How to Disable Call Forwarding on Your Phone đź“ž

Call forwarding is a feature that automatically redirects incoming calls from your phone number to another number—a convenience tool until it isn't. If you've set it up and now want to turn it off, or you suspect someone else has enabled it without your knowledge, the steps are straightforward. The exact process depends on your phone type and service provider.

What Call Forwarding Does

Call forwarding intercepts calls meant for your number and sends them to a different phone instead. You might use it to route calls to your mobile while away from your desk, or to a family member's phone during travel. Once enabled, callers won't know their call is being redirected—they'll simply reach you at the forwarded number instead of your original one.

The key thing to understand: call forwarding happens at the carrier level (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) or within your phone's settings, depending on how it was set up. This distinction matters because it affects how you disable it.

Two Main Types of Call Forwarding

Carrier-based call forwarding is managed through your phone service provider. You activate or deactivate it using codes (like *73 to turn it off on many landlines and some mobile services) or through your account's online portal or app.

Phone-level call forwarding is built into your device's software. This version exists on smartphones, tablets, and some cordless home phones. You access it directly through your phone's settings menu.

Understanding which type you're using is the first step.

Disabling Call Forwarding by Phone Type

On iPhone

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the Calls tab (bottom right).
  3. Look for a "Call Forwarding" option in the menu or settings.
  4. If visible, toggle it Off.

Alternatively, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and turn it off.

Note: On some carriers or older iOS versions, call forwarding may not appear in phone settings—it might be carrier-managed instead.

On Android

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap Menu (three dots) or Settings.
  3. Look for Call Forwarding or Additional Settings.
  4. Select Call Forwarding and choose Turn off or Disable.

The exact menu structure varies by manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) and your carrier.

On Landline or Home Phone

  1. Dial *73 to deactivate call forwarding (this works on many carriers).
  2. Listen for confirmation tone or message.
  3. Alternatively, check your phone's instruction manual or contact your provider for the correct code.

If You Can't Find the Setting

Your carrier may manage call forwarding at the account level rather than on the device. In that case:

  • Log into your carrier's online account (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.).
  • Look for Call Settings, Call Management, or Phone Features.
  • Locate Call Forwarding and disable it.
  • Or call your carrier's customer service and ask them to turn it off for you.

Why You Might Not See the Option

Sometimes call forwarding doesn't appear in your phone settings because:

  • Your carrier doesn't offer phone-level control. Some providers only allow it through their own portal.
  • Your account hasn't been set up with the feature. If it's never been activated, there's nothing to disable.
  • Your phone's software version is outdated. Older operating systems may not display this setting.
  • Parental controls or device management apps have hidden the setting.

Verify It's Actually Off

After disabling, test it: Ask someone to call your number and confirm the call reaches you directly, not another phone. If it still forwards, the setting may not have taken effect, or it could be managed elsewhere (like by your carrier or through a third-party service).

Why This Matters for Seniors

Call forwarding can be useful—but it's also a setting that others might enable without your knowledge, especially if they have access to your account or device. Regularly checking whether it's active protects your privacy and ensures you're receiving calls the way you intend. If you didn't enable it, your carrier can help you investigate where it came from.

The steps above cover most common situations, but device and carrier variations exist. If you're unsure or these instructions don't match your screen, your carrier's customer service team can walk you through the process specific to your account and phone model. 📱