What call forwarding does
Call forwarding is a phone feature that sends incoming calls from one number to a different number you choose. When someone calls your main phone line, the call rings on whichever device or number you've set up instead — or in addition to — your original line. You don't have to be at your desk, in your office, or near your home phone to take the call.
The person calling doesn't know the call has been forwarded. They dial your regular number, hear it ring normally, and reach you wherever you've sent the call. From their end, nothing looks different.
Call forwarding is built into most phone systems — landlines, cell phones, and business phone services all support it. You control it through your phone's settings, your carrier's website, or your phone service provider's app.
Key Takeaways
- Call forwarding sends your incoming calls to a different phone number you choose, so you can answer calls on any device.
- The caller sees only your original number and doesn't know the call has been forwarded to somewhere else.
- You can set up call forwarding through your phone's settings, your carrier's website, or your service provider's app.
- Most carriers charge nothing for basic call forwarding, though some business plans or premium features may have a cost.
- Call forwarding works best when you want calls to reach you on a specific backup number; call screening and voicemail are better choices if you want to filter which calls come through.
How to set up call forwarding on your phone
The steps depend on whether you have a landline, a cell phone, or a business phone system. For a cell phone, open your phone's Settings app, look for Phone or Call Settings, and find the Call Forwarding option. Turn it on, enter the phone number where you want calls sent, and save. On iPhone, this is usually under Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. On Android, it's typically Settings > Advanced > Call Forwarding or Settings > Calls > Call Forwarding, though the exact path varies by phone model and carrier.
For a landline, you usually dial a code from your phone to set up it. The code is often *72 followed by the number you want to forward to, then press the call button. To turn it off, dial *73. Check your phone bill or your carrier's website for the exact code, since some carriers use different sequences.
If you have a business phone system — like a desk phone connected to your company's phone network — ask your IT department or phone administrator. They may need to set it up for you, or they can tell you how to do it through your phone's menu or a web portal.
Different types of call forwarding
Unconditional call forwarding sends every call to your chosen number, no matter what. This is the most basic type and what most people mean when they say "call forwarding."
Busy call forwarding only forwards calls when your line is already in use. If you're on another call, incoming calls go to the number you set. If you're not on a call, they ring normally on your original phone.
No-answer call forwarding forwards calls only if you don't pick up within a set number of rings — usually three to five. This is useful if you want to answer calls yourself when you're available but catch them elsewhere if you're away.
Selective call forwarding lets you forward calls from specific numbers only. You create a list of numbers whose calls should be forwarded, and all other calls ring normally. This is helpful if you want to make sure calls from your boss, a family member, or a key client always reach you.
When call forwarding is useful
Call forwarding works well if you move between locations regularly and want to keep one main phone number. A small business owner might forward their office line to their cell phone during lunch or after hours. Someone working from home might forward their home phone to their mobile so they don't miss calls while running errands. A receptionist might forward calls to different departments based on who's available.
It's also practical if you're phasing out one phone number but don't want to lose calls. You can forward your old number to your new one for a few weeks or months while you notify contacts of the change.
Call forwarding is less useful if you want to screen calls or decide which ones to take. In that case, call screening (which lets you see who's calling and choose whether to answer) or voicemail (which captures calls you miss) may serve you better. You can also use both: forward some calls and let others go to voicemail.
Costs and carrier support
Most carriers include basic call forwarding at no extra charge. It's a standard feature on nearly all cell phone plans and landline services. Some carriers may charge a small monthly fee — usually $2 to $5 — for premium versions like selective call forwarding, but you should check your carrier's website or call their customer service to confirm what's included in your plan.
Business phone systems sometimes charge for call forwarding as an add-on feature, depending on the provider and the type of system. If you're unsure whether you're being charged, check your phone bill or log into your carrier's account page. The feature should be listed under your services or add-ons.
Troubleshooting common call forwarding problems
If calls aren't forwarding, first check that call forwarding is actually turned on. Go back to your settings and confirm the feature is enabled and the destination number is correct — a typo in the phone number is the most common cause. Also make sure you're using the full phone number, including the area code.
If calls are forwarding but you're not hearing them ring on the destination phone, check that the destination phone has service and isn't in airplane mode. If you're forwarding to a landline, make sure that line is working by calling it from another phone.
If you've turned call forwarding off but calls are still being forwarded, wait a few minutes for the change to take effect. Phone networks sometimes need a moment to process the change. If it's still not working after 10 minutes, restart your phone or contact your carrier.
Call forwarding versus other call-handling features
Call forwarding automatically sends calls to another number. Call waiting lets you know another call is coming in while you're already on a call, and you can switch between them. Call screening shows you who's calling before you answer and lets you decide whether to pick up. Voicemail captures calls you miss and lets the caller leave a message.
You can use these features together. For example, you might forward calls to your cell phone during work hours, use call waiting so you know if another call comes in, and let calls go to voicemail if you're busy. The combination you choose depends on how you work and how available you want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I forward calls to multiple numbers at once?
Standard call forwarding sends calls to one number only. Some business phone systems and advanced services let you forward to multiple numbers in sequence — the call rings your first number, and if you don't answer, it tries the second number. Ask your carrier or phone provider whether this feature is available on your plan.
Will I be charged for the forwarded call?
You're usually charged for the call on whichever phone receives it. If you forward your landline to your cell phone, the call counts as an incoming call on your cell plan. If you forward to a long-distance number, long-distance charges may explore. Check your carrier's rates to understand what you'll pay.
Can someone tell if their call has been forwarded?
No. The caller sees only your original number and hears it ring normally. They have no way to know the call has been sent somewhere else unless you tell them.
What happens to voicemail when I use call forwarding?
If you don't answer the forwarded call, it usually goes to voicemail on the phone that received the forwarded call, not your original number. If you want voicemail on your original number, you may need to adjust your voicemail settings or use no-answer call forwarding with a shorter ring time so calls reach voicemail on your original line.
Can I turn call forwarding on and off from my phone?
Yes. You can toggle it on or off anytime through your phone's settings. Some carriers also let you turn it on or off by dialing a code — usually *73 to turn it off and *72 to turn it back on — though codes vary by carrier.