How to Set Up Call Forwarding: Steps for Different Phone Types đź“ž

Call forwarding is one of the simplest ways to redirect incoming calls to another number—whether you're away from your desk, traveling, or just want calls to reach you somewhere else. The basic concept is straightforward, but the specific steps depend on what type of phone service you use and what device you're forwarding from.

What Call Forwarding Actually Does

Call forwarding is a phone feature that automatically sends incoming calls from one number to a different number of your choice. When someone calls your original number, the call rings at the forwarding destination instead—or sometimes at both places simultaneously, depending on the type you choose.

This is different from simply giving people a new number. The caller still dials your original number; the phone system handles the redirect behind the scenes. It's useful for staying reachable when you can't physically answer calls at your primary phone location.

Types of Call Forwarding ⚙️

Not all call forwarding works the same way. The type you need depends on your situation:

Unconditional forwarding sends every incoming call to your chosen number immediately, regardless of whether you're available. This is the most basic version.

Conditional forwarding (also called selective or smart forwarding) only forwards calls under specific conditions—for example, when your line is busy, when you don't answer after a set number of rings, or when you're unavailable. This lets some calls reach your original number while others redirect.

Selective forwarding lets you forward calls from specific numbers or groups to different destinations—useful if you want your boss's calls to go to your cell phone but your personal calls to voicemail.

The features available to you depend on your phone service provider and plan type.

Call Forwarding Steps by Phone Type

Landline/Home Phone (Traditional Carrier)

Most landline providers (whether cable or traditional phone companies) offer call forwarding through a simple dialing code or online account:

  1. Check with your provider about which codes apply to your service. The common starting point is *72 (activate) and *73 (deactivate), but this varies by region and provider.

  2. Dial the activation code followed by the number you want calls forwarded to, then press the call button.

  3. Wait for a confirmation tone (usually a series of beeps) indicating the feature is active.

  4. Test it by having someone call your landline and confirming the call rings at the new number.

  5. Access your online account as an alternative. Most providers let you set up, manage, and toggle call forwarding through their website or app without dialing codes.

Cell Phone (Smartphone)

Steps vary slightly depending on whether you have an iPhone or Android:

iPhone:

  1. Open Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding
  2. Toggle Call Forwarding on
  3. Enter the number where you want calls sent
  4. Confirm that the number appears correctly (it may show a few seconds while the system processes)

Android (standard Android; some carriers customize this):

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Tap More (three dots or lines) > Settings > Call forwarding or Advanced settings
  3. Select Call forwarding or Voice call forwarding
  4. Choose Always forward (or the equivalent for unconditional forwarding)
  5. Enter the destination number and confirm

Note: Some Android devices and carriers place this setting in slightly different locations. If you can't find it in the Phone app, check your carrier's app or website.

VoIP (Internet Phone Service)

VoIP providers (like services bundled with internet or specialized VoIP platforms) typically offer call forwarding through:

  1. Log into your account on the provider's website or app
  2. Find Call Forwarding or Call Routing settings (often under "Phone Settings" or "Features")
  3. Enable the feature and enter your forwarding number
  4. Choose the type if options are available (always forward, forward if busy, forward if no answer)
  5. Save and test by calling your VoIP number from another phone

Many VoIP services let you set multiple forwarding destinations and rules, so you have more control than traditional landline forwarding.

Work Phone Systems

Office phone systems (PBX, key systems, or cloud-based platforms) vary significantly:

  • Older desk phones: Look for a button labeled "Forward" or check your system's quick-reference guide
  • Cloud-based systems: Log into your web portal or mobile app to set forwarding
  • Managed by IT: Your company IT department may control forwarding; ask them to enable or modify it for you

What to Know Before You Activate Call Forwarding

Charges may apply. Some phone plans include call forwarding at no extra cost; others charge a monthly fee or per-use rates, especially if you're forwarding to a long-distance or international number. Check your plan details or call your provider.

Calls may still incur normal rates. Even though the call is forwarded, you typically pay for a call to your destination number as if you'd dialed it yourself. This matters if you're forwarding to a cell phone or long-distance number.

Voicemail and call screening may be affected. When call forwarding is active, callers may not reach your normal voicemail. Some systems let you keep both active; others don't. Test this with a friend to understand how your system behaves.

Battery and signal matter for cell phones. If you forward your cell phone and it dies or loses signal, callers won't reach your destination number—they'll hit voicemail or get a network error.

You'll need to remember to deactivate it. Once forwarding is on, all calls go to your chosen number until you turn it off. It's easy to forget and miss calls you expected to receive at your original number.

Turning Off Call Forwarding

Deactivation is usually as simple as activation:

  • Landline codes: Dial *73 (or your provider's deactivate code) and press call
  • iPhone: Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding > toggle off
  • Android: Phone app settings > Call forwarding > off or "Don't forward"
  • VoIP/work systems: Log in and disable the feature in your account

Test to confirm calls are no longer forwarding before assuming it's turned off.

The right call forwarding setup depends on your phone type, your provider's options, and whether you need basic or selective forwarding. Start by confirming what your specific service includes, then follow the steps for your device or system. Once it's active, test it with a friend to make sure it's working as expected—this small step prevents frustrating surprises later.