How to Turn On Call Forwarding

Missed calls lose you business. Whether you're traveling, working after-hours, or just need calls routed to another phone, call forwarding makes sure important calls reach you. Learning how to turn on call forwarding takes just a few minutes. 

Call forwarding is a phone feature that automatically sends your incoming calls to a different number. When someone calls your regular number, the call rings on whatever phone you choose instead. You can forward to a cell phone, landline, office phone, or answering service.

Call Forwarding to Your Answering Service?

To activate: Dial *72 from your phone, followed by the 10-digit forwarding number provided by Ambs Call Center, then press # or wait for a confirmation tone. 

To deactivate: Dial *73. For specific carriers like Ooma, dial *72, then the number followed by #. 

What Call Forwarding Does

Call forwarding works in two different ways depending on your phone and carrier.

Some phones use phone settings. iPhones and many Android devices let you turn on call forwarding right in your settings menu. You pick the number and save it.

Some use your carrier network. Other times, you activate call forwarding by dialing a code (called a star code) that tells your carrier's network where to send calls. The setting lives on the carrier's system, not your phone.

Which method you use depends on your carrier plan and phone model. Check with your specific phone company to confirm these codes will work for you.

Before You Start (30-Second Checklist)

Take a moment to check these things before you set up call forwarding:

• Have the number you want to forward to ready – Write down the complete phone number including area code
• Check if your carrier supports it – Most carriers include call forwarding, but some prepaid plans don't
• Note possible charges – Some carriers charge per minute for forwarded calls or require a specific plan
• Understand voicemail behavior – When you forward all calls, voicemail usually goes to the forwarded number instead of yours

Features like call forwarding and voicemail-to-email help users work better, boosting productivity by around 18%.

How to Turn On Call Forwarding on iPhone

iPhones make call forwarding easy if your carrier supports it.

Step-by-Step for iPhone

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
2. Scroll down and tap Phone (it has a green phone icon)
3. Look for Call Forwarding in the list
4. Tap the toggle switch to turn it ON (it turns green)
5. Tap Forward To
6. Type the phone number you want calls forwarded to
7. Tap the back arrow to save

That's it. All your calls now go to the number you entered.

If You Don't See Call Forwarding

Some carriers don't show the Call Forwarding option in iPhone settings. This happens with certain prepaid plans and some carriers outside the US.

If the option is missing:

• Check your carrier's website for instructions
• Contact your carrier to ask if your plan supports call forwarding
• Ask if they use a dial code instead (your carrier can provide this)

How to Turn On Call Forwarding on Android

Android phones vary by brand and carrier, but most follow a similar path.

Step-by-Step for Android

1. Open the Phone app (the green phone icon)
2. Tap the three dots ⋮ in the top-right corner
3. Tap Settings or Call Settings
4. Look for Call Forwarding or More Settings
5. Choose the type of forwarding you want (Always Forward, Forward When Busy, Forward When Unanswered, or Forward When Unreachable)
6. Enter the phone number to forward calls to
7. Tap Enable or Turn On

Your exact menu names might say something slightly different. Samsung phones might say "Supplementary Services." Google Pixel phones might say "Calling Accounts." But the basic steps are the same.

If You Don't See Call Forwarding

Some Android devices and carriers don't show call forwarding in the Phone app settings.

Try these alternatives:

• Check your carrier's app (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile apps often have call forwarding controls)
• Visit your carrier's website to manage your account settings
• Ask your carrier for their dial code to activate forwarding
  
  

Important Note About Carrier Codes

Some carriers use special dial codes (called star codes or GSM codes) to activate call forwarding. These codes can vary by carrier and plan.

We're not listing specific codes here because they change, and using the wrong code can cause problems. Instead:

• Contact your carrier directly for the correct codes
• Check your carrier's support website
• Use your carrier's app if available

If Your Carrier Blocks the Menu

Some carriers restrict call forwarding on certain plans. If you can't find the option anywhere:

• Call your carrier's customer service
• Ask if your plan includes call forwarding
• Ask if you need to upgrade to a different plan
• Request step-by-step instructions for your specific phone model

Home Phone Call Forwarding (Landline)

If you still have a traditional home phone (landline), you can usually forward calls using star codes from your handset.

How It Usually Works

Most landline providers use a similar process:

1. Pick up your home phone
2. Listen for the dial tone
3. Dial the activation code your provider gives you
4. Listen for a confirmation tone or message
5. Hang up

The exact codes vary by provider. CenturyLink, Brightspeed, AT&T landline, and other providers each have their own codes.

Important Landline Notes

• Call forwarding might cost extra on landline plans
• You usually can't forward to long-distance or international numbers without additional charges
• Your provider may limit how long call forwarding stays active
• Some providers require you to subscribe to call forwarding before you can use it

Contact your home phone provider for specific instructions and pricing.

Different Types of Call Forwarding

Call forwarding isn't just one thing. There are different types for different situations.

Forward All Calls (Unconditional)

Every single call goes to the forwarding number. Your phone never rings. This is sometimes called "unconditional call forwarding."

Best for: Vacations, traveling, working from a different location, routing calls to an answering service.

Forward When Busy

Calls forward only when you're already on another call. If your line is free, your phone rings normally.

Best for: Making sure you don't miss important calls while talking to someone else.

Forward When Unanswered

Calls forward if you don't pick up after a certain number of rings. If you answer, the call connects normally.

Best for: After-hours backup, making sure someone can always reach you even if you can't answer right away.

Forward When Unreachable

Calls forward when your phone is off, out of service range, or has no signal.

Best for: Emergencies, traveling to areas with poor coverage, making sure calls get through even when your phone is dead.

These are called "conditional call forwarding" options because they only forward calls under certain conditions.

Common Problems (And Easy Fixes)

Call Forwarding Option Is Missing

Problem: You don't see call forwarding in your phone settings.

Fixes:

• Check if your carrier plan includes call forwarding
• Update your phone's carrier settings (Settings > General > About on iPhone; automatic on most Androids)
• Restart your phone
• Contact your carrier for help

Calls Still Going to Voicemail

Problem: You set up call forwarding but calls still go to your voicemail instead.

Fixes:

• Make sure you turned on the right type of forwarding (Always Forward, not just When Busy)
• Check that you entered the correct forwarding number
• Turn call forwarding off, then back on again
• Test by calling yourself from a different phone

Forwards to the Wrong Number

Problem: Calls go to a different number than the one you entered.

Fixes:

• Double-check the number you entered
• Make sure you included the area code
• Turn off call forwarding and set it up again from scratch
• Remove any extra spaces or characters in the phone number field

International Number Issues

Problem: You can't forward calls to a number in another country.

Fixes:

• Check if your plan allows international call forwarding (most don't without extra fees)
• Contact your carrier about international forwarding rates
• Consider using a third-party service or app instead

Two SIMs or Dual Line Confusion

Problem: You have two phone lines or SIM cards and forwarding isn't working right.

Fixes:

• Make sure you're setting up call forwarding on the correct line
• Check which line is your default for voice calls
• Set up call forwarding separately for each line if needed

Safety & Privacy Tips

Call forwarding is powerful. Use it carefully.

Double-Check the Number

Before you enable call forwarding, verify the number is correct. One wrong digit sends your calls to a stranger.

Don't Forward to Shared Phones Without Permission

Never forward your calls to someone else's phone without asking them first. They might not want your calls. They might answer and give wrong information. It's also a privacy issue.

Keep a Written Forwarding Plan for Business

If you run a business, write down your call forwarding plan:

• Who covers when (nights, weekends, holidays)
• What number to forward to for each situation
• How to turn it on and off
• Emergency contact if forwarding fails

This prevents confusion when someone is out sick or on vacation.

FAQ

What is call forwarding?

Call forwarding is a phone feature that automatically sends your incoming calls to a different phone number. Instead of ringing on your phone, calls ring on whatever number you choose. You can forward to a cell phone, landline, office phone, or answering service. It's useful when you're traveling, want after-hours coverage, or need calls answered by someone else.

How do I turn on call forwarding on iPhone?

On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. Turn the toggle ON, then tap "Forward To" and enter the phone number. The option might not appear if your carrier doesn't support it in phone settings. Some carriers require you to use their app or website instead.

How do I turn on call forwarding on Android?

On Android, open the Phone app, tap the three dots in the corner, go to Settings or Call Settings, find Call Forwarding, choose your forwarding type (Always Forward, When Busy, etc.), enter the number, and tap Enable. The exact menu names vary by phone brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.).

Why can't I see call forwarding in my settings?

Call forwarding might be missing because your carrier plan doesn't include it, you're on a prepaid plan that blocks certain features, or your carrier requires you to use their app or website instead of phone settings. Contact your carrier to ask if your plan supports call forwarding and how to activate it.

Does call forwarding cost money?

It depends on your carrier and plan. Many carriers include call forwarding for free on postpaid plans. Some charge per minute for forwarded calls. Prepaid plans might not offer it at all. Forwarding to international numbers usually costs extra. Check with your carrier about charges before activating call forwarding.

What happens to my voicemail when I forward calls?

When you forward all calls, voicemail usually goes to the phone receiving the forwarded calls, not your original number. If you forward calls to someone else's phone, their voicemail greeting will play. If you only forward when busy or unanswered, your voicemail behavior depends on how long the forwarded number rings before its voicemail picks up.

Can I forward some calls but not others?

Not with basic call forwarding. Standard call forwarding either forwards all calls or forwards based on conditions (busy, unanswered, unreachable). You can't pick and choose specific callers. Some advanced business phone systems and third-party apps offer selective call forwarding, but this isn't a standard carrier feature on most phones. Learn how to turn off call forwarding here.

Keep Every Call with Ambs Call Center

Call forwarding helps. But it's still easy to miss calls when your phone is busy, you're in a meeting, or the person covering can't answer.

Every missed call is a lost opportunity. A customer who moves on to your competitor. A lead that goes cold. A problem that gets worse because nobody picked up.

That's where Ambs Call Center helps.

We answer every call professionally. We follow your instructions. We take detailed messages or transfer calls based on your rules. And we're available 24/7, not just when call forwarding routes to someone who might be available.

Want to see what missed calls cost you? Click the button below!