You can set up call forwarding in the Phone by Google app on many Android devices. On Samsung Galaxy devices, use Samsung’s phone app instead. You can also use special dial codes to configure call forwarding, although this won’t work with all cellular carriers.
Call forwarding on Android allows you to route calls from one phone number to another. This is a super useful feature that isn’t difficult to set up. We’ll show you how to forward calls on Android.
What Is Call Forwarding on Android?
Call forwarding is a long-time phone feature, and you can use it on Android as well as iPhone. Normally, when someone calls your phone number, it rings on the device associated with that number. Call forwarding allows you to redirect those calls to a different number. It’s the same idea as automatically forwarding emails.
Why would you do this? Maybe you want to forward calls from your work phone to your personal phone to consolidate devices. Perhaps you want to send all calls to a voicemail inbox. It’s also handy for avoiding roaming fees abroad by forwarding calls from your phone at home to a Google Voice number.
Note: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, most MVNO carriers, and other carriers in the US and around the world support call forwarding, but the process may differ. If you don’t see a “Call Forwarding” option in the phone app, you may have to set up call forwarding elsewhere. Check with your carrier for more specific instructions.
How to Forward Calls on Android
Many Android phones—including Google Pixel devices—come with Google’s Phone app preinstalled. It may not work for call forwarding if your device’s manufacturer preinstalled its own phone app.
First, open “Phone by Google” and tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right. Select “Settings” from the menu.
Next, select “Calling Accounts.”
Choose the SIM or eSIM associated with the number you want to forward calls from.
Select “Call Forwarding.”
You have four different call-forwarding methods to choose from:
- Always Forward: All calls will go to the secondary number.
- When Busy: Calls go to the secondary number if you are on another call.
- When Unanswered: Calls go to the secondary number if you don’t answer the call.
- When Unreachable: Calls go to the secondary number if your phone is off, in airplane mode, or has no signal.
After selecting a method, you’ll be asked to enter the number for the calls to be forwarded to. Tap “Turn On” when you’re done, and do this for any of the methods you’d like to use.
Calls to your original number will now be forwarded when they meet the criteria you chose!
How to Forward Calls on a Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy phones have their own special phone app. This is the best app to use if you want to forward calls with a Samsung device.
First, open the app and tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right. Select “Settings” from the menu.
Next, select “Supplementary Services.”
Tap “Call Forwarding” for the SIM associated with the number you want to forward calls from.
Select “Voice Calls” if the option appears. You may not see this on your specific device.
You have four different call-forwarding methods to choose from:
- Always Forward: All calls will go to the secondary number.
- Forward When Busy: Calls go to the secondary number if you are on another call.
- Forward When Unanswered: Calls go to the secondary number if you don’t answer the call.
- Forward When Unreachable: Calls go to the secondary number if your phone is off, in airplane mode, or has no signal.
Select one of the methods and enter the phone number you want to forward calls to. Tap “Enable” when done.
Do this for all the forwarding methods you’d like to use and you’re all set!
How to Forward Calls on Android With Codes
Phone apps on Android devices typically have call forwarding settings built-in, but if yours doesn’t, you can do things the old-fashioned way. You can enter dial codes to enable call forwarding. Keep in mind that these may not work with all carriers.
To enter a dial code, open the phone app and bring up the dialer.
There are a number of call forwarding-related dial codes you can use. Each one has a different purpose:
- Always Forward: *21*
- When Busy: *67*
- When Unanswered: *61*
- When Unreachable: *62*
To use these codes, you need to follow them with the number you want to forward calls to and the hash (#) sign, like this: *21*5551235555#. Tap the call button after entering # symbol.
The dial code will run and turn on call forwarding with the method you chose.
How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on Android
Turning off call forwarding is the same process as turning it on. Follow the steps outlined above that match your device. When you get to the screen that shows the methods for call forwarding, select the one you previously enabled. This time, tap “Disable” or “Turn Off” from the pop-up.
If you enabled call forwarding with dial codes, you can disable it with dial codes as well. However, this time you do not need to enter the forwarding phone number after the code.
- Turn Off Always Forward: #21#
- Turn Off When Busy: #67#
- Turn Off When Unanswered: #61#
- Turn Off When Unreachable: #62#
- Reset All Call Forwarding: #004#
Call forwarding will now be disabled for the call methods you selected.
Call forwarding on Android can be a useful feature for managing multiple phone numbers and devices. Whether you’re traveling or simply can’t answer your phone, call forwarding can make sure you never miss an important call. It’s one of those old-school phone features people don’t often think about, but it’s still pretty cool.