How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone

To forward calls on an iPhone, open Settings, select Apps, select Phone, tap Call Forwarding, turn it on, and enter the destination phone number. If Call Forwarding is missing, the cellular carrier may require its own activation method or assistance.

What should you check before turning on iPhone call forwarding?

Call forwarding sends incoming cellular calls from one line to another phone number. Availability depends on the carrier, account, cellular network, and sometimes the type of service assigned to the line.

Before changing the setting, check the following:

• The iPhone has an active cellular line and is connected to the carrier’s network.
• The account permits call forwarding. Managed, business, prepaid, or restricted lines may have different controls.
• You know the complete destination number, including any required area or country code.
• The destination phone can receive calls.
• If the iPhone uses two cellular lines, you know which line should forward its calls.

Keep the iPhone connected to the cellular network while changing the setting. The carrier may need to receive and register the request before forwarding becomes active.

How do you enable call forwarding in iPhone Settings?

On current iPhone software, the Call Forwarding control is normally inside the Phone settings. Older software versions may place Phone directly on the main Settings screen instead of under Apps.

1. Open Settings on the iPhone.
2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone. On an older software version, scroll down and tap Phone directly.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. If asked to choose a cellular line, select the line whose incoming calls should be forwarded.
5. Turn on Call Forwarding.
6. Tap Forward To and enter the complete destination number.
7. Return to the previous screen. The number should remain displayed and the Call Forwarding switch should stay on.

A call-forwarding symbol may appear in the iPhone status area when the feature is active. Because status symbols can be less visible on some iPhone models, the most reliable confirmation is to reopen Call Forwarding and verify that the switch is on and the intended destination number is shown.

People searching “how do you do call forwarding on iphone” or “how do you do call forwarding on an iphone” can use these steps when their carrier exposes the setting. The feature affects ordinary incoming cellular calls on the selected line.

How do you turn off call forwarding on an iPhone?

Disable iPhone call forwarding from the same Phone settings used to activate it.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps, then Phone. On an older software version, tap Phone from the main Settings screen.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. Select the correct cellular line if the iPhone uses more than one line.
5. Turn off Call Forwarding.

Wait briefly for the carrier to register the change. Reopen the screen and confirm that the switch remains off. A test call can then verify that incoming calls reach the iPhone again.

What should you do if the iPhone Call Forwarding option is missing?

A missing Call Forwarding option does not necessarily mean the iPhone is faulty. Some carriers do not provide an on-screen switch and instead use carrier-specific dialing codes, account controls, or direct customer assistance.

Do not use a dialing code found for a different carrier or country. Carrier codes are not universal and may activate a different network feature.

Check these points before contacting the carrier:

• The cellular line is active and has network service.
• The correct SIM or eSIM line is selected for review.
• The iPhone software and carrier settings are current.
• The account type allows call forwarding.
• Account restrictions or administrator controls are not blocking changes.

If the option still does not appear, ask the carrier whether call forwarding is supported on the line and which verified activation method applies to that account.

How can you check that iPhone call forwarding works?

Test iPhone call forwarding from a different phone after enabling it. Do not place the test call from the destination phone itself.

1. Leave the iPhone connected to its cellular network.
2. Use another phone to call the iPhone’s cellular line.
3. Confirm that the destination phone rings.
4. Answer the destination phone and check that the call connects normally.
5. Repeat the test after disabling forwarding to confirm that calls return to the iPhone.

If the iPhone rings instead of the destination phone, reopen Call Forwarding and verify the switch, selected line, and destination number. Allow a short time for the network change to register, then test again.

How do you troubleshoot iPhone call forwarding problems?

If iPhone call forwarding will not activate or sends calls incorrectly, check one issue at a time:

• Invalid destination: Reenter the complete forwarding number and correct missing digits, an incorrect area code, or an unnecessary prefix.
• Carrier restriction: Confirm that the account and cellular line support call forwarding. Some account types require carrier approval or a carrier-specific method.
• Network problem: Move to an area with cellular service, turn Airplane Mode on and off, and try the setting again.
• Wrong dual-SIM line: Open Call Forwarding and select the specific SIM or eSIM line receiving the calls. Each line may have separate settings and carrier rules.
• Change does not stay saved: Restart the iPhone, reconnect to the cellular network, and check the setting again.
• Calls still reach the iPhone: Confirm the forwarding switch is on, verify the destination, and make another test call from a separate phone.

Contact the cellular carrier when the setting is missing, activation repeatedly fails, or the account’s forwarding status is unclear. The carrier can verify network support, account restrictions, and the correct method for that specific line.