How to Forward Calls on Your iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Call forwarding is a handy feature that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another phone number. This can be incredibly useful in various situations, such as when you’re traveling, working from home, or simply want someone else to answer your calls. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll be glad to know that call forwarding is a built-in feature that’s easy to set up and manage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about call forwarding on your iPhone, including detailed steps, troubleshooting tips, and alternative methods.

Why Use Call Forwarding on Your iPhone?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore some common scenarios where call forwarding can be beneficial:

* **Traveling:** When traveling internationally, you might want to forward calls to a local number to avoid roaming charges.
* **Working from Home:** If you’re working remotely, you can forward calls from your office line to your iPhone.
* **Temporary Absence:** When you’re unavailable to answer calls, such as during meetings or vacations, forward them to a colleague or family member.
* **Consolidating Numbers:** If you have multiple phone numbers, you can forward calls from one number to another for easier management.
* **Technical Issues:** If your primary phone is experiencing technical difficulties, forwarding calls to a backup device ensures you don’t miss important communications.
* **Avoiding Distractions:** Forward calls to voicemail or another person when you need to focus on a task without interruptions.

Methods for Call Forwarding on Your iPhone

There are primarily two methods for enabling call forwarding on your iPhone:

1. **Using the iPhone Settings App:** This is the simplest and most common method.
2. **Using Carrier-Specific Codes:** These codes, also known as GSM codes, provide an alternative way to activate and deactivate call forwarding.

Let’s explore each method in detail.

Method 1: Using the iPhone Settings App

This is the easiest and most straightforward way to set up call forwarding on your iPhone. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

**Step 1: Open the Settings App**

* Locate the Settings app icon on your iPhone’s home screen. It’s usually represented by a gray gear icon. Tap on it to open the app.

**Step 2: Navigate to Phone Settings**

* Scroll down the list of settings options until you find “Phone.” Tap on “Phone” to access the phone-related settings.

**Step 3: Find Call Forwarding**

* In the Phone settings, look for the “Call Forwarding” option. It’s usually located under the “Calls” section. Tap on “Call Forwarding.”

**Step 4: Toggle Call Forwarding On**

* You’ll see a toggle switch next to “Call Forwarding.” By default, it’s turned off. Tap the switch to turn it on. The switch will turn green when enabled.

**Step 5: Enter the Forwarding Number**

* Once you’ve enabled Call Forwarding, a new option will appear below the toggle switch labeled “Forward To.” Tap on “Forward To.”

**Step 6: Input the Destination Number**

* A keypad will appear. Enter the phone number where you want your calls to be forwarded. Make sure to include the area code. After entering the number, tap the back arrow in the upper-left corner to save the number. The screen will return to the main Call Forwarding settings, and the number you entered will be displayed next to “Forward To.”

**Step 7: Verify Call Forwarding is Active**

* Ensure that the “Call Forwarding” toggle is still green, and the correct forwarding number is displayed. A small phone icon with an arrow will also appear in the status bar at the top of your iPhone’s screen, indicating that call forwarding is active.

**Step 8: Test the Call Forwarding (Optional but Recommended)**

* To ensure that call forwarding is working correctly, ask a friend or family member to call your iPhone number. Verify that the call is successfully forwarded to the designated number.

**Turning Off Call Forwarding**

When you no longer need call forwarding, simply return to the “Call Forwarding” settings (Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding) and toggle the switch back to the off position (gray). The phone icon with the arrow will disappear from the status bar.

Method 2: Using Carrier-Specific Codes (GSM Codes)

This method involves using special codes, also known as GSM codes or star codes, to activate and deactivate call forwarding. These codes are specific to your mobile carrier, so you’ll need to know the correct codes for your provider. This method can be useful if you prefer a quick way to manage call forwarding without navigating through the Settings app. However, the codes might vary slightly depending on your carrier and region.

**Common GSM Codes for Call Forwarding**

Here are some of the most common GSM codes for call forwarding:

* **Activate Call Forwarding Unconditionally (Forward all calls):** `*21*[PhoneNumber]#`
* **Activate Call Forwarding When Busy:** `*67*[PhoneNumber]#`
* **Activate Call Forwarding When No Answer:** `*61*[PhoneNumber]#`
* **Activate Call Forwarding When Unreachable:** `*62*[PhoneNumber]#`
* **Deactivate All Call Forwarding:** `#21#`, `#67#`, `#61#`, or `#62#` (depending on which type of forwarding you activated)
* **Check Status of Call Forwarding:** `*#21#`, `*#67#`, `*#61#`, or `*#62#`

**Important Notes:**

* Replace `[PhoneNumber]` with the actual phone number you want to forward calls to, including the area code.
* These codes might not work for all carriers or in all regions. Check with your mobile carrier to confirm the correct codes for your service.
* Using these codes directly interacts with your carrier’s network, so ensure accuracy to avoid unintended consequences.

**How to Use GSM Codes**

1. **Open the Phone App:** Launch the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. **Access the Keypad:** Tap on the “Keypad” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. **Enter the GSM Code:** Type in the appropriate GSM code based on the type of call forwarding you want to activate or deactivate. For example, to forward all calls to 1-555-123-4567, you would enter `*21*15551234567#`.
4. **Press the Call Button:** After entering the code, press the call button (the green phone icon). Your iPhone will dial the code, and you should see a message confirming that the call forwarding has been activated or deactivated.
5. **Verify the Status:** To verify the status of your call forwarding, use the corresponding status check code (e.g., `*#21#` for unconditional call forwarding) and press the call button. A message will display whether the call forwarding is active or inactive.

**Example Scenarios Using GSM Codes**

* **Forwarding all calls to a specific number:**
* To forward all calls to 1-555-987-6543, dial `*21*15559876543#` and press the call button.
* **Deactivating all call forwarding:**
* To deactivate all call forwarding, dial `#21#`, `#67#`, `#61#`, and `#62#` and press the call button after each code.
* **Checking if unconditional call forwarding is active:**
* To check if unconditional call forwarding is active, dial `*#21#` and press the call button.

Troubleshooting Call Forwarding Issues on iPhone

While call forwarding is generally reliable, you might encounter issues from time to time. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

**1. Call Forwarding Not Working**

* **Check the Number:** Ensure that you’ve entered the correct phone number for forwarding. A single digit error can prevent call forwarding from working.
* **Verify Call Forwarding is Enabled:** Double-check that the “Call Forwarding” toggle is switched on in the Settings app (Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding).
* **Restart Your iPhone:** Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that might be interfering with call forwarding. Turn off your iPhone completely, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
* **Update Your iOS:** Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address call forwarding issues.
* **Reset Network Settings:** Resetting your network settings can resolve issues related to network connectivity and call forwarding. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will also reset your Wi-Fi passwords and other network-related settings.
* **Contact Your Carrier:** If you’ve tried all the above steps and call forwarding is still not working, contact your mobile carrier for assistance. There might be an issue with your account or network configuration.

**2. Call Forwarding Icon Not Showing**

* **Wait a Few Minutes:** It might take a few minutes for the call forwarding icon to appear in the status bar after you’ve enabled call forwarding.
* **Restart Your iPhone:** Restarting your iPhone can sometimes refresh the status bar and display the call forwarding icon.
* **Check Status Bar Settings:** Ensure that the status bar is configured to display the call forwarding icon. Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and make sure that “Call Forwarding” is added to the included controls. This might not directly display an icon but ensures that relevant phone features are allowed to show notifications in the status bar.

**3. Call Forwarding is Draining Battery**

* **Disable Call Forwarding When Not Needed:** When you no longer need call forwarding, turn it off to conserve battery life. Continuously forwarding calls can consume more battery power.
* **Optimize Battery Settings:** Enable low power mode (Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode) to reduce background activity and extend battery life.
* **Check App Usage:** Identify apps that are consuming a lot of battery in the background (Settings > Battery) and close them or adjust their background refresh settings.

**4. Call Forwarding Conflicts with Other Features**

* **Call Waiting:** Call forwarding and call waiting can sometimes conflict. Try disabling call waiting (Settings > Phone > Call Waiting) to see if it resolves the issue.
* **Do Not Disturb:** Ensure that Do Not Disturb mode is not enabled (Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb), as it can interfere with call forwarding.

**5. International Call Forwarding Issues**

* **Check International Call Settings:** Ensure that international call forwarding is enabled on your account and that you have the necessary permissions to forward calls to international numbers. Contact your carrier for assistance.
* **Use the Correct International Format:** When entering the forwarding number, make sure to use the correct international format, including the country code.

Alternative Call Management Options

Besides call forwarding, iPhones offer other call management features that can be useful in various situations:

* **Call Waiting:** Allows you to answer a second incoming call while you’re already on a call. You can put the first call on hold and switch between calls.
* **Do Not Disturb:** Silences incoming calls, alerts, and notifications when you need to focus or avoid interruptions.
* **Silence Unknown Callers:** Sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail, helping you avoid spam calls.
* **Voicemail:** Allows callers to leave a message when you’re unable to answer the phone. You can access your voicemail messages through the Phone app.
* **Focus Modes:** Provides customized ways to filter notifications based on what you’re doing, allowing you to stay focused on specific tasks or activities.

Carrier-Specific Information and Support

The call forwarding experience can sometimes vary slightly depending on your mobile carrier. Here’s some information about how major carriers handle call forwarding:

* **Verizon:** Verizon supports call forwarding through the iPhone settings and also provides its own call forwarding service. You can manage call forwarding through your Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app.
* **AT&T:** AT&T also supports call forwarding through the iPhone settings. You can find more information about call forwarding on AT&T’s website or by contacting customer support.
* **T-Mobile:** T-Mobile supports call forwarding through the iPhone settings and also offers its own call forwarding service. You can manage call forwarding through your T-Mobile account online or through the T-Mobile app.
* **Other Carriers:** If you’re using a smaller or regional carrier, check their website or contact customer support for specific instructions on how to set up call forwarding.

Tips for Efficient Call Forwarding

Here are some additional tips to help you use call forwarding effectively:

* **Plan Ahead:** If you know you’ll need call forwarding in advance, set it up before you need it. This ensures that you don’t miss any important calls.
* **Communicate with Callers:** If you’re forwarding calls to someone else, let your callers know that their calls are being forwarded. This can help avoid confusion and ensure that they’re speaking to the right person.
* **Monitor Call Forwarding:** Regularly check that call forwarding is still working correctly, especially if you’ve made any changes to your phone settings or network configuration.
* **Use Conditional Call Forwarding:** Consider using conditional call forwarding options, such as forwarding calls only when you’re busy or when you don’t answer. This can help you manage your calls more efficiently.
* **Be Mindful of Costs:** Check with your mobile carrier to see if there are any charges associated with call forwarding, especially when forwarding calls to international numbers.

Conclusion

Call forwarding is a valuable feature that can help you stay connected and manage your calls effectively. Whether you’re traveling, working from home, or simply need someone else to answer your calls, call forwarding on your iPhone provides a convenient and reliable solution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up and manage call forwarding to suit your specific needs. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that arise and explore alternative call management options to optimize your communication experience. With the right approach, call forwarding can be a powerful tool for staying connected and in control of your calls.