Your calls keep going to the wrong place and you can't figure out why. Maybe they're going to an old work phone or your home number when you need them on your cell. Don't worry. Learning how to turn off call forwarding is easier than you think. Here are simple steps, clear codes, and what to do if it won't switch off.
And as a bonus: what you can do if you accidentally turned it off (or for some othe reason), and want to turn call forwarding back on.
Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding → Off (toggle may depend on your carrier)
Phone app → Settings → Calls → Call forwarding → turn each option Off (names vary by phone model)
Dial *73, wait for tone, hang up
Can't find it? Try your carrier app or website. Look for "My Verizon," "My T-Mobile," or similar.
Here's how to turn off call forwarding on iPhone:
Dual SIM users: Pick the right phone line first, then turn off forwarding for that line.
Missing toggle? Some carriers control this setting. If you don't see the Call Forwarding option, your carrier manages it. Use their app or website instead. You can also try dialing *73 from your iPhone.
If you're working with an answering service, you can connect with them to disable call forwarding.
Android phones put call forwarding in slightly different places. Here's how to turn off call forwarding on Android:
Samsung users: Your path might look different. To turn off call forwarding Samsung phones, try Phone app → Settings → Supplementary services → Call forwarding.
Can't find it? Search "call forwarding" in your phone's main Settings app. Different Android phones organize these menus differently.
Sometimes the easiest way to disable call forwarding is with phone codes. These work even when you can't find the right menu.
Important warning: Codes vary by carrier and region. Always test with a friend after using any code.
Star 73 turns off forwarding on many US carriers, especially Verizon. Just dial *73, wait for a beep or tone, then hang up. This cancels most types of call forwarding at once.
##002# cancels all forwarding on many GSM networks worldwide. Dial ##002# and press call. You'll usually hear a confirmation message.
Other codes to try:
Remember, these codes don't work the same way on every carrier. If one doesn't work, try your phone's settings menu instead.
Each phone company has slightly different ways to cancel call forwarding.
Verizon users: Dial *73 to turn off call forwarding Verizon style, or log into My Verizon online. Go to "Manage products & apps" and look for call forwarding options.
T-Mobile and AT&T users: Some networks let you turn off call forwarding T-Mobile and turn off call forwarding AT&T using #21#. If that doesn't work, use your phone's settings menu or contact customer service.
Most carriers also let you manage call forwarding through their mobile apps or websites. This is often the most reliable method.
Sometimes call forwarding won't turn off even after you follow all the steps. Here's what to try:
Restart your phone. Turn it completely off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This refreshes your connection to the phone network.
Toggle airplane mode. Turn airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then turn it off. This also refreshes your network connection.
Check Focus and Do Not Disturb. These features can make it seem like calls are forwarded when they're actually just silenced.
Remove old forwarding numbers. Go back to your call forwarding settings and make sure no old numbers are saved there.
Try a universal code again. Dial ##002# one more time, then test your phone.
Use your carrier portal. Log into your carrier's website or app and look for call forwarding options. Cancel everything you see there.
If none of these work, call your phone company. Sometimes they need to reset call forwarding on their end.
Go to Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding → Off, or dial *73 if the toggle is missing.
Open Phone app → Settings → Calls → Call forwarding, then turn off all forwarding options.
Star 73 works for most US carriers; ##002# works for many international networks.
Dial *73 or use the My Verizon app to cancel call forwarding from your account settings.
Usually because of conditional call forwarding settings that activate when you're busy or don't answer.
Dial *#21# on most phones, or look in your phone's call forwarding settings menu.
Phone app → Settings → Supplementary services → Call forwarding → turn off all options.
Dial *73, wait for a confirmation tone, then hang up (works for most US landline providers).
Yes, log into your carrier's website or call customer service to cancel it remotely.
Unconditional forwarding sends all calls elsewhere; conditional call forwarding only forwards when you're busy or don't answer.
Now you know exactly how to turn off call forwarding on any phone. Whether you use your iPhone settings, Android menus, or simple codes like *73, the key is picking the method that works with your carrier.
Most people can stop call forwarding in under a minute using their phone's built-in settings. If that doesn't work, codes like ##002# usually do the trick. When all else fails, your carrier's app or website will definitely let you cancel call forwarding.
Here's the most important step: make a test call. Have someone call you to make sure your calls come to the right phone. If they still go somewhere else, try the troubleshooting steps above or contact your phone company for help.
Your calls should now come straight to you, exactly where you want them.
Wait, I accidentally turned it off! How do I turn it back on???
Don't panic, we have a guide on all things call forwarding. Learn how to turn call forwarding on here.