What Is Call Forwarding On iPhone and How To Set It Up

Kaylee Woodall

Call Forwarding

Call forwarding is a feature on the iPhone that allows users to redirect incoming calls to another phone number. It’s particularly useful for those who are unable to answer their phone but wish to ensure they do not miss important calls. Professionals might find call forwarding indispensable for managing personal and work calls efficiently.

To set up call forwarding on an iPhone, one navigates to the settings and locates the phone options. The process is straightforward: enable call forwarding and input the desired number for redirection. It is essential to confirm that the chosen number can receive calls, as some restrictions may apply depending on the user’s service provider.

There are practical considerations to keep in mind when utilizing call forwarding. Users should verify they are within their network’s coverage area to enable the feature. It’s also crucial to understand the conditions under which calls will be forwarded, as different carriers may have varying policies. Awareness of these nuances will help ensure a seamless experience for the user.

What Is Call Forwarding On iPhone and How To Set It Up

Call forwarding is a useful feature that allows you to redirect incoming phone calls from your iPhone to another phone number. Whether you want to forward calls to your office, home, or another mobile device, call forwarding ensures you never miss important calls, even when you’re unavailable or out of range.


What Is Call Forwarding on iPhone?

Call forwarding on iPhone lets you automatically send incoming calls to a different number. This can be handy if:

  • Your iPhone is out of service or turned off.
  • You want calls to ring on another phone.
  • You’re traveling and want calls forwarded to a local number.
  • You want to manage calls more efficiently between multiple devices.

Types of Call Forwarding

  • Unconditional Call Forwarding: All incoming calls are forwarded immediately.
  • Conditional Call Forwarding: Forward calls only when your line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable (requires carrier support and setup).

How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings

  • Tap the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Go to Phone Settings

  • Scroll down and select Phone.

Step 3: Access Call Forwarding

  • Tap Call Forwarding.

Step 4: Enable Call Forwarding

  • Toggle Call Forwarding to On.

Step 5: Enter Forwarding Number

  • Tap Forward To and enter the phone number where you want your calls forwarded.
  • Make sure to include the area code or country code if necessary.

Step 6: Confirm and Exit

  • After entering the number, go back to save.
  • Your calls will now be forwarded to the specified number.

How to Disable Call Forwarding

  • Go back to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
  • Toggle Call Forwarding to Off.

Additional Tips

  • Check Carrier Support: Some carriers may not support call forwarding or may charge extra fees. Contact your carrier if you encounter issues.
  • Use Carrier Codes: For advanced call forwarding (like conditional forwarding), you might need to use carrier-specific codes (e.g., *67, *72). Check with your carrier for details.
  • Test It Out: After setting up, call your iPhone from another phone to ensure forwarding works correctly.
  • Manage Multiple Devices: If you use iCloud and FaceTime, calls can ring on multiple Apple devices without forwarding.

Troubleshooting Call Forwarding Issues

  • Ensure you have cellular service; call forwarding won’t work on Wi-Fi only.
  • Restart your iPhone after enabling call forwarding.
  • Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
  • Contact your carrier if forwarding does not activate properly.

Call forwarding on your iPhone is a simple but powerful feature that helps you stay connected no matter where you are. By following these easy steps, you can set it up quickly and manage your calls efficiently.

For more detailed information, visit Apple’s official guide on Set up call forwarding on iPhone.

Key Takeaways

  • Call forwarding redirects calls to another number.
  • Enabling call forwarding requires a simple setup in the iPhone settings.
  • Users need to check carrier-specific conditions for call forwarding.

Setting Up Call Forwarding on Your iPhone

Call forwarding on an iPhone allows you to redirect incoming calls to another phone number. This feature can be particularly useful when you are unable to answer calls on your primary device.

Accessing Call Forwarding Settings

To access call forwarding settings on an iPhone, open the Settings app. Then select ‘Phone’ from the list to find call forwarding options. Ensure your device operates on iOS 17 or newer and is an iPhone 15 or a more recent model to use this feature. The availability and functionality could vary depending on your carrier, whether GSM or CDMA.

Enabling and Disabling Call Forwarding

To enable call forwarding, toggle the ‘Call Forwarding’ option to on. A green color indicates the feature is active. Then, tap ‘Forward To’ and use the keypad to enter the phone number where you want to redirect your calls. To disable call forwarding, simply toggle the ‘Call Forwarding’ option to off. No calls will be forwarded once the feature is turned off. It is essential to be within your carrier network’s range for call forwarding to work.

Considerations for Call Forwarding

When setting up call forwarding on an iPhone, there are important factors to remember. This helps to avoid surprises with bills and ensures the feature works as expected.

Understanding Charges and Carrier Policies

Carrier policies and costs can vary when using call forwarding, especially if forwarding calls to an international number or when you are out of your local service area. For instance, GSM carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile may apply different rates compared to Verizon or Sprint. Users should check with their provider to understand any potential charges. On vacation or when traveling for business, additional costs may arise. It’s key to confirm the details with customer service to stay compliant with the carrier’s policies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes call forwarding may not work as planned. Users can face issues where calls do not forward correctly or notifications do not appear. In such cases, checking the system’s settings is a good first step. If problems persist, a force restart of the iPhone can resolve them. For persistent issues, one should ensure the phone is not in Airplane Mode and that there is a stable internet connection through the cellular network. If the root cause is not clear, reaching out to the provider’s customer service can guide users through resolving any standing issues with call forwarding.