In today’s world of constant communication, call forwarding has become an essential mobile feature. It allows users to redirect incoming calls from one number to another, ensuring that no important call is missed. However, while it can be convenient, it also raises privacy and security concerns — especially if you suspect your calls are being forwarded without your permission.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what call forwarding is, how to check if it’s active, how to disable or manage it, and how to protect your privacy. Whether you use an Android, iPhone, or feature phone, this article will teach you everything you need to know about checking call forwarding numbers and taking control of your phone’s call settings.
1. What Is Call Forwarding?
Call Forwarding, also known as Call Divert, is a telecommunication feature that automatically redirects incoming calls from one number to another. This can be a mobile phone, landline, or even a voicemail system.
It’s especially useful for:
- Professionals who want calls to be redirected to another number when busy.
- People traveling or using multiple SIM cards.
- Businesses managing customer service lines.
When someone calls you, instead of your phone ringing, the call gets routed to the number you’ve set for forwarding. This process is controlled by your network provider and can be customized based on conditions (busy, unreachable, unanswered, etc.).
2. Types of Call Forwarding
There are different types of call forwarding services available on most mobile networks. Understanding these types helps you identify which one is active on your device.
1. Always Forward
All incoming calls are automatically redirected to another number. Your phone won’t ring at all.
Use Case: When you’re traveling or want all calls directed to another phone permanently.
2. Forward When Busy
Calls are forwarded only if your number is busy on another call.
Use Case: Ideal for professionals who are often engaged on multiple calls.
3. Forward When Unanswered
If you don’t pick up the call after a few rings, it gets forwarded to another number (often voicemail).
Use Case: Helpful when you can’t answer immediately or are away from the phone.
4. Forward When Unreachable
If your phone is turned off, out of coverage, or has no signal, the call is redirected.
Use Case: Perfect for areas with poor network coverage.
Each of these types can be activated or deactivated individually, depending on your preference.
3. Why Checking Call Forwarding Numbers Is Important
While call forwarding is convenient, it can sometimes be activated without your consent — either due to a misconfiguration, a network glitch, or, in rare cases, malicious activity.
Here’s why checking your call forwarding status is important:
A. Privacy Protection
Unauthorized call forwarding can allow someone to intercept or redirect your calls without you knowing. It can be used for spying or social engineering attacks.
B. Prevent Missed Calls
If your phone is unknowingly forwarding calls, you might never receive important calls directly.
C. Cost Control
Some call forwarding settings incur additional charges, especially if forwarded to international numbers.
D. Troubleshooting Call Issues
If people say your phone is “always busy” or “unreachable,” there may be active forwarding rules.
4. How to Check Call Forwarding Numbers on Android
Most Android phones provide multiple methods to check call forwarding — through dialer codes or settings menus.
Method 1: Using Dialer Codes (USSD Codes)
The easiest way to check if your calls are being forwarded is by using the MMI (Man-Machine Interface) codes. These codes are universal and work on most GSM networks worldwide.
| Type of Forwarding | Code to Check | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| All Call Forwarding | *#21# | Displays number to which all calls are forwarded |
| Forward When Busy | *#67# | Shows number for busy call forwarding |
| Forward When Unanswered | *#61# | Shows number for unanswered call forwarding |
| Forward When Unreachable | *#62# | Displays number for unreachable forwarding |
Steps:
- Open the Phone Dialer.
- Enter one of the codes (e.g., *#21#).
- Press the Call/Send button.
- Wait for a message showing your call forwarding status.
The phone will display whether forwarding is active and, if so, the number it’s forwarded to.
Method 2: Through Phone Settings
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet or Connections.
- Tap Call Settings → Calling Accounts → choose your SIM card.
- Select Call Forwarding.
- Check each option (Always, Busy, Unanswered, Unreachable).
You’ll see the numbers set for forwarding, if any.
5. How to Check Call Forwarding on iPhone
iPhones also allow you to check and manage call forwarding easily.
Method 1: Using Settings
- Open Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding.
- If the toggle is ON, you’ll see the number your calls are forwarded to.
- Turn it OFF to disable forwarding.
Method 2: Using Dialer Codes
iPhones support the same GSM codes as Android:
*#21#— All calls*#67#— Busy*#61#— Unanswered*#62#— Unreachable
Dial these codes to view forwarding status directly on your screen.
6. How to Disable or Remove Call Forwarding
If you find any suspicious or unwanted number, you can disable call forwarding instantly using deactivation codes.
| Type | Deactivation Code | Function |
|---|---|---|
| All Call Forwarding | ##21# | Cancels all call forwarding |
| Forward When Busy | ##67# | Cancels call forwarding when busy |
| Forward When Unanswered | ##61# | Cancels forwarding when not answered |
| Forward When Unreachable | ##62# | Cancels forwarding when out of coverage |
Steps:
- Open the dialer.
- Enter the code (e.g., ##21#).
- Press the Call button.
- Wait for confirmation — “Call Forwarding Erased Successfully.”
7. Network-Wise Call Forwarding Codes (for Major Providers)
For Airtel (India):
- Check all:
*#21# - Deactivate all:
##002#
For Jio:
- Check status:
*#21# - Cancel all forwarding:
##002#
For Vodafone Idea (Vi):
- Check:
*#21# - Cancel:
##002#
For AT&T (USA):
- Check status: Dial
*#21# - Turn off all forwarding: Dial
##002#
For Verizon (USA):
- Manage via My Verizon app or dial
*73to deactivate all forwarding.
(Note: Codes may vary slightly depending on region and carrier.)
8. Call Forwarding and Call Divert Apps
There are several apps that help you manage and check call forwarding status conveniently.
1. True Phone Dialer & Contacts (Android)
- Shows forwarding settings directly.
- Allows one-tap enable/disable forwarding.
2. MMI Codes Utility
- Easy interface for entering and testing call forwarding and call barring codes.
3. Phone Info Tools (Android/iOS)
- Displays network, IMEI, call forwarding, and SIM details in one place.
These apps simplify monitoring without memorizing complex dialer codes.
9. Signs That Your Calls Are Being Forwarded Without Permission
If you suspect unauthorized call forwarding or phone tapping, watch out for the following warning signs:
- Unusual Network Behavior: Calls drop suddenly or go straight to voicemail.
- Background Noises: Echoes or static noises during calls (though this could also be network-related).
- Unknown Forwarding Numbers: When checking *#21#, you see numbers you don’t recognize.
- Battery Drain or Heating: Constant network activity may indicate malicious call routing.
- Unexplained Missed Calls: You don’t receive calls, but the caller says it rang multiple times.
If any of these symptoms appear, immediately check forwarding settings and disable all active forwards.
10. How to Protect Yourself from Unauthorized Call Forwarding
A. Lock Your SIM Card
Use a SIM PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
Go to Settings → Security → SIM Lock → Enable SIM PIN.
B. Avoid Sharing Personal Codes
Never share USSD or MMI codes with others. Fraudsters can use them to redirect calls.
C. Regularly Check Forwarding Status
Make it a habit to dial *#21# once every few weeks.
D. Update Your Device and Network Settings
Old firmware or outdated carrier settings may be vulnerable.
E. Contact Your Service Provider
If you notice strange numbers in your call forwarding list, immediately report it. The provider can reset your call settings.
11. Call Forwarding vs. Call Barring vs. Call Waiting
| Feature | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Call Forwarding | Redirects incoming calls to another number | Ensure calls are not missed |
| Call Barring | Blocks outgoing or incoming calls | Prevents unauthorized usage |
| Call Waiting | Alerts you of a second incoming call | Allows multitasking during calls |
Understanding these helps manage call flow efficiently and maintain control over communication.
12. Troubleshooting Call Forwarding Problems
Sometimes, call forwarding doesn’t work properly due to software or network issues. Here’s how to fix them.
Problem 1: Can’t Activate or Deactivate
- Restart your phone.
- Ensure you have good network coverage.
- Dial the correct code.
- If issue persists, contact your carrier.
Problem 2: Forwarding Not Working as Expected
- Check that the destination number is active and reachable.
- Remove extra spaces or symbols when entering the number.
Problem 3: Forwarding to Unknown Number
- Immediately deactivate all forwarding using
##002#. - Report the issue to your network provider for verification.
13. Business Uses of Call Forwarding
Beyond personal use, call forwarding plays a key role in professional and business communication systems.
A. Customer Support
Calls can be routed from a central number to available agents, ensuring 24/7 support.
B. Remote Work Management
Employees working remotely can receive business calls on personal phones without revealing their private numbers.
C. Sales and Marketing
Businesses often use call forwarding to track regional performance — directing customers to the right representatives.
D. Emergency Services
Forwarding allows backup routing in case of network failure or high call volume.
In all these cases, call forwarding ensures uninterrupted communication and professional accessibility.
14. Call Forwarding and Voicemail
Many users confuse call forwarding with voicemail. In reality, voicemail often uses call forwarding in the background — specifically, the “Forward When Unanswered” type.
When you don’t pick up a call, it’s automatically redirected to your voicemail number. That’s why when you dial *#61#, you’ll often see your voicemail service number listed.
If you disable forwarding entirely, voicemail may also stop functioning.
15. Advanced: Call Forwarding on Dual-SIM Phones
Dual-SIM users can manage call forwarding independently for each SIM.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → SIM Management.
- Select SIM 1 or SIM 2 → Call Forwarding.
- Configure or disable as needed.
This helps keep personal and business calls separate while maintaining full control.
16. Security Risks Associated with Call Forwarding
Though useful, call forwarding can pose security threats if misused:
- Call Interception: Hackers may redirect calls to capture sensitive OTPs or personal information.
- SIM Swap Scams: Fraudsters activate call forwarding after obtaining duplicate SIMs.
- Unauthorized Access: Employees or unknown parties may secretly forward calls to monitor communication.
Solution: Always verify forwarding numbers, use SIM PINs, and avoid sharing call settings.
17. How Network Operators Handle Call Forwarding
Telecom networks manage call forwarding through SS7 (Signaling System 7) — a protocol that controls routing between phone numbers. When you activate call forwarding, your request is stored on the carrier’s server. All future incoming calls are then automatically redirected according to that stored rule.
This means even if you change phones or SIM cards (same number), your forwarding settings remain until manually disabled.
18. Call Forwarding in the Age of VoIP and 5G
With the rise of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and 5G technology, call forwarding is evolving.
VoIP Forwarding
Services like Skype, Google Voice, and WhatsApp offer internet-based call forwarding. You can forward calls to multiple devices simultaneously.
5G Networks
Faster 5G connectivity enables smart forwarding — automatically routing calls based on location, device availability, or network quality.
These intelligent systems make communication seamless but also demand greater privacy vigilance.
19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can someone forward my calls without me knowing?
Yes, if they have access to your phone or SIM. That’s why regular checks are vital.
Q2. What number should appear in call forwarding?
Usually, your voicemail number or any number you manually set.
Q3. How can I disable all types of call forwarding at once?
Dial ##002# and press call.
Q4. Do call forwarding services cost money?
Incoming calls are free, but forwarded calls may incur charges based on your carrier.
Q5. Is call forwarding available on prepaid connections?
Yes, most prepaid and postpaid networks support it.
20. Final Thoughts
Call forwarding is one of the most underrated yet powerful mobile features. It keeps you connected and ensures you never miss a call — whether you’re busy, offline, or traveling. However, it also requires awareness and caution.
Regularly checking your call forwarding numbers is crucial for privacy, security, and control. Using simple codes like *#21# and ##002#, you can quickly identify if your calls are being redirected and deactivate them when needed.
As technology continues to advance, call forwarding will remain a fundamental part of both personal and business communication. The key is to use it smartly, monitor it regularly, and stay informed about your network settings.
