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How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Android

Updated 2026-08-24 · 976 words

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Before You Turn On Call Forwarding

To forward calls on Android, open the Phone app, find Call forwarding in its call settings, choose when calls should be forwarded, and enter the destination number.

Call forwarding sends incoming voice calls from your Android phone to another number. Depending on the rule you choose, calls may be forwarded immediately or only when your line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable.

Before you begin, confirm the full destination number and make sure your phone is connected to your carrier’s mobile network. Call forwarding is a carrier service, so changing the setting may fail when the phone has no cellular connection.

The exact menu names depend on the phone model, Android version, Phone app, and mobile carrier. Some phones use Calling accounts, Supplementary services, or Carrier call settings instead of Call forwarding. Your carrier must also support the forwarding option you want to use.

How Do You Set Up Call Forwarding in the Phone App?

The standard Phone app path is the quickest way to learn how to call forward on Android. Menu names can differ, but the general process is:

  1. Open the Phone app used to place calls.
  2. Open its menu, usually shown as three dots or a settings icon.
  3. Select Settings or Call settings.
  4. Look for Calls, Calling accounts, Supplementary services, Carrier call settings, or Call forwarding.
  5. If asked, select the correct SIM or mobile line.
  6. Choose a forwarding condition, such as Always forward or When unanswered.
  7. Enter the destination number carefully, including any area code or country code required by your carrier.
  8. Select Turn on, Enable, Update, or the equivalent confirmation button.

Wait for a confirmation message before closing the settings. Then call the Android phone from another line to test the selected condition. Testing is important because seeing a saved number does not always prove that the carrier accepted the request.

When Should Android Calls Be Forwarded?

Anyone asking how to enable call forwarding on Android must choose what should trigger it. Android phones and carriers commonly present some or all of these conditions:

  • Always forward: Every incoming call goes directly to the destination number. The Android phone normally does not ring.
  • When busy: Calls are forwarded when the line is already in use or the incoming call is declined, depending on the carrier.
  • When unanswered: The Android phone rings first, and the call is forwarded if nobody answers within the carrier’s set interval.
  • When unreachable: Calls are forwarded when the carrier cannot reach the Android phone, such as when it is off, outside coverage, or disconnected from the mobile network.

If you want to know how to turn on call forwarding on Android for every call, select Always forward. For backup coverage without redirecting every call, choose one or more conditional options. Multiple conditional rules may be active at the same time.

Can You Use a Carrier Dialing Code for Call Forwarding?

A carrier dialing code is a short sequence entered in the Phone app to request a network feature. A dialing code may be needed when Android does not show call-forwarding settings or when the carrier manages forwarding directly.

Do not guess a code or assume that a code found for another carrier will work. Codes, required number formats, and cancellation methods vary by carrier, mobile line, and forwarding condition.

  1. Contact your mobile carrier or check its official support information.
  2. Ask for the correct activation, status-check, and cancellation codes for your line and forwarding condition.
  3. Confirm how the destination number must be entered.
  4. Enter the verified code in the Phone app exactly as instructed, then place the call.
  5. Wait for the carrier’s confirmation and test forwarding from another line.

How Do You Turn Off Call Forwarding on Android?

To disable call forwarding on Android, return to the same Phone app settings used to enable it. Each forwarding condition can have its own active rule, so review all available conditions instead of checking only Always forward.

  1. Open the Phone app and its Settings menu.
  2. Open Calls, Calling accounts, Supplementary services, or Call forwarding.
  3. Select the correct SIM if the phone has more than one.
  4. Open each active forwarding condition.
  5. Select Turn off, Disable, or Cancel, then wait for confirmation.
  6. Call the Android phone from another line and verify that it rings as expected.

If you need to know how to cancel call forwarding on Android but the menu is missing, ask the carrier for its verified cancellation method. Do not remove or replace a saved destination number unless the carrier says that doing so disables the rule.

What Should You Do If Android Call Forwarding Does Not Work?

If Android call forwarding is missing or fails, first check the mobile connection and the selected SIM. Because the carrier controls the service, an Android menu can display a request that the network later rejects.

  • Missing settings: Search the Phone app settings for Calls, Calling accounts, Carrier call settings, or Supplementary services. If no forwarding menu appears, ask the carrier whether it requires a dialing code or account-level change.
  • Rejected destination number: Re-enter the number and verify its area code, country code, and formatting with the carrier. Some lines may not allow forwarding to certain number types or destinations.
  • Network error: Confirm that cellular service is available, turn airplane mode off, and try again later. Wi-Fi access alone may not be enough to update a carrier forwarding rule.
  • Dual-SIM confusion: Choose the SIM that receives the calls you want to forward. Forwarding configured for one line does not necessarily affect the other.
  • Carrier restriction: The carrier or account type may limit forwarding conditions. Ask the carrier to confirm whether forwarding is enabled for the specific line.

After any change, test incoming calls under the condition you selected. This is the most reliable way to confirm how to forward calls on Android and whether the carrier applied the rule.

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