How to activate iPhone call forwarding: Instructions (iOS 26) Apfelpatient

Call forwarding on the iPhone automatically forwards incoming calls to another number – whether a landline, a second mobile phone, or voicemail. The feature can be activated in the settings in just a few seconds. GSM codes allow you to further specify whether all calls or only certain scenarios should be forwarded. This article shows both methods step by step.

There are many reasons for call forwarding: vacation, illness, a dead battery, a business meeting, or the desire to direct work and personal calls to different devices. Apple offers two methods for this: universal call forwarding via the settings and conditional call forwarding using GSM codes on the keypad.

Important note: Call forwarding usually incurs charges. For the recipient, it's as if they were making a call to the target number themselves. The exact rates depend on the mobile provider and tariff – it can be particularly expensive abroad. It's worth checking your tariff terms and conditions before setting it up.

Method 1: Call forwarding via Settings

The simplest method unconditionally forwards all incoming calls to another number – regardless of whether the iPhone is on, in airplane mode, or currently busy.

Open Settings. Tap "Apps" and then "Phone". Tap "Call forwarding". Turn on the switch next to "Call forwarding". Tap "Forward to" and enter the destination number. Tap "Back" in the top left corner to save the setting.

On iPhones with dual SIM, you must first select the line for which call forwarding should apply. A separate call forwarding rule can be set up for each SIM card.

Once call forwarding is active, a phone icon with an arrow appears in the status bar. The icon is also visible in the control center.

Disable Call forwarding

Follow the same steps: Settings > Apps > Phone > Call forwarding and deactivate the switch. The entered number will not be deleted and can be reused next time.

Method 2: Conditional Call forwarding via GSM codes

The settings only offer a universal call forwarding option – either all calls or none. However, conditional call forwarding can be set up using GSM codes on the keypad, which only apply in specific situations.

Open the phone app and switch to the keypad. Enter the desired code and confirm with the green call button. A brief confirmation message indicates that call forwarding has been activated.

The most important codes

Forward all calls: **21*phone number# – Forwards all incoming calls to the specified number. Equivalent to the setting in iOS settings.

When busy: **67*phone number# – Only forwards calls when the line is busy.

If the call is not answered: **61*phone number**time# – Forwards calls if they are not answered after a certain time. The time can be set to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds.

If unreachable: **62*phone number# – Forwards calls when the iPhone is unreachable, for example, when the device is switched off or there is no network reception.

Deactivate Call forwarding via code

For each code, there is a corresponding deactivation code: ##

##21# – Disables call forwarding for all calls. ##67# – Disables call forwarding when busy. ##61# – Disables call forwarding when unanswered. ##62# – Disables call forwarding when unreachable. ##002# – Disables all active call forwarding simultaneously.

Check status

To check the current status of a call forwarding, enter the code with *# instead of ** – for example, *#21# for the status of universal forwarding.

Forward Calls to other Apple devices

In addition to the classic call forwarding to another number, Apple offers the option to forward incoming calls to a Mac or iPad. Requirements: All devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID, be on the same Wi-Fi network, and have FaceTime enabled.

Settings > Apps > Phone > On other devices. Activate the "Calls on other devices" switch and select the desired devices.

When a call comes in, both the iPhone and the selected devices will ring. The call can be answered on any of the devices. This feature is not call forwarding in the traditional sense, but rather a parallel signaling system – the iPhone will continue to ring as well.

Call forwarding is not working – troubleshooting

In some cases, call forwarding cannot be activated, the switch reverts back, or the loading symbol spins endlessly.

Check mobile network

Call forwarding can only be set up when the iPhone is connected to the cellular network. It won't work in airplane mode or without a signal. Apple explicitly states that the iPhone must be within range of the cellular network.

Mobile provider does not support rerouting

Some prepaid plans or discount providers restrict call forwarding or don't offer it at all. If in doubt, check with your provider to see if the feature is included in your current plan.

Change VoLTE setting

A known workaround for problems: Go to Settings > Mobile Network > select the affected SIM card > temporarily switch Voice & Data from "LTE" or "VoLTE" to "3G". Set up call forwarding and then switch the setting back to LTE. In many cases, this step solves the problem with the endless loading symbol.

Reset network Settings

If nothing else works: Settings > General > Transfer/Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will delete all Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings. A detailed explanation of all reset methods can be found in the article Resetting your iPhone: All reset methods in iOS 26.

Call forwarding to voicemail

If you want to forward calls to your own voicemail instead of another person, you can enter your provider's voicemail number as the destination number. The voicemail number depends on your mobile provider – it's often a short code like 3311 (Telekom), 5500 (Vodafone), or 333 (o2). If in doubt, contact your provider for the exact number.

The conditional call forwarding on unanswered call (**61*voicemail number**20#) is particularly useful. With this feature, the iPhone rings for 20 seconds and then automatically forwards the call to voicemail if it isn't answered. For additional options to filter unwanted calls, see the article Setting up your iPhone correctly: Checking, blocking, and filtering calls.

The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / KaterynaSypailova)

Frequently Asked Questions: How to activate call forwarding on iPhone

How do I activate call forwarding on my iPhone?

Settings > Apps > Phone > Call forwarding > Activate switch > Enter destination number > Back. From now on, all incoming calls will be forwarded to the entered number.

Can I forward calls only when the line is busy or unanswered?

Yes, via GSM codes on the keypad. **67*phone number# forwards the call when busy, **61*phone number**time# if the call is not answered after a certain time, **62*phone number# if the call is unreachable.

Does call forwarding cost money?

Yes, there are usually costs involved. For the recipient, it's the same as if they were making a call to the number themselves. The exact terms and conditions depend on the mobile provider and the chosen plan.

Why can't I activate call forwarding?

The iPhone must be connected to a cellular network. Setup won't work in airplane mode or without a signal. Some prepaid plans also don't support call forwarding. A workaround: Temporarily switch from LTE to 3G in your cellular settings.

How do I deactivate all call forwarding at once?

Enter ##002# on the keypad and confirm with the green button. This deactivates all active call forwarding at once.

Does call forwarding work even when the iPhone is switched off?

Yes. Universal call forwarding via the settings also applies when the iPhone is switched off, in airplane mode, or the battery is dead. The forwarding is handled by the network provider.

Can I forward calls to my Mac or iPad?

Yes, via Settings > Apps > Phone > On Other Devices. Prerequisite: All devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID, on the same Wi-Fi network, and have FaceTime enabled. The iPhone will continue to ring during this process.