How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone, Android & Landline

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • Device-Specific Methods - Step-by-step instructions for different phone types
  • Carrier Variations - How setup differs across major service providers
  • Advanced Options - Conditional forwarding and specialized settings

What is Call Forwarding?

Call forwarding redirects incoming calls from one phone number to another:

Benefits of Call Forwarding

  • Never miss important calls when away from your primary phone
  • Maintain privacy by sharing one number but receiving calls on another
  • Ensure business continuity during travel or after hours
  • Manage multiple phone lines from a single device
  • Create sophisticated call routing systems for teams
  • Extend coverage to areas with better reception

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone

iPhones offer several methods to configure call forwarding. For business communication solutions, explore our automated call API. For enterprise needs, our automated call center platform offers comprehensive functionality.

✅ Method ❌ Steps
Through Settings 1. Open Settings app
2. Tap "Phone"
3. Tap "Call Forwarding"
4. Toggle Call Forwarding on
5. Enter the forwarding number
6. Tap back to save
Using Dial Codes 1. Open Phone app
2. Dial *72 followed by the 10-digit number
3. Tap the call button
4. Wait for confirmation tone or message
5. End the call

How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on iPhone

To disable call forwarding:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap "Phone"
  3. Tap "Call Forwarding"
  4. Toggle Call Forwarding off
  5. Alternatively, dial *73 and tap the call button

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Android

Android methods vary by device and carrier. Track your messaging performance with our call statistics platform. Enhance customer interactions with our phone call auto responder technology.

📱 Standard Android
  1. Open Phone app
  2. Tap three dots (menu)
  3. Select "Settings"
  4. Tap "Calls" or "Call settings"
  5. Select "Call forwarding"
  6. Choose forwarding type
  7. Enter number
  8. Tap "Enable" or "Turn on"
📱 Samsung Galaxy
  1. Open Phone app
  2. Tap three dots (menu)
  3. Select "Settings"
  4. Tap "Supplementary services"
  5. Select "Call forwarding"
  6. Choose forwarding option
  7. Enter number
  8. Tap "Turn on"

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on Landline

For traditional landline phones:

  1. Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone
  2. Dial *72 (or the appropriate code for your provider)
  3. Enter the 10-digit phone number where you want calls forwarded
  4. Wait for the confirmation tone or announcement
  5. Hang up to complete the setup
  6. Test the forwarding by having someone call your landline

Professional Call Management Solutions

Robotalker's business communication platform offers:

  • ✔️ Advanced call routing
  • ✔️ Time-based forwarding
  • ✔️ Multi-device management
Learn More →

Carrier-Specific Call Forwarding Codes

Major carriers use different codes for call forwarding:

  • Verizon:
    • Activate: *72 + number
    • Deactivate: *73
  • AT&T:
    • Activate: *72 + number
    • Deactivate: *73
  • T-Mobile:
    • Activate: *72 + number
    • Deactivate: *73
  • Sprint:
    • Activate: *72 + number
    • Deactivate: *720

Advanced Call Forwarding Options

Beyond basic forwarding, explore these specialized settings:

  • Conditional forwarding: Forward calls only under specific conditions:
    • When busy: Forward calls when you're on another call
    • When unanswered: Forward calls after a certain number of rings
    • When unreachable: Forward calls when your phone is off or has no signal
  • Scheduled forwarding: Set up forwarding for specific times of day (requires third-party apps)
  • Selective forwarding: Forward calls only from specific numbers (requires third-party apps)
  • Sequential forwarding: Try multiple numbers in sequence until someone answers
  • Simultaneous ringing: Ring multiple phones at once for incoming calls

FAQ: Call Forwarding

Yes, call forwarding typically uses minutes from your cellular plan, but the exact impact depends on your specific plan and carrier. When you forward calls, two separate connections are established: first, the incoming call to your number, and second, the forwarded call from your number to the destination number. For most carriers, the forwarded portion counts against your plan minutes, even though you're not physically answering the call. If you have unlimited minutes, this won't affect your billing. However, if you're on a limited plan, heavy use of call forwarding could quickly consume your available minutes. International call forwarding can be particularly expensive, as you'll typically be charged international rates for forwarding calls to numbers outside your home country. Some carriers also charge a monthly fee to enable certain advanced forwarding features. For business users, many VoIP and cloud-based phone systems offer more cost-effective forwarding options with predictable pricing. To minimize unexpected charges, check with your specific carrier about how call forwarding affects your plan and consider upgrading to an unlimited plan if you rely heavily on this feature.

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