How to Forward Calls on an iPhone

To forward calls on an iPhone, open Settings, select Apps, choose Phone, tap Call Forwarding, turn it on, and enter the destination phone number. Incoming calls will then go to that number until call forwarding is turned off.

How does call forwarding work on an iPhone?

Call forwarding is a carrier service that redirects incoming voice calls from one phone line to another phone number. When call forward on iPhone is active, the original iPhone generally does not receive those calls; the phone at the destination number rings instead.

The setting applies to calls made to the iPhone’s cellular number. It does not move the cellular account, transfer contacts, or change which device makes outgoing calls.

Availability depends on the cellular carrier and account. Some carriers provide the Call Forwarding switch in iPhone Settings, while others require customers to manage forwarding through the carrier. If the switch is missing, do not assume the iPhone is damaged.

How do you turn on call forwarding on an iPhone?

To set up unconditional call forwarding, which redirects all incoming calls, use these Settings steps:

1. Open Settings on the iPhone.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap Phone.
4. Tap Call Forwarding.
5. Turn on Call Forwarding.
6. Tap Forward To.
7. Enter the complete destination phone number.
8. Return to the previous screen so the setting can be saved.

On an iPhone with an earlier iOS layout, Phone may appear directly on the main Settings screen instead of under Apps. Select Phone and continue with Call Forwarding.

If the iPhone uses more than one cellular line, Settings may ask which line to configure. Choose the line whose incoming calls should be redirected. Each line can have its own carrier support and forwarding status.

After entering the destination, wait for the setting to register before leaving the area or disconnecting from the cellular network. Make a test call to the original iPhone number from a different phone and confirm that the destination phone rings.

How do you forward calls to an iPhone?

To forward calls to an iPhone, configure call forwarding on the phone or cellular line that currently receives the calls. Enter the receiving iPhone’s cellular number as the destination.

These are two different directions:

• Forwarding calls to an iPhone means changing settings on another line and using the iPhone’s number as the destination.
• Forwarding calls away from an iPhone means changing settings for the iPhone’s line and entering another phone number as the destination.

The receiving iPhone normally needs no call-forwarding change. It only needs to be able to receive ordinary calls to its cellular number. If the source line does not show a forwarding option, contact the carrier responsible for that source line.

How can you check or change the forwarding number?

To check call forwarding on iPhone, open Settings, select Apps, choose Phone, and tap Call Forwarding. If the switch is on, open Forward To and review the destination shown there. On earlier iOS layouts, start with Settings and then Phone.

To replace the destination number:

1. Open the Call Forwarding screen for the correct cellular line.
2. Tap Forward To.
3. Remove the existing destination.
4. Enter the new complete phone number.
5. Return to the previous screen.
6. Call the original iPhone number from another phone to test the change.

A forwarding indicator may appear in the status area when the carrier supports that display. The clearest check is still a test call, because an icon alone does not confirm that the intended destination can receive calls.

How do you turn off call forwarding on an iPhone?

Turning off call forwarding restores normal delivery of incoming calls to the iPhone’s cellular line.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps, then Phone.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. If prompted, select the cellular line being forwarded.
5. Turn off Call Forwarding.

On an earlier iOS layout, go directly from Settings to Phone. After disabling forwarding, make a test call to the iPhone. If calls still go elsewhere, confirm that the correct cellular line was selected and ask the carrier whether another type of forwarding remains active.

What should you do if call forwarding is missing or not working?

If Call Forwarding is absent, unavailable, or fails to save, check the conditions that affect the carrier service:

• Carrier restrictions: The carrier or account may not expose unconditional forwarding through iPhone Settings. Ask the carrier whether forwarding is supported and how it must be managed.
• Network connection: The iPhone must communicate with the cellular network when the forwarding setting is changed. Move to an area with cellular service, turn Airplane Mode off, and try again.
• Number format: Re-enter the complete destination number in the format accepted by the carrier. Remove typing mistakes, unintended spaces, or an incomplete area or country code.
• Wrong cellular line: On a multi-line iPhone, verify that call forwarding was enabled for the line receiving the incoming calls.
• Conditional forwarding: Conditional call forwarding redirects calls only when the line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable. These rules may be controlled by the carrier rather than the iPhone’s standard Call Forwarding switch.

Restart the iPhone, install available iOS and carrier settings updates, and test again on the cellular network. If the setting remains missing, switches itself off, or routes calls incorrectly, contact the cellular carrier first because the carrier controls call routing. Contact Apple Support when the carrier confirms that forwarding is enabled correctly but the iPhone Settings screen still does not work as expected.