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Published On: 5th Aug 2026 12:30
Sabina Schilling at Vonage explains how to forward calls and why knowing how to forward calls ensures you stay reachable wherever work takes you.
Whether you’re using a landline, iPhone, Android device, or a business communications platform, call forwarding allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number in just a few steps.
Most devices let you enable call forwarding through built-in settings or by dialing a simple activation code such as *72.
You can forward every call or set conditions like when busy, unanswered, or unreachable. For businesses, advanced call routing tools make it easy to manage availability across teams, shifts, and locations.
When set up correctly, call forwarding protects customer experience, reduces missed opportunities, and keeps communication seamless.
To forward calls, enable call forwarding in your phone’s call settings, or dial *72 followed by the destination number on most landlines and some mobile carriers.
On iPhone, call forwarding lives in the Settings app under Phone. On Android, you’ll usually find it in the Phone app settings under Calling accounts or supplementary services.
Settings menu. Open Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
Activate. Turn on Call Forwarding and enter the number you want calls routed to.
Confirmation. A forwarding icon appears in the status bar when it’s active.
Phone app. Open the Phone app, tap the menu, then select Settings.
Call settings. Go to Calling accounts or supplementary services, then choose Call forwarding.
Options. Select Always forward or another condition, then enter the destination number.
Activate. Dial *72, follow the prompt, enter the 10-digit number, then press #. Some carriers use *21 instead.
Deactivate. Dial *73 to turn it off. Some carriers use a cancellation code such as #21#.
No charge. Many providers do not charge a monthly fee, but minutes or plan charges may still apply.
Conditions. Common options include Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, or When unreachable.
Limitations. Some carriers restrict forwarding to international numbers.
Call forwarding is the term used to describe the process of rerouting incoming calls to a different number. There are several reasons why you might want to forward calls to another phone. For example, you may need to:
There are different settings you can use for call forwarding. The simplest approach is to forward every incoming call to a chosen number. Doing this means the system will automatically redirect every call that comes in.
But in some circumstances, you might prefer to use selective forwarding instead. For example, you can set rules for forwarded calls so that the process only kicks in when the calls come from certain numbers but not others.
You can generally list around 12 to 15 numbers that you’d like to do this for. Calls coming from any of the numbers on this list will be forwarded, while the rest will come into the original number as usual.
Call forwarding typically works in one of two ways depending on how it’s configured.
All incoming calls are automatically redirected to another number without ringing the original device.
This setup is commonly used when:
Because the original device does not ring, this option ensures complete redirection without interruption.
Calls are only redirected under specific circumstances.
Common conditions include:
Conditional call forwarding is often preferred in hybrid work environments. It allows calls to ring normally first, then route elsewhere if needed. This provides flexibility without losing availability.
Call forwarding is more than a convenience feature. It plays a direct role in customer experience and business continuity.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2025 American Time Use Survey, remote and hybrid work remain a consistent part of the U.S. workforce landscape, with millions of employees working from home on an average workday.
Missed calls can translate into missed revenue opportunities, delayed service resolution, and lower satisfaction.
Understanding how to forward calls properly helps maintain availability across locations, devices, and time zones without requiring additional hardware or complex infrastructure.
If callers hear that a call has been forwarded to voicemail, it typically means conditional call forwarding is active.
This can happen when:
In these cases, the call is automatically redirected to voicemail rather than disconnecting. Testing forwarding settings after activation helps confirm that calls route as expected.
Next, let’s look into the details of how to forward calls so that you never miss a call. The procedure varies slightly from device to device and provider to provider, so it’s crucial to double-check the rules for your specific case in advance. That said, the overall principles are similar.
As mentioned, the precise details for forwarding calls on a landline will vary depending on your provider, but typically, the process goes like this:
Most providers use some version of these steps. There are slight variations, though. For instance, if your provider is Frontier and you live in Illinois or some regions of Indiana, Alabama, Wisconsin, or Pennsylvania, you’d first need to dial 72# instead of *72. That’s why it’s always best to check your specific provider’s guidance before you start.
While *72 is commonly used to activate call forwarding, some providers use alternative codes.
For example:
Because codes vary, confirm activation and cancellation steps directly with your provider.
Pro Tip: After activating call forwarding, test it by calling your number from another device. This ensures calls route correctly before relying on it for business or personal use.
Next, how to forward phone calls on an iPhone. You do this via the settings menu if you’re on a GSM network. (Note that if you use a CDMA network, you’ll need to contact your provider for instructions.)
Remember that if you have a dual SIM model, you’ll need to select a line first.
If you do not see the Call Forwarding option:
Some carriers require conditional call forwarding to be activated directly through customer support.
Common mistake: Forgetting to disable call forwarding after returning to the office or finishing travel can cause calls to continue routing elsewhere unexpectedly.
You can also set up call forwarding on Android devices via the Settings menu.
You can also use the dial code technique you’d use with a landline. Just tap *72, then enter the 10-digit number you want to forward calls to.
Tap to make the call, and you’ll hear a message confirming that call forwarding has been activated.
If calls are not forwarding as expected:
Android menu wording may vary slightly depending on manufacturer and operating system version.
Insight: On many Android devices, conditional call forwarding options such as When busy or When unanswered provide more flexibility than Always forward, especially for business users balancing multiple communication channels.
Disabling call forwarding depends on how it was activated.
If enabled through device settings:
If activated using a dial code:
After disabling, place a test call to confirm your phone rings normally again.
Call forwarding is often associated with remote work, but its applications extend far beyond that.
You might consider enabling call forwarding when:
Forwarding calls ensures continuity without requiring callers to dial a different number.
The following examples illustrate how organizations might apply call forwarding in hypothetical, but real-world, scenarios.
A regional sales manager travels between client sites several days per week. Instead of sharing a personal number, they forward their desk line to their mobile device during travel days.
Why this matters:
Impact: The team preserves continuity while presenting a consistent business identity.
A small healthcare administrative office closes at 6 pm. Rather than sending calls directly to voicemail, conditional call forwarding routes unanswered evening calls to an answering service.
Why this matters:
Impact: Patients receive assistance even outside business hours, improving satisfaction and trust.
A retail brand operates three storefronts. During peak periods, calls from one location are forwarded to another store with available staff.
Why this matters:
Impact: The business handles higher call volume without adding additional staff.
While basic call forwarding is effective, modern businesses often require more advanced routing capabilities.
| Basic Call Forwarding | Unified Communications Platform |
|---|---|
| Manual activation | Centralized admin controls |
| Device-specific | Cross-device identity |
| Limited routing rules | Advanced routing logic |
| No analytics | Usage tracking and reporting |
| Separate tools for messaging and video | Integrated voice, messaging, and video |
As teams grow and workflows become more distributed, managing call routing from a unified system can reduce complexity and improve visibility.
This post has been re-published by kind permission of Vonage - view the original article.
Vonage is redefining business communications, helping enterprises use fully-integrated unified communications, contact centre and programmable communications solutions via APIs.
Find out more about VonageReviewed by: Jo Robinson
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