How To Forward Calls To Another Number: Instant Redirect for Any Phone Line

Forwarding calls to another number used to mean fumbling with landline settings or praying your VoIP provider had a decent interface. ⚡ Now it takes less than two minutes on any modern phone—smartphone, landline, or even your office system.

I’ve set this up on everything from a flip phone in 2005 to my current Pixel 8, and the process keeps getting simpler.

The trick is knowing where to look. On smartphones, it’s buried in settings under "Call Forwarding" or "Additional Settings," while landlines often require pressing a code sequence (*72) followed by the number.

VoIP services like Google Voice or RingCentral hide the option behind a web dashboard, but the principle stays the same: tell your phone "when I’m busy/unreachable, send calls here instead."

You’ll end up with a system that never misses a call—whether you’re in a meeting, stuck in traffic, or just forgot your phone at home. The best part? Most phones let you verify forwarding works instantly by calling from another line. No more "I swear I didn’t hear that" excuses.

Works across Android, iOS, and even traditional phones—though the steps vary slightly. Here’s where to find the settings on every major platform, plus the one weird quirk that trips up everyone the first time.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for setting up call forwarding on your phone

Here’s how to instantly redirect calls—works for landlines, smartphones, and VoIP services.

Start by opening your phone’s settings. On smartphones, look for Settings > Phone (Android) or Settings > Cellular > Call Forwarding (iPhone). For landlines, you’ll need to dial a specific code—usually #21 followed by your forwarding number and # to activate.

If you’re using a VoIP service like Google Voice or Skype, log in to your account and navigate to Call Settings or Forwarding Rules. Here’s the thing—some services bury this feature under Advanced Settings, so check the help section if you can’t find it.

Once in the forwarding menu, you’ll see a field labeled Forward To or Destination Number. Enter the 10-digit phone number (including area code) where calls should redirect. Double-check for typos—this is the moment that matters.

For conditional forwarding (like forwarding only when busy or unanswered), select the appropriate option. For example, #67 (divert all calls) or #61 (forward when busy) on landlines. On smartphones, tap Always, When Unanswered, or When Busy depending on your needs.

After entering the number, save your changes. On most phones, you’ll see a confirmation message like "Call Forwarding Enabled" or "Forwarding Activated." If you don’t, check your network carrier’s app or website—sometimes forwarding requires extra steps.

For landlines, dial #21 followed by the number and # again to confirm. If you hear a confirmation tone, you’re good to go. If not, try ##002# to deactivate and restart the process. Real talk: some carriers need you to call customer support if the codes don’t work.

Call your phone from another line. If forwarding is set up correctly, the call should ring through to your designated number within 5-10 seconds. Listen for the ringtone or voicemail pickup on the forwarded device.

If calls aren’t forwarding, check your network signal or Wi-Fi connection (for VoIP). Some carriers block forwarding if your SIM is locked or your account has restrictions. Don’t panic—just toggle the setting off and back on or contact support.

To stop forwarding, go back to your settings and disable the rule. On smartphones, toggle the forwarding switch to Off. For landlines, dial #20 followed by #. VoIP services usually have a Disable Forwarding option in the same menu.

I always disable forwarding when I’m back at my desk to avoid missing important calls. Pro tip: Set a reminder in your calendar if you’re forwarding for a limited time—like when you’re traveling.

Tips & tricks for perfect call forwarding setup

Setting up call forwarding shouldn't be a guessing game—here's what I've learned after helping friends and family navigate this tech maze.

Double-Check Those Numbers: In Step 2, when entering the 10-digit forwarding number, take an extra 30 seconds to verify each digit. I've seen people accidentally add an extra digit or skip one, which sends calls to the wrong place entirely. Write it down first, then type it in—this small step saves hours of frustration.

Carrier-Specific Quirks: Not all carriers follow the same rules. If you're on a landline using codes like #67 or #61 in Step 2, some providers require you to dial 72# instead. Check your carrier's website or call their support line before you start—this prevents the "I did everything right but it didn't work" scenario. Between us, Verizon and AT&T have particularly finicky forwarding rules.