How to set up call forwarding on Android

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?

Editor’s note: Not all devices have the same settings and menus. Some steps might differ depending on your phone. For this content, we’ll give you instructions using a Google Pixel 7 running stock Android 14.

How to set up call forwarding on Android using the settings

Android has created its method for diverting calls. It can be found 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 Calling accounts.
5. Tap on your main SIM.
6. Tap on Call forwarding.
7. 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. When unanswered: Calls go to a secondary number when you don’t take a call.
   4. When unreachable: Calls go to a secondary number when your phone is off, in airplane mode, or has no signal.
8. After choosing one of the listed options, go ahead and set the forwarding number.
9. Select Enable, Turn on, or OK.

To cancel call forwarding on Android, return to the same settings and turn off the option.

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*

By the way, these codes are meant to work with mobile phones, but they may not work for everyone. If such is the case, use *72, followed by the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to. Press the Call button, and you should get a message telling you call forwarding has been activated. You can use *73 and press the Call button to deactivate call forwarding.

How to use dial codes:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap on the Dialer button.
3. Dial the code, followed by the number you wish to forward calls to, followed by the # sign.
4. Example: *21*123-456-7890#.
5. Press Call.

Try a third-party app!

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

Your carrier may support call forwarding

Setting up call forwarding through your carrier may be an option. For example, we know you can set up call forwarding through Verizon and T-Mobile. AT&T has no way to divert calls, but you can use the options listed in this guide. Some MVNO carriers may have call forwarding tools of their own.

Do some research and see if you can set up call forwarding at a carrier level. This is helpful because it won’t matter which device you are using. You can switch devices, and your call forwarding settings will continue to work.

FAQs