How to forward phones to another number

Are you looking to set up call forwarding on Android? It’s possible to reroute incoming calls to a secondary number, which could be a valuable feature for various reasons.

I use call forwarding every time I travel. Setting up call forwarding on Android helps me avoid call roaming fees, because I can reroute all calls to my home phone, Google Voice number, or a local number. Other people use it to avoid being bothered during vacations. Whatever your reason, we are here to help you set up call forwarding on Android. Shall we jump right in?

Also read: The 10 best free calls apps for Android

Editor’s note: Not all devices have the same settings and menus. The Android UI changes from manufacturer to manufacturer, which means some steps might differ depending on your phone. For this content, we’ll give you instructions using a Pixel 4a with 5G running stock Android 12.

How to set up call forwarding on Android using the settings

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Android has created its method for forwarding calls. It can be found right on the Settings app, and works like a charm. It’s also easy to edit on the fly, making it a very convenient option.

Set up call forwarding through the Settings

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Hit the three-dot menu button.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Select Calls.
5. Tap on Call forwarding.
6. You will see multiple options, including:
   1. Always forward: All calls go to your desired secondary number.
   2. When busy: Calls go to your secondary number of choice when you are on another call.
   3. Call forwarding when unanswered: Calls go to a secondary number when you don’t take a call.
   4. When unreached: Calls go to a secondary number when your phone is off, in airplane mode, or has no signal.
7. After choosing one of the listed options, go ahead and set the forwarding number.
8. Select Enable, Turn on, or OK.

How to set up call forwarding on Android using dial codes

Alternatively, you can do things the old-fashioned way and use dial codes to set it all up manually.

Codes

• Unconditional call forwarding: *21*
• Call forwarding when the line is busy, doesn’t pick up, or is out of range: *004*
• Call forwarding when the line is busy: *67*
• When no pick up: *61*
• Call forwarding when out of range: *62*

How to use dial codes

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial the code, followed by the number you wish to forward calls to, followed by the # sign.
3. Example: *21*123-456-7890#.
4. Press Send, Call, or whichever action button your device uses.

Try a third-party app!

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

We can’t deny Google’s settings can be a bit confusing, and let’s not even mention the code system, which is even more convoluted. Some people might prefer a more organized and intuitive way to set up call forwarding on Android. Plenty of options exist in the Google Play Store, but we like the simplicity the app Easy Call Forwarding provides.

One of the app’s main benefits is that you can set call forwarding more granularly. For example, you can configure different settings for each SIM card if you have a dual-SIM smartphone. You also get access to a nifty widget that allows you to quickly turn call forwarding on and off.

How to use Easy Call Forwarding

1. Download Easy Call Forwarding from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app.
3. You’ll be asked to grant permissions. Tap on Grant Permissions.
4. Hit Allow.
5. Select Configure. Enter de destination number and select your provider. Then hit Save.
6. Toggle call forwarding on where it says forwarding is disabled.

FAQs

There are some, yes. Usually, call forwarding won’t work if you’re trying to send calls to a number outside your own country. You’ll have to find an international call routing service to do that.

Not usually, especially if you’re using Settings or an app to set up call forwarding. You’ll likely lose the changes if you switch devices. Sometimes the changes stick around when you use dial codes, but even these fail most times.

Make sure to look into your plan’s details, as some older plans can still have a fee for call forwarding features. This is no longer common, but it can happen, and it doesn’t hurt to check. Additionally, any call forwarding service is pretty much taking an incoming call and making an outgoing call, so you will use up your minutes accordingly if you don’t have unlimited calling.

How do I forward my phone number to another phone?

What is * 73 on your phone?

How do I forward my calls to another number without the phone?

Does * 72 forward calls?