Call forwarding is a notable feature available on mobile phones but not many people actively use it. The feature allows users to redirect calls from their phone to another number, voicemail, or service. It is a useful tool if you are unreachable or want someone else to handle your calls temporarily. However, it is also important to regularly check and manage call forwarding settings to avoid missed calls or unexpected charges. In this detailed guide, I will explain Call forwarding and walk you through the steps to check call forwarding on both Android and iPhone.
Also see: iPhone secret codes
What Is Call Forwarding?
Call Forwarding redirects or forwards incoming calls to an alternate number of service. The feature has been available for a long time, but new technologies have improved it and made it a simpler feature than before. So, you can now set up call forwarding based on several parameters or conditions. There are different types of call forwarding:
- Unconditional Call Forwarding: Forwards all incoming calls to another number.
- Conditional Call Forwarding: Redirects calls only when the line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable.
- No Reply Call Forwarding: Forwards calls when you don’t answer after a set time.
- Busy Call Forwarding: Diverts calls when your line is engaged.
- Out-of-reach Call Forwarding: Transfers calls when your phone is turned off or outside the coverage area.
How to Check Call Forwarding on Android
It is really easy to check call forwarding on Android. Open the Phone App on your phone. For this, tap the Phone app (the dialer icon). Now tap the three dots or More (usually located at the top-right corner of the screen). Scroll down and look for the Call Forwarding option. It is important to note that the option may be listed under Supplementary Services or More Settings depending on your network.
You will see options like Always Forward, Forward When Busy, Forward When Unanswered, and Forward When Unreachable. Tap on each option to check the current status. If a number is set, it means call forwarding is active on your phone.
To disable, tap the option, then select Turn Off or Disable. You can also change the forwarding number. To change the forwarding number, tap the number listed, enter a new one, and tap Update.
How to Check Call Forwarding on iPhone
Tap the Settings icon on your home screen to Open the Settings App. Scroll down and select Phone. Tap on Call Forwarding. If the switch is toggled to the right and a number appears, call forwarding is enabled. If call forwarding is turned on, the number to which calls are forwarded will be displayed.
To turn it off, simply toggle the Call Forwarding switch to the left. If you want to change the forwarding number, tap the field, enter the new number, and save.
Using Network Dial Codes to Check Call Forwarding
You can use specific dial codes to check the status of call forwarding in all smartphones. These codes may vary slightly between network providers but work similarly across different networks.
Check All Call Forwarding: Open your dialer and enter: *#21#. Now tap Call. This will display whether call forwarding is enabled or disabled for all call types.
Check Conditional Call Forwarding (Busy, Unanswered, Unreachable): Dial: *#61#, *#62#, or *#67# for different conditional forwarding types. These codes will provide status for unanswered, unreachable, or busy scenarios.
Disable Call Forwarding: To turn off all call forwarding, dial: ##21# and press Call. For disabling conditional call forwarding, dial: ##61#, ##62#, or ##67# for disabling unanswered, unreachable, or busy call forwarding, respectively.
Checking Call Forwarding Through Carrier Support
1. Jio
Reliance Jio supports call forwarding through both the phone settings and network codes.
Check Call Forwarding Using Network Codes on Jio:
- Dial
*#21#to see if all calls are being forwarded. - Dial
*#61#to check if unanswered calls are being forwarded. - Dial
*#62#for unreachable call forwarding. - Dial
*#67#for busy call forwarding.
Disable Call Forwarding on Jio:
- To disable all types of call forwarding, dial
##21#. - For conditional forwarding, use
##61#,##62#, or##67#to disable unanswered call forwarding, unreachable forwarding, and busy forwarding respectively.
2. Airtel
Airtel also provides call forwarding services. You can check it using similar dial codes on your phone.
Check Call Forwarding Using Network Codes on Airtel:
- Dial
*#21#to see if call forwarding is enabled for all calls. - Dial *#61# to check call forwarding when unanswered.
- Dial
*#62#for unreachable call forwarding. - Dial
*#67#to check if calls are forwarded when your line is busy.
Disable Call Forwarding on Airtel:
- To turn off all types of call forwarding, dial
##21#. - Dial
##61#,##62#, or##67#to disable unanswered call forwarding, unreachable forwarding, and busy forwarding respectively.
3. Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Vi allows you to easily manage call forwarding through phone settings or using USSD codes. USSD codes are the same as in Airtel or Jio.
Check Call Forwarding Using Network Codes on Vi:
- Dial
*#21#to check the status of unconditional call forwarding. - Use *#61# to check unanswered call forwarding.
- Use *#62# to check unreachable forwarding.
- Use *#67# to check busy forwarding.
Disable Call Forwarding on Vi:
- Dial
##21#to disable all types of call forwarding. - Use
##61#,##62#, or##67#to turn off conditional forwarding for unanswered call forwarding, unreachable forwarding, and busy forwarding respectively..
4. BSNL
BSNL offers a wide range of USSD codes to check and disable call forwarding.
Check Call Forwarding Using Network Codes on BSNL:
- Unconditional Call Forwarding Status: Dial
*#21#to see if all calls are forwarded. - Conditional Call Forwarding:
- Dial
*#61#to check call forwarding when there’s no answer. - Dial
*#62#for unreachable calls. - Dial
*#67#to check call forwarding for busy lines.
- Dial
Disable Call Forwarding on BSNL:
- Use
##21#to cancel all call forwarding. - To disable conditional forwarding, dial
##61#,##62#, or##67#depending on the scenario.
Checking Call Forwarding via Customer Support
If you are unable to check call forwarding through settings or dial codes, contacting customer care is another option. Here’s how to reach customer service for major Indian carriers:
- Jio: Call 198 or use the MyJio app for support and managing call forwarding.
- Airtel: Dial 121 from your Airtel number or manage settings via the Airtel Thanks app.
- Vi: Call 199 or use the Vi app to check and manage call forwarding.
- BSNL: Call 1503 or use the My BSNL app to manage your call forwarding settings.
Conclusion
Call forwarding is a powerful feature, but it is to check and manage it regularly. It doesn’t matter what network carrier you are using, I have added ways to check and manage your call-forwarding settings for Android and iOS. You can simply use USSD codes or phone settings to check the call forwarding. You need to make sure that call forwarding settings are accurate. It will help you stay connected and avoid missed calls. Follow the steps above to verify and adjust your call forwarding settings based on your needs.
