In case you are traveling, in a place without a signal, or just too busy to answer calls, call forwarding on iPhone is definitely the way to go. This detailed manual shows, on one side, how to forward calls on iPhone with any carrier, on the other side it covers GSM and CDMA networks. In addition, it lists all the necessary codes and settings for you to make your communications seamless.
📱 What Is Call Forwarding on iPhone?
Call forwarding enables you to change the destination of the incoming calls to another number, for example, a secondary mobile, landline, or office phone. It is especially good when:
- You are in an area with bad signal.
- Your phone battery is low.
- You have changed the device for a short period of time.
- You want someone to answer your calls instead of you.
✅ How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone (GSM Networks)
Apple provides a native method to install call forwarding for the network that uses GSM technology (such as AT&T, T-Mobile).
🔧 Steps to Enable Call Forwarding on GSM iPhones
- Launch the Settings app.
- Navigate down and tap on Phone.
- Tap on Call Forwarding.
- Switch Call Forwarding to ON.
- Tap Forward To and fill in the number where you want to receive the calls.
- Tap the Back button. You will see the number listed under “Forward To”.
🔄 To disable call forwarding: Go back to the same menu and toggle it off.
📶 CDMA Network Workaround: Enable Call Forwarding with Dial Codes
If you’re on a CDMA network (e.g., Verizon, US Cellular), the Call Forwarding option won’t appear in Settings. Instead, you’ll need to use carrier-specific star codes.
📞 Common Carrier Codes for Call Forwarding
| Carrier | Enable Call Forwarding | Disable Call Forwarding |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | *72<10-digit-number> then Dial | *73 then Dial |
| Sprint | *72<10-digit-number> then Dial | *720 then Dial |
| T-Mobile | **21*<10-digit-number># then Dial | ##21# then Dial |
| AT&T | **21*<10-digit-number># then Dial | ##21# then Dial |
⚠️ Note: These codes might be slightly different in other regions. Be sure to always try them after turning them on.
🔄 Conditional Call Forwarding on iPhone Options
It is not necessary to forward all calls. You can set up call forwarding in such a way that you receive calls in your location only when you are:
- Busy: **67*#
- No Answer: **61*#
- Unavailable/Out of Service: **62*#
Turning off all the conditional forwarding can be achieved by dialing ##004#
💡 Enable Call Waiting Alongside Call Forwarding on iPhone
The feature of call forwarding may be coupled with that of Call Waiting and this means that in the event that you are still on the first call, the second call can be forwarded or kept if you so desire.
📲 How to Enable Call Waiting
- Go to Settings → Phone → Call Waiting.
- Toggle the switch ON.
📍 Note: On dual SIM iPhones, Call Waiting only works on the primary line unless Wi-Fi calling is enabled on the secondary SIM.
📋 Compatibility Table by Carrier Type
| Carrier | Type | Settings Support | Code Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | GSM | ✅ Yes | Optional |
| T-Mobile | GSM | ✅ Yes | Optional |
| Verizon | CDMA | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| US Cellular | CDMA | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| Sprint (Legacy) | CDMA | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
🗂 Carrier Portal Option (Some Networks)
Certain wireless providers are offering internet-based dashboards to users through which one can easily change call forwarding settings.
- Sign in using your carrier’s web portal or app.
- Go to Call Settings or Call Forwarding.
- Choose the conditions and the destination number.
🛑It is a fact that the majority of the carriers do not permit sending call forwarding internationally.
🧠 Use Cases Where Call Forwarding on iPhone Is Essential
- 📵 Maintaining business operation when changing devices.
- 🧳 Going abroad without being connected to a roaming network.
- 🏕 Journeys to remote locations where there is no network.
- 📞 Remote teams’ office redirection.
🛠 Troubleshooting Call Forwarding on iPhone Issues
- 📶 There is no such option in Settings? A CDMA carrier is most probably the one you use.
- ❌ Calls are not being forwarded? Double-check the number format and the signal.
- 🔁 Loop forwarding? Always avoid forwarding to the same number or the same device
- 🚫 International numbers? Not supported by most U.S. carriers.
- 🔄 Toggle off/on to refresh stuck configurations.
📌 Final Thoughts: Never Miss a Call Again
Utilizing call forwarding on iPhone with any mobile operator guarantees that you do not lose any important communication even if something unexpected happens. In short, you can also decide to use GSM tools, CDMA codes, or conditional forwarding for any iPhone user to take advantage of this little-known feature.
FAQ: Call Forwarding on iPhone
🔍 Can I forward calls to a landline?
To be more specific, this number must just have 10 digits and be a valid one, therefore, it doesn’t matter whether it is mobile or landline.
🔍 Will call forwarding work when airplane mode is on?
Unfortunately, no. Forwarding works as a carrier feature and a connection is necessary to be able to change the settings or to make a new one.
🔍 Can I forward calls from one iPhone to another iPhone?
Indeed, just remember to give the other iPhone’s number when you are configuring.