How to Disable Call Forwarding on iPhone

To disable call forwarding on an iPhone, open Settings, search for Call Forwarding, select the matching Phone setting, and switch Call Forwarding off. If the control is missing or calls continue going elsewhere, the mobile carrier may need to disable forwarding for the line.

Turn Off Call Forwarding in Settings

Call forwarding is a carrier feature that sends incoming calls to another telephone number instead of ringing the iPhone. The switch appears only when the iPhone and mobile carrier support changing the feature through iOS.

1. Make sure the iPhone has cellular service.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Use the search field at the top of Settings and enter Call Forwarding. You may need to pull down on the Settings screen to reveal the search field.
4. Select Call Forwarding under the Phone settings.
5. If the iPhone uses more than one cellular line, choose the line whose forwarding setting you want to change.
6. Turn off the Call Forwarding switch.
7. Wait a few seconds before leaving the screen so the change can be sent to the carrier.

On some iOS versions, the control can also be found by opening Settings, selecting Apps, selecting Phone, and then selecting Call Forwarding. Older iOS versions may show Phone directly on the main Settings screen. Searching Settings is the safest way to locate the supported control without relying on a menu layout from a different iOS version.

Do not enter an unverified dialing code found in a forum or old article. Carrier codes vary, and the wrong code may change a different calling feature.

Confirm That Call Forwarding Is Disabled

Confirm the iPhone setting first, and then make a test call from another line. Checking both helps distinguish a display problem from forwarding that remains active on the carrier’s network.

1. Return to the Call Forwarding screen in Settings.
2. Check that the switch is off. If the page takes a moment to load, remain connected to cellular service and wait for it to show the current status.
3. Leave the iPhone on, make sure it is not in Airplane Mode, and check that it shows a cellular signal.
4. Call the iPhone number from a different phone.
5. Confirm that the iPhone rings or displays the incoming call instead of sending the call directly to the previously forwarded number.

If the test call goes to voicemail after ringing, that does not by itself mean call forwarding is still enabled. Voicemail normally answers missed or declined calls. The important question is whether the call reaches the iPhone before voicemail answers.

If the iPhone has two cellular lines, test each number separately. A forwarding change for one line may not affect the other line.

If the Call Forwarding Option Is Missing

A missing Call Forwarding option can mean that the carrier, account type, cellular line, or current network does not allow the setting to be changed from the iPhone. It does not prove that forwarding is active or inactive.

First, confirm that the intended cellular line is turned on and has service. Then search Settings again for Call Forwarding. If no matching control appears, use the carrier’s official support channel rather than trying codes copied from an unverified source.

Official carrier support channels may include:

• The support area in the carrier’s official mobile app.
• The help or contact section of the carrier’s official website.
• Secure messaging after signing in to the carrier account.
• A carrier store or another contact method shown in the verified support block on this page.

Ask the carrier to check whether unconditional call forwarding is enabled on the specific mobile line and to disable it if necessary. Unconditional forwarding means every incoming call is redirected without first ringing the iPhone.

If Calls Are Still Being Forwarded

If calls are still being forwarded after the iPhone switch is off, refresh the phone’s connection and verify that the carrier has applied the change.

1. Restart the iPhone, wait for cellular service to return, and place another test call.
2. Check the status bar or Control Center for a cellular signal. If service is unavailable, move to an area with coverage before checking the setting again.
3. Open Settings, select General, and then select About. Wait briefly on that screen. If iOS presents a carrier settings update, follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Return to Call Forwarding and confirm that the switch remains off.
5. If more than one cellular line is installed, repeat the check for the number that is receiving the forwarded calls.
6. Ask the carrier to inspect forwarding on its network if the test call still goes directly to another number.

A Focus mode, silent mode, or low ringer volume can make a call easy to miss, but those settings do not normally redirect the call to another telephone number. Check the recent calls list during testing to see whether the iPhone received the call.

Get Help From Apple or Your Carrier

Contact Apple Support when the Call Forwarding screen will not open, Settings closes unexpectedly, the switch cannot be operated, or the iPhone has a broader software or cellular problem. Apple can help check iOS behavior, available updates, and device settings.

Contact the mobile carrier when the Call Forwarding option is absent, the switch turns back on, forwarding continues after a restart, or the carrier’s network does not accept the change. The carrier controls forwarding at the line and network level, so Apple cannot remove a forwarding rule that remains active in the carrier’s system.

Before requesting help, have the affected mobile number, carrier name, iPhone model, iOS version, and the result of a recent test call ready. Do not share an account password or one-time verification code with an unsolicited caller. Use Apple’s official Support app or the verified carrier contact information displayed on this page.