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. It 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 every method for call forwarding for iPhone users, including carrier codes for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular.
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. When you are in between switching to a new iPhone, 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, such as when the phone is busy, not answering, or out of range.
Call Forwarding or Voicemail
Voicemail only catches a call after it rings out completely. Call forwarding on iPhone 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.
How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone
Learning how to do call forwarding on iPhone only takes a few steps through the Settings app.
- 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.
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.
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
- *73 works for Verizon
- #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.
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, including support for call forwarding on iPhone, Sprint, and US Cellular call forwarding iPhone accounts specifically.
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 method 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 mrrepairusa.com, and MrRepairUSA in Virginia will take care of it quickly.
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 toggle it off. You can also dial the universal code ##002# from your keypad, which is the fastest way to turn off call forwarding on iPhone without opening Settings at all.
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.
