How to forward calls on iPhone (Settings or carrier codes)

Forward only some calls

On AT&T and T-Mobile, you can forward only unanswered calls with **61*number#, busy calls with **67*number# and calls when the phone is off with **62*number#. Verizon uses *71 plus the number for busy and unanswered calls.

Why forward calls?

Call forwarding sends calls for your number to another phone. People use it when the iPhone is broken or away for repair, when they travel and want calls on a local SIM, when they work from a desk phone, or when a business line should ring a coworker. It works at your carrier's network, so the iPhone does not even need to be on once it is set.

Where Call Forwarding is in iOS 18 and later

Apple moved app settings in iOS 18. The path is now Settings › Apps › Phone › Call Forwarding. On iOS 17 and earlier it was Settings › Phone › Call Forwarding. With two lines (two SIMs or eSIMs), tap the line you want first. The menu only appears for carriers that support it on iPhone, which includes AT&T, T-Mobile, Mint, Metro and most GSM-based carriers.

Forward calls on Verizon

Verizon does not use the iPhone menu. Dial *72 followed by the 10-digit number and tap Call. Wait for the confirmation tone or message and hang up. To turn it off, dial *73. For conditional forwarding (only when busy or unanswered), dial *71 plus the number. You can also turn forwarding on or off in the My Verizon app under the line's device settings, which helps if your iPhone is lost or broken. Visible and Total Wireless use similar codes, but check with the carrier.

Forward calls on AT&T and T-Mobile

Use the Settings menu, or the GSM codes below. Dial each code and tap Call. A short message confirms the change.

• All calls: **21*number# to turn on, ##21# to turn off.
• When unanswered: **61*number# (add **61*number*11*20# on some carriers to set rings).
• When busy: **67*number#.
• When unreachable or off: **62*number#.
• Cancel all forwarding: ##002#.

Use the full 10-digit number, or +1 plus the number. Some prepaid plans block forwarding until you add the feature.

Check whether forwarding is on

When forwarding is on, a small phone icon with an arrow appears in the status bar on many iPhones, and the Call Forwarding screen shows the number. On GSM carriers you can also dial *#21# to see the status. If you forgot to turn it off, you may be missing calls without knowing why; our guide to iPhone not getting calls lists other causes.

Call Forwarding missing or grayed out

• Verizon and CDMA-based plans: use the codes above.
• Grayed out: no signal or SIM problem. Turn Airplane Mode on and off and check that the SIM is active.
• Prepaid or business plan: the feature may be off on your account. Ask the carrier to enable it.
• Error when saving: try entering the number with +1, restart the iPhone and check for a carrier settings update in Settings › General › About.

Forward calls to Google Voice or another number

You can forward to any US number, including a Google Voice number, a landline or another cell phone. Google Voice then rings your computer or app and records voicemail. Note that some services, like conference lines, will not accept forwarded calls. Forwarding to an international number may cost extra; check your plan first.

Does call forwarding cost money?

On most US postpaid plans, forwarded calls use your plan's minutes and are free if you have unlimited talk. Prepaid plans may count minutes twice, once for the incoming call and once for the forward. Forwarding to a number outside the US is billed as an international call. If your bill seems high, trimming your phone bill has a few ideas.

Alternatives to forwarding

• Wi-Fi Calling: if the problem is weak signal at home, turn on Wi-Fi Calling instead.
• Calls on other Apple devices: Settings › Apps › Phone › Calls on Other Devices rings your iPad or Mac.
• Focus modes: let calls from chosen people through while silencing others.
• Voicemail greeting: for a short trip, a greeting with another number may be enough.

Still not forwarding?

Call your carrier's support line from another phone and ask them to check the forwarding settings on your line. They can see whether a forwarding rule is stuck and clear it. Also check that the number you forward to is not itself forwarding back to you, which can create a loop where calls never ring anywhere.

Forward calls when your iPhone is lost or broken

If the iPhone is gone, use your carrier's website or app on another device. In My Verizon, open the device, then Manage › Call forwarding. In myAT&T, open the line's features. In the T-Mobile app or website, open the line settings or call 611 from another T-Mobile phone. For a lost phone, also mark it lost in Find My and see what to do when a phone is stolen.

Forward calls while traveling abroad

Forwarding to a local SIM abroad lets people call your US number and reach you. Set it up before you leave, since some codes need your home network. Keep in mind that forwarding to a foreign number is an international call billed to your US line, which can be expensive. Many travelers use Wi-Fi Calling or an international plan instead. Our guide to using your phone in Europe compares the options.

Forward only some contacts

Carrier forwarding works on all calls or by condition, not by person. To send only some callers elsewhere, use a Focus mode to silence everyone else, or a service like Google Voice that has per-contact rules.

Turn off call forwarding

• In Settings: Settings › Apps › Phone › Call Forwarding, turn off.
• Verizon: dial *73 and tap Call.
• AT&T and T-Mobile: dial ##21# or ##002# to clear every rule.

Then call your number from another phone to confirm it rings your iPhone again.

Forwarding and voicemail

When all calls are forwarded, your voicemail stops getting messages, because calls never reach your line. With conditional forwarding to voicemail, which is the default, unanswered calls go to your mailbox. Setting a conditional forward to another number replaces that, so missed calls go to the other phone and its voicemail instead. If voicemail stopped working after forwarding, clear all rules with ##002# and see iPhone voicemail problems.

Forwarding on Samsung

Android phones keep forwarding in the Phone app's settings. See how to forward calls on a Galaxy if you use both kinds of phones.

Forward calls from an iPhone with two lines

With Dual SIM, each line has its own forwarding. Open Settings › Apps › Phone, tap the line under the line selector, then Call Forwarding. Codes dialed from the keypad apply to the line chosen for that call, so pick the right line before dialing. A common setup is forwarding a work line to the personal line on weekends.

How long does forwarding take to start?

Usually seconds. Some carriers need a minute or two after the confirmation tone. Test it by calling your number from another phone. If it rings your iPhone, wait a few minutes and try again before changing anything.

Whichever method you use, write down how you turned forwarding on. It makes turning it off much easier later, especially with the dial codes, which differ by carrier.

If none of this works, your carrier's support team can turn forwarding on from their side in a couple of minutes.