Call forward sends incoming calls to a different phone number automatically

Call forward is a phone feature that intercepts calls meant for one number and sends them to another number instead. When someone calls your main line, the phone system redirects that call to whichever number you set up — your mobile phone, a colleague's desk, a home phone, or even a voicemail service. You do not have to answer on the original phone; the caller reaches you wherever you pointed the system to send the call.

The feature works at the phone network level, not on your individual device. That means call forward happens before your phone even rings. The phone company's system makes the redirect decision, so it works regardless of what kind of phone you own or whether your phone is turned on.

Key Takeaways

  • Call forward redirects incoming calls to a different phone number automatically, so callers reach you without dialing a second number.
  • You set up call forward through your phone provider's system — usually online, through an app, or by dialing a code on your phone keypad.
  • Call forward works at the network level, meaning it happens before your phone rings and does not depend on your phone being powered on.
  • Different types of call forward exist: unconditional (all calls go to the new number), conditional (calls forward only if you do not answer), and selective (calls forward based on who is calling).

How to turn call forward on and off

The method depends on your phone provider and the type of phone service you have. Most providers offer at least two ways: through their website or mobile app, or by dialing a code directly from your phone.

If your provider has an online account portal or app, log in and look for a section labeled "Call Forwarding," "Call Settings," or "Phone Features." You enter the phone number where you want calls sent, save the setting, and call forward activates when ready. To turn it off, you return to the same menu and disable the feature.

If you prefer to use your phone keypad, most providers support the code *72 followed by the phone number you want to forward to. Dial *72, then the 10-digit number, then press the call button. You should hear a confirmation tone. To turn it off, dial *73 and press call. These codes work on most landlines and some mobile carriers, though not all — check your provider's documentation first.

Conditional call forward: only forward if you do not answer

Conditional call forward (sometimes called "no answer call forward" or "call forward on no answer") sends calls to another number only if you do not pick up within a set number of rings — usually four to six. If you answer, the call stays with you. If you do not answer after those rings, the system forwards the call automatically.

This is useful when you want to stay reachable but do not want calls to go unanswered. For example, you might set your office phone to forward to your mobile after four rings, so calls do not sit ringing at your desk while you are in a meeting.

The code for conditional call forward is usually *61 followed by the phone number. Some providers also let you set the number of rings before forwarding happens, though this varies by carrier.

Selective call forward: forward only certain callers

Selective call forward (also called "call forward selective" or "call forward busy/don't answer") lets you forward calls from specific phone numbers while leaving others alone. You create a list of numbers whose calls should forward, and everyone else reaches your original phone.

This is less common than unconditional or conditional forward, and not all providers support it. When available, you usually set it up through your provider's website or app rather than through a keypad code. Check with your phone company to see whether this feature is included in your plan.

What happens to the original caller

From the caller's perspective, call forward is invisible. They dial your original number, and the call connects to wherever you set it to go. They do not hear a message saying "your call is being forwarded." The call straightforward rings on the forwarded number, and if you answer there, they talk to you as if they had reached that number directly.

If you do not answer the forwarded call either, the caller hears whatever voicemail or message is set up on the forwarded number — not necessarily your original voicemail. This can confuse callers if they reach a voicemail greeting that does not match the number they dialed. Some people set up a generic greeting on the forwarded number to avoid this.

Call forward and voicemail: how they work together

Call forward and voicemail are separate systems that can work together or independently. If you set up call forward to your mobile phone and do not answer there, the call goes to your mobile's voicemail — not your original phone's voicemail — unless you have specifically configured them to connect.

Some phone systems let you set up a chain: if the forwarded number does not answer after a certain number of rings, forward again to a third number or to voicemail. This is called "call forward on no answer" chaining. Your provider's documentation will tell you whether this is supported and how to set it up.

When call forward does not work the way you expect

Call forward sometimes fails silently. If you set it up but calls still ring on your original phone, the feature may not have activated properly. Dial the code again to confirm, or log into your provider's website to verify the setting is turned on.

International numbers sometimes cause problems. If you try to forward to a number outside your country, your provider may block it for security reasons or charge an additional fee. Check your provider's policy before setting up forward to an international number.

If you have call waiting enabled on your original phone, it may interfere with call forward. Some older phone systems do not forward calls properly when call waiting is active. Disabling call waiting temporarily can help you test whether forward is working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the person calling me know my call is being forwarded?

No. Call forward is transparent to the caller. They dial your original number and do not see or hear any indication that the call went somewhere else. From their end, it looks like they reached you directly on the forwarded number.

Can I forward my calls to multiple numbers at once?

Standard call forward sends to one number. Some advanced phone systems (like business PBX systems) support simultaneous ringing to multiple numbers, but this is different from call forward and requires a more complex setup. Check with your provider about whether this is available on your plan.

Will I be charged for forwarded calls?

That depends on your phone plan and provider. If you forward to a long-distance or international number, you may incur charges. Local forwards within your area code are usually free. Check your provider's terms before setting up forward to an unfamiliar number.

What happens to call forward if I change phone providers?

Call forward settings are stored with your current provider and do not transfer. When you switch providers, you will need to set up call forward again with the new provider using their system. Make sure to disable it with your old provider first to avoid confusion.

Can I set up call forward on a mobile phone?

Yes. Most mobile carriers support call forward through their app or website, and many also support the *72 and *73 codes. Some carriers charge a small monthly fee for the feature, while others include it free. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service line to confirm.