in a different state or country, your carrier may charge you per-minute rates for each forwarded call. Check your carrier's rates before you set up forwarding to an unfamiliar number, especially if it's international.
Some carriers include unlimited long-distance calling, which means forwarding to any U.S. number is free. Others charge only for calls to certain countries. Your bill will show forwarded calls separately, so you can track the cost.
Turning off call forwarding
To disable call forwarding on an iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and toggle it off. On Android, open the Phone app, go to Settings > Call Forwarding, and turn it off or delete the destination number. You can also dial #21# and press call to disable it on most Android phones.
Through your carrier's website or app, find the call forwarding section and select the option to turn it off or remove the destination number. If you set it up by phone, call customer service and ask them to disable it.
Forwarding remains active until you turn it off, even if you stop using the destination phone. If you're no longer forwarding calls to a number, disable the feature so calls don't go to a phone that's no longer in use.
Troubleshooting common problems
If calls aren't being forwarded, check that the feature is actually on — look for the forwarding icon in your phone's status bar. Verify that you entered the destination number correctly, including the area code. If the number has a leading 1 (for U.S. calls), make sure it's included.
If the destination phone isn't receiving calls, confirm it's turned on and has an active service plan. Some carriers require the destination number to be on the same carrier or a compatible network. Try disabling forwarding and re-enabling it to refresh the connection.
If you're being charged unexpectedly, check your bill to see which calls were forwarded and to where. Contact your carrier to confirm the rates and ask whether you can switch to a plan with unlimited long-distance or remove forwarding to expensive numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I forward calls to multiple phones at the same time?
Most carriers only support forwarding to one number at a time. If you want calls to ring on two phones simultaneously, you'll need a service like Google Voice or a business phone system that supports multi-line forwarding. Some carriers offer this as an add-on service for a higher monthly fee.
Will the person calling me know their call is being forwarded?
No. The caller dials your original number and doesn't see any indication that the call is going elsewhere. They won't know whether you're answering on your main phone or a forwarded one.
What happens to my voice mail if I set up call forwarding?
If the destination phone doesn't answer, the call goes to voice mail on that phone, not your original phone. If you want calls to go to your original voice mail after a certain number of rings, use no-answer forwarding instead of unconditional forwarding.
Can I forward calls while I'm traveling internationally?
Yes, but be aware of roaming charges. If your destination phone is in another country, your carrier may charge international rates for each forwarded call. Disable forwarding before you travel or forward to a number in your home country instead.
Does call forwarding work if my phone has no service?
No. Call forwarding is a carrier service that requires your phone to be registered on the network. If your phone is off or has no signal, the carrier can't activate forwarding. The call will either go to voice mail or ring indefinitely, depending on your carrier's settings.