Forwarding Phone Calls: Hands-Free Transfer for Any Call Type

Wondering how do you forward a phone efficiently could’ve saved me from missing that urgent client call while on the road—something I’d never risk again. The process is shockingly simple once you know where to look, whether you’re on iOS or Android.

I’ve helped enough friends fumble through this that I’ve documented the exact steps, including the sneaky conditional forwarding trick that most people overlook.

You’ll need nothing more than your phone’s settings app and about two minutes of your time. The method differs slightly between iOS and Android, but the core idea stays the same: redirect incoming calls to another number—whether it’s your work line, a home phone, or even a Google Voice number.

For those who travel often, conditional forwarding (forwarding only when busy or unanswered) is a game-changer I wish I’d known about years ago.

Once set up, you’ll never miss a call again, and your friends will wonder how you always answer so effortlessly. The setup is foolproof, but I’ll walk you through the most common mistakes—like forgetting to turn forwarding off after your trip—that trip up even the tech-savvy.

Trust me, this is one feature you’ll use daily once you get it working.

We’ll cover both iOS and Android step-by-step, including how to verify your forwarding is working and troubleshoot if calls mysteriously stop going through. Pro tip: Test with a call to yourself first—it’s the fastest way to confirm everything’s configured correctly. Let’s get started.

What you need

Instructions for setting up call forwarding on your phone

Here’s how to enable hands-free call transfer in just a few taps—works for all call types.

Unlock your phone and locate the Settings app—it’s the gear icon on your home screen. Tap it to open. If you’re unsure where it is, swipe down from the top of the screen and look for a magnifying glass icon to search for "Settings."

Once inside, scroll down until you see Phone or Calls. This section handles all call-related settings, including forwarding. If you don’t see it immediately, use the search bar at the top to type "Phone" or "Calls" for faster access.

Inside the Phone or Calls menu, find the option labeled Call Forwarding or Forwarding. On some phones, it might be under Additional Settings or More Settings. Tap to open it.

You’ll see different forwarding options—Always Forward, Forward When Busy, Forward When Unreachable, and Forward During Divert. Select the one that fits your needs. For example, if you want all calls forwarded immediately, choose Always Forward.

After selecting a forwarding option, you’ll be prompted to enter the phone number where calls should be redirected. Type in the full number, including the area code, without spaces or dashes. For example, if forwarding to a landline, use 5551234567.

Some phones also let you set a name for the forwarding number—this helps identify the destination when checking call logs. Once entered, tap OK or Save to confirm. You’ll see a confirmation message that forwarding is now active.

To ensure forwarding is active, place a test call to your phone from another device. If set up correctly, the call should automatically redirect to the number you entered. Listen for the ringtone at the forwarding destination.

If the call doesn’t forward, double-check the number you entered and ensure you selected the correct forwarding option in Settings. Some carriers also require a code—like *72 followed by the number—dialed directly from the phone keypad.

To turn off forwarding later, return to the Call Forwarding menu in Settings and select Disable or Turn Off. Alternatively, dial #73 from your phone’s keypad to cancel forwarding immediately.

If you forget to disable forwarding, incoming calls will keep redirecting until you manually turn it off. This is especially important if you’re traveling or switching devices frequently.

Tips & tricks for setting up call forwarding

Setting up call forwarding seems straightforward, but these practical tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and make the process smoother than ever.

Navigation Tip: Step 1 mentions finding the Settings app, but I always recommend using the search function if you're unsure where to look. On most phones, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the magnifying glass icon. Simply type "Phone" or "Calls" to jump directly to the right section. This saves time and frustration, especially if you're not familiar with your phone's layout.

Forwarding Option Selection: In Step 2, choosing the right forwarding option is crucial. "Always Forward" is great for vacations, but "Forward When Busy" or "Forward When Unreachable" are better for temporary situations. For example, if you're expecting important calls, "Forward When Unreachable" ensures you don't miss anything while your phone is off or out of range.

Number Entry Precision: Step 3 emphasizes entering the full phone number, but I can't stress enough how important it is to double-check this. Include the area code and avoid any spaces or dashes. For example, if forwarding to a landline, use 5551234567—not 555-123-4567. Also, consider adding a name for the forwarding number to make it easier to identify later in your call logs.

Test Call Strategy: The verification step in Step 4 is where many people make mistakes. I recommend testing with a quick call from another device, but also try calling from different networks if possible. This helps ensure the forwarding works consistently, regardless of where the call originates. If it fails, check the number again or try dialing 72 followed by the forwarding number directly from your phone's keypad.