Have you ever missed an important call because your phone had a dead battery or no signal? Knowing how to set up call forwarding on iPhone solves that problem completely. Call forwarding that iPhone users rely on is extremely convenient when you travel, work, or need to be reached no matter where you are.
You can forward all calls, or only forward calls when you are busy or unreachable. This guide covers how to forward calls on iPhone, including iPhone call forwarding codes for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular, plus the call forwarding settings in iPhone you will use most.
What Is Call Forwarding on iPhone?
If you have ever asked what call forwarding on iPhone is or what call forwarding means on iPhone, the answer is simple. It sends your incoming calls to another number before your phone even rings. People in some regions call it call divert iPhone or call redirect iPhone, but it is the same feature.
How does call forwarding work on iPhone? Your carrier network reroutes the call to the number you choose, so it works even when your phone is off. That is the short answer towhat’ss call forwardingonn iPhone and what is call forwarding on iPhone searches. The feature is part of iOS, so call forwarding iOS settings look almost the same across most versions, from iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 to iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15.
Types of Call Forwarding Explained
Unconditional Call Forwarding
Since this type forwards every call that comes in directly, it is perfect for temporarily using a different phone or silencing an iPhone entirely. If you want to forward all calls on your iPhone while you switch to a new device, this is the option to use. You do not want to hear the old one ring at all.
Conditional Call Forwarding (Busy, No Answer, or Unreachable)
With unconditional call forwarding on iPhone, every incoming call goes directly to another number that you select, and you cannot intercept it on your own device. By contrast, iPhone conditional call forwarding only forwards under certain situations. You can set iPhone call forwarding when busy, call forwarding when not answered, or call forwarding on iPhone when unreachable, which covers cases where the phone is out of range.
Call Forwarding or Voicemail
Voicemail only catches a call after it rings out completely. Call Forwarding iPhone settings can redirect the call to a real number where someone can actually pick up. If you run a business, forwarding calls comes across as far more professional than sending everyone to voicemail.
If your iPhone calls go to voicemail unexpectedly, forwarding may still be switched on. That is also a common answer to what causes an iPhone to go straight to voicemail, along with Do Not Disturb and a weak signal. Checking your iPhone call forwarding status is a quick way to rule it out.
How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone
Learning how to do call forwarding on iPhone only takes a few steps. If you are wondering where call forwarding is on iPhone, it sits inside the Phone settings. Apple also explains the feature on its official support site. Here is how to set call forwarding on iPhone:
- Go to your iPhone Settings and tap Phone.
- Tap Call Forwarding to open the feature.
- Toggle Call Forwarding on, which opens a new blank field.
- Input the forwarding number.
Enter whatever number you want calls sent to, and be sure to include the area code so the forwarding works correctly. This is also how to forward calls to another number on iPhone or forward calls from one iPhone to another. Once you know how to set up call forwarding on iPhone, you can change the forwarding number on iPhone at any time by repeating the same steps.
Confirming Call Forwarding Has Been Successful
When call forwarding for iPhone is active, you will typically see a small phone icon with an arrow at the top of your screen. That icon confirms forwarding is turned on. You can also dial *#21# to check the status directly.
How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on iPhone
Method 1: Settings Toggle
Return to Settings, tap Phone, tap Call Forwarding, and switch it off. That is all it takes to turn off call forwarding that iPhone owners no longer need.
Method 2: Carrier Dialer Codes
You can also use your phone dialer directly. These iPhone call forwarding codes work on most US carriers:
- ##002# is the universal code to disable all call forwarding. People often ask what ##002# does on iPhone, and this is the answer. It is also the fix if your iPhone call forwarding won’t turn off or seems stuck.
- *73 works for Verizon. If you wonder what* 73 does 73 do on iPhone, it cancels forwarding on that carrier. You can confirm the details on Verizon support.
- #21# works for AT&T.
- ##21# works for T-Mobile.
How to Disable Conditional Call Forwarding on iPhone
If you set up conditional forwarding using codes, you need to turn off each type separately. Dial these codes from your iPhone:
- ##67# disables forwarding when busy
- ##61# disables forwarding when unanswered
- ##62# disables forwarding when unreachable
iPhone Call Forwarding Not Showing in Settings? Here’s Why
Carrier Restrictions
Some carriers restrict access to iPhone call forwarding settings. This is more common on MVNOs, which are smaller carriers that use larger network infrastructure. Your phone physically supports the feature, but the carrier blocks access to it in Settings. The FCC consumer guides are a useful place to learn your rights as a phone customer.
Alternative: Use the Carrier App or Website
If call forwarding in iPhone Settings is missing, log directly into your carrier account either online or by calling their support line. For most network operators, whether the iPhone Settings menu displays the option or not, there are other channels available to set up forwarding. That includes call forwarding iPhone Sprint, call forwarding iPhone Verizon, and US Cellular call forwarding iPhone accounts specifically.
Call Forwarding on iPhone for US Cellular and Sprint
Many people search for US Cellular iPhone forwarding because older phones used slightly different menus. Steps for call forwarding iPhone 4s US Cellular, call forwarding on iPhone 6 US Cellular, and how to forward calls on iPhone 5 US Cellular follow the same idea: open Settings, tap Phone, then Call Forwarding. If the option is missing, use the carrier dialer codes above or call support.
To stop forwarding, turn off call forwarding on iPhone US Cellular accounts by switching the toggle off or dialing ##002#. That is also how to unforward iPhone 6 US Cellular devices. For how to forward calls on Sprint iPhone lines, the same Settings steps and codes apply, so call forward iPhone Sprint users can follow this guide too.
How to Check If Call Forwarding Is Active on iPhone
Dial *#21# to Check Status
Open the Phone app and enter *#21#. Press the call button, and a pop-up window will tell you whether call forwarding on iPhone is active and where calls are being sent, or confirm that it is off entirely. This is the quickest way to learn how to check call forwarding on iPhone, and it works for most mobile phone operators.
Call Forwarding on iPhone for Business Use
Businesses rely on iPhone call forwarding when busy because it keeps customer calls from going unanswered. You can forward calls to a receptionist, a team line, or even an answering service. Combined with conditional rules, you can build a simple call routing system without expensive hardware.
Conclusion: Stay in Control of Your Incoming Calls
Whether you need to forward all calls or just catch the ones you miss, call forwarding on iPhone gives you real flexibility. With the Settings method and the carrier codes above, you have everything you need to manage iPhone call forwarding on any major network. Need help with a phone issue or setup? Visit Mr Repair USA in Virginia, and our team will take care of it quickly. If your phone is also damaged, you can read about iPhone 15 Pro Max back glass replacement, and Mac owners with a dim screen can learn about the MacBook Pro 2016 backlight problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn on call forwarding on my iPhone?
To turn on call forwarding on an iPhone, go to Settings, tap Phone, then select Call Forwarding. Toggle it on and enter the phone number where you want calls forwarded. Once enabled, incoming calls automatically redirect to the number you selected.
How do I turn off call forwarding on an iPhone?
Go to Settings, tap Phone, tap Call Forwarding, and switch the toggle off. You can also dial ##002# to cancel all forwarding at once. On Verizon, *73 also cancels forwarding.
Why is call forwarding not showing on my iPhone?
This usually happens because your carrier restricts iPhone call forwarding settings, which is common on MVNOs and smaller regional carriers. If Settings does not show the option, contact your carrier directly or use their app to set up forwarding instead.
How can I check if call forwarding is active on my iPhone?
Dial *#21# and press call to see a pop-up confirming whether call forwarding on iPhone is active and which number calls are being sent to. A small arrow icon at the top of your screen is another quick visual confirmation.
Can I forward calls only when I miss them or when my iPhone is busy?
Yes, this is called iPhone conditional call forwarding, and it only redirects calls when you are busy, do not answer, or are unreachable. You can set this up through Settings or by dialing the specific conditional forwarding codes for your carrier.
What does ##002# do on iPhone?
It is the universal code that cancels all call forwarding on most carriers. Dial it from the Phone app and press call. It is a good fix when forwarding gets stuck.
What does 73 do on iPhone?
On Verizon, *73 cancels call forwarding. Other carriers use different codes, such as #21# for AT&T and ##21# for T-Mobile.
Can I forward calls from one iPhone to another?
Yes. Turn on Call Forwarding on the first iPhone and enter the second iPhone’s number, including the area code. Calls will ring on the second phone instead.
