Verified against Ofcom Connected Nations Spring 2026, IASME Cyber Essentials April 2026 standard and current operator pricing.
Quick answer: On EE and O2, iPhone call forwarding works through Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding. On Vodafone, Three and most MVNOs, the menu is greyed out — you have to use MMI codes (**21*[number]# for forward all, **61*[number]*11*30# for forward when no answer). Full step-by-step for every UK network below.
The four types of call forwarding
Don’t just turn on “Call Forwarding” without thinking — you have four conditions to choose from, and most users want only one or two.
| Type | What triggers it | MMI code | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unconditional | Every incoming call, immediately | **21*[number]# | Annual leave, parental cover |
| No answer | You don’t pick up within 30 seconds | **61*[number]*11*30# | Business overflow, reception backup |
| Busy | Already on a call | **67*[number]# | Stops callers being sent to voicemail when you’re already on the line |
| Unreachable | Phone off or out of signal | **62*[number]# | Travelling, basement offices, Tube journeys |
Cancel codes:##21# (cancel forward all), ##61# (cancel no answer), ##67# (cancel busy), ##62# (cancel unreachable), or ##002# to cancel everything in one go.
**21*123456789*0#
Type the MMI code in the dialer, then press the green call button. Confirmation appears on screen instantly.
Method 1 — iPhone Settings menu (EE, O2, BT Mobile, Sky Mobile)
If you’re on a network where Apple’s menu works, this is the friendly way:
- 1 · 5 sec
Open Settings → Phone
Scroll down to “Call Forwarding”. On supported networks the toggle is enabled; on others it appears greyed out.
- 2 · 5 sec
Toggle Call Forwarding ON
A “Forward To” field appears. Tap it.
- 3 · 10 sec
Enter the destination number
Type the full UK number including 07 or 01/02 prefix. International? Use +44 7XXX format. Press “Call Forwarding” in top-left to save.
- 4 · instant
Look for the arrow icon
A small ↪ arrow appears in your status bar to remind you forwarding is on. Tap the toggle off to cancel.
Note: the iPhone Settings menu only sets unconditional forwarding (forward all). For “no answer” or “busy”, you must use MMI codes (Method 2).
Method 2 — MMI codes (every UK network, every iPhone)
MMI codes are the universal way and the only way on Vodafone, Three, giffgaff, Lebara, Tesco Mobile and most MVNOs.
Open the dialer
Tap the green Phone icon, then “Keypad”. You’re going to type the code as if dialling a number.
Type the MMI code
Example: forward unanswered calls to 020 7946 0000 → type **61*02079460000*11*30#. Notice the asterisks and hash — they’re vital.
Press call
Within a second iPhone shows “Setting Activation succeeded”. Forwarding is live. To cancel, dial ##61# and press call.
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Network-by-network notes
Business call forwarding tips
- Forward to a hosted VoIP DDI rather than a colleague’s mobile — it gives you ring groups, IVR, queueing and recording.
- Use “no answer” not “all calls” so you can still take calls when you’re at your desk.
- Set the ring time to 20–25 sec in MMI codes (
*11*20#) to give you a chance to grab the phone but still hand off quickly. - Add forwarding to your starter/leaver checklist — when staff leave, divert their old number to the team mailbox so leads don’t go cold.
- Test from a third device after setup — never trust a confirmation message alone.
Troubleshooting iPhone call forwarding
Greyed out toggle
You’re on a network without menu support. Use MMI codes from the dialer instead.
“MM2” error
The MMI code was malformed — check every asterisk. **61* not *61*.
Forwarding works to UK but not abroad
Vodafone and Three block international forwarding by default. Call to enable it.
Forwarding ignored after iOS update
Reset network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Want forwarding plus ring groups, after-hours IVR and call recording on one UK number?
Hosted VoIP from £9 per user/month — keep your existing 0207/01/01 number, route to mobiles, and never miss a lead again.
iPhone call forwarding — FAQs
For multi-line teams, call-forwarding flexibility and free roaming are usually included on the right business plan. Compare the best business mobile phone plans in the UK to see who includes them as standard.
Yes — call forwarding is a network-side function, not a handset function. It works the same whether you’re on cellular, Wi-Fi calling or 5G.
iPhone doesn’t support time-based forwarding natively. Use a hosted VoIP service that lets you set a schedule, then forward your mobile to the VoIP number.
No — the call appears to come from the original caller’s number. The destination phone displays their CLI, not yours.
Dial *#21# for unconditional, *#61# for no answer, *#67# for busy, *#62# for unreachable. Each tells you the current divert destination.
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