{"id":66511,"date":"2026-04-10T00:18:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T22:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=66511"},"modified":"2026-04-10T00:20:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T22:20:52","slug":"how-to-activate-call-forwarding-on-iphone-ios-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/tipps-tricks\/iphone-rufumleitung-aktivieren-anleitung-ios-26","title":{"rendered":"Activate iPhone Call forwarding: All Methods under iOS 26"},"content":{"rendered":"

Call forwarding on the iPhone automatically forwards incoming calls to another number \u2013 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important note:<\/strong> 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 \u2013 it can be particularly expensive abroad. It's worth checking your tariff terms and conditions before setting it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method 1: Call forwarding via Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The simplest method unconditionally forwards all incoming calls to another number \u2013 regardless of whether the iPhone is on, in airplane mode, or currently busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disable Call forwarding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method 2: Conditional Call forwarding via GSM codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The settings only offer a universal call forwarding option \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important codes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Forward all calls:<\/strong> **21*phone number# \u2013 Forwards all incoming calls to the specified number. Equivalent to the setting in iOS settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When busy:<\/strong> **67*phone number# \u2013 Only forwards calls when the line is busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the call is not answered:<\/strong> **61*phone number**time# \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If unreachable:<\/strong> **62*phone number# \u2013 Forwards calls when the iPhone is unreachable, for example, when the device is switched off or there is no network reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deactivate Call forwarding via code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For each code, there is a corresponding deactivation code: ##<\/p>\n\n\n\n

##21# \u2013 Disables call forwarding for all calls. ##67# \u2013 Disables call forwarding when busy. ##61# \u2013 Disables call forwarding when unanswered. ##62# \u2013 Disables call forwarding when unreachable. ##002# \u2013 Disables all active call forwarding simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To check the current status of a call forwarding, enter the code with *# instead of ** \u2013 for example, *#21# for the status of universal forwarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forward Calls to other Apple devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Settings > Apps > Phone > On other devices. Activate the "Calls on other devices" switch and select the desired devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 the iPhone will continue to ring as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call forwarding is not working \u2013 troubleshooting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, call forwarding cannot be activated, the switch reverts back, or the loading symbol spins endlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check mobile network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile provider does not support rerouting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change VoLTE setting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reset network Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call forwarding to voicemail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 it's often a short code like 3311 (Telekom), 5500 (Vodafone), or 333 (o2). If in doubt, contact your provider for the exact number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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