How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone

Setting up call forwarding on your iPhone takes less than a minute using the built-in Settings app. This guide walks you through the process step by step and explains how to use star codes for more advanced forwarding options.

Set Up Call Forwarding in iPhone Settings

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. Toggle Call Forwarding to on (the switch turns green).
5. Tap Forward To and enter the phone number you want calls sent to.
6. Tap Back. You will see a phone icon in the status bar confirming forwarding is active.

To turn it off, simply return to the same screen and toggle Call Forwarding back to off.

Important: Settings Only Supports Unconditional Forwarding

The Call Forwarding option in iPhone Settings activates unconditional forwarding — meaning every incoming call is diverted immediately and your iPhone will not ring at all. This is the equivalent of the **21* star code.

If you want conditional forwarding — for example, forwarding only when busy, unanswered or unreachable — you will need to use GSM star codes from the Phone app keypad instead.

Using Star Codes on iPhone

To set up conditional call forwarding:

1. Open the Phone app and tap the Keypad tab.
2. Dial the appropriate code. For example, to forward when busy: **67*07700900123#
3. Tap the green call button. A confirmation message will appear.

Refer to our Call Divert Codes guide for the full list of activation and cancellation codes.

Call Forwarding on Dual SIM iPhones

If your iPhone has two SIMs (physical and eSIM), call forwarding settings apply to whichever line is currently selected as the voice line. Switch your default line in Settings > Mobile Data > Default Voice Line before configuring forwarding for the other number.

Troubleshooting

• Call Forwarding option missing: Some networks hide this setting. Use star codes from the keypad instead.
• Forwarding not activating: Ensure you have mobile signal. Call forwarding cannot be set up over Wi-Fi alone.
• Calls still ringing on iPhone: Double-check the forwarding icon appears in the status bar. If not, toggle off and on again.

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