How to Forward Calls on Your iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide
Call forwarding is an incredibly useful feature on your iPhone that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another phone number. This can be beneficial in a variety of situations, such as when you’re traveling, working remotely, have poor cellular reception, or simply want someone else to answer your calls. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about call forwarding on your iPhone, covering different methods, troubleshooting tips, and more.
## Why Use Call Forwarding on Your iPhone?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore some common reasons why you might want to forward calls on your iPhone:
* **Traveling:** If you’re traveling internationally or to an area with spotty coverage, you can forward calls to a local number or a phone with better reception.
* **Working Remotely:** When working from home or a location without a reliable internet connection for Wi-Fi calling, call forwarding ensures you don’t miss important calls.
* **Temporary Phone Downtime:** If your iPhone is being repaired, lost, or stolen, forwarding calls to another device keeps you connected.
* **Managing Business Calls:** Forward business calls to a dedicated work phone or a colleague when you’re unavailable.
* **Avoiding Distractions:** When you need to focus, forward calls to voicemail or another phone to minimize interruptions.
* **Sharing Call Responsibilities:** Delegate answering calls to a family member, assistant, or team member.
## Methods for Forwarding Calls on Your iPhone
There are several ways to forward calls on your iPhone, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll cover the most common methods in detail:
1. **Conditional Call Forwarding (Carrier-Based):**
This is the most reliable and widely supported method. It involves configuring call forwarding settings through your cellular carrier. Conditional call forwarding allows you to forward calls based on specific conditions, such as when your phone is busy, unanswered, or unreachable.
* **How to Set Up Conditional Call Forwarding:**
1. **Open the Phone App:** Tap the green phone icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. **Dial the Appropriate Codes:** Use the dial pad to enter the specific codes for conditional call forwarding. These codes vary depending on your carrier. Here are the most common codes:
* **Forward when busy:** `*67* [forward-to-number] #`
* **Forward when unanswered:** `*61* [forward-to-number] #`
* **Forward when unreachable:** `*62* [forward-to-number] #`
* **Forward all calls (unconditional):** `*21* [forward-to-number] #`
Replace `[forward-to-number]` with the actual phone number you want to forward calls to, including the area code. For example, to forward unanswered calls to 1-555-123-4567, you would dial `*61*15551234567#`.
3. **Call the Code:** After entering the code and the forwarding number, tap the call button (the green phone icon).
4. **Confirmation:** Your iPhone should display a message indicating that call forwarding is enabled. You may also hear a confirmation tone.
* **How to Deactivate Conditional Call Forwarding:**
1. **Open the Phone App:** Again, tap the green phone icon.
2. **Dial the Deactivation Codes:** Use the dial pad to enter the deactivation codes for each type of conditional call forwarding:
* **Deactivate forward when busy:** `#67#`
* **Deactivate forward when unanswered:** `#61#`
* **Deactivate forward when unreachable:** `#62#`
* **Deactivate forward all calls (unconditional):** `#21#`
3. **Call the Code:** Tap the call button.
4. **Confirmation:** You should receive a confirmation message indicating that call forwarding has been deactivated.
* **Important Notes:**
* The specific codes may vary slightly depending on your carrier. Consult your carrier’s documentation or customer support for the correct codes.
* Some carriers may charge for call forwarding services. Check with your carrier about any applicable fees.
* Conditional call forwarding relies on your carrier’s network, so it’s generally more reliable than other methods.
2. **Unconditional Call Forwarding (iPhone Settings):**
This method forwards *all* incoming calls to another number, regardless of whether your phone is busy, unanswered, or unreachable. It’s a simple way to redirect all calls without specifying conditions.
* **How to Set Up Unconditional Call Forwarding:**
1. **Open Settings:** Tap the gray gear icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. **Tap Phone:** Scroll down and tap on the “Phone” option.
3. **Tap Call Forwarding:** In the Phone settings, find and tap on “Call Forwarding.”
4. **Toggle the Switch:** Turn the “Call Forwarding” switch to the ON position (it will turn green).
5. **Enter the Forwarding Number:** A “Forward To” field will appear. Tap on it and enter the phone number you want to forward calls to. Be sure to include the area code.
6. **Wait for Activation:** Your iPhone will take a moment to activate call forwarding. You’ll see the forwarding number displayed below the Call Forwarding switch.
* **How to Deactivate Unconditional Call Forwarding:**
1. **Open Settings:** Tap the gray gear icon.
2. **Tap Phone:** Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
3. **Tap Call Forwarding:** Find and tap on “Call Forwarding.”
4. **Toggle the Switch:** Turn the “Call Forwarding” switch to the OFF position (it will turn gray).
5. **Wait for Deactivation:** Your iPhone will deactivate call forwarding. The “Forward To” field will disappear.
* **Important Notes:**
* This method forwards *all* calls, so you won’t receive any calls on your iPhone while call forwarding is enabled.
* Ensure the forwarding number is entered correctly to avoid misdirected calls.
* This method may be affected by your iPhone’s network connectivity. If your phone is off or has poor signal, call forwarding may not work reliably.
3. **Using Third-Party Apps:**
Several third-party apps in the App Store offer call forwarding and call management features. These apps often provide more advanced options than the built-in iPhone settings, such as call screening, routing rules, and voicemail transcription. Some popular apps include Google Voice, Line2, and Grasshopper.
* **How to Use Third-Party Apps for Call Forwarding:**
1. **Download and Install the App:** Search for a call forwarding app in the App Store and download it to your iPhone.
2. **Create an Account:** Follow the app’s instructions to create an account and set up your profile.
3. **Configure Call Forwarding Settings:** Each app has its own interface, but typically you’ll find call forwarding options in the app’s settings menu. You can usually specify the forwarding number and set up rules for when calls should be forwarded.
4. **Follow the App’s Instructions:** Some apps require you to change your iPhone’s call settings or configure conditional call forwarding using carrier codes. Follow the app’s instructions carefully.
* **Important Notes:**
* Third-party apps may require a subscription fee or in-app purchases.
* Read reviews and research the app before downloading to ensure it’s reputable and reliable.
* Be aware of the app’s privacy policy and data security practices.
* Some apps may rely on internet connectivity (VoIP) to forward calls, which can impact call quality and reliability.
## Troubleshooting Call Forwarding Issues on Your iPhone
If you encounter problems with call forwarding on your iPhone, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
* **Verify Call Forwarding is Enabled:** Double-check that call forwarding is turned on in your iPhone’s settings (Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding) or by dialing the appropriate carrier codes.
* **Check the Forwarding Number:** Ensure the forwarding number is entered correctly, including the area code. Even a small typo can prevent calls from being forwarded properly.
* **Restart Your iPhone:** A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be interfering with call forwarding.
* **Check Your Carrier Settings:** Make sure your carrier supports call forwarding and that it’s enabled on your account. Contact your carrier’s customer support if you’re unsure.
* **Update Your iPhone’s Software:** Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve call forwarding issues.
* **Reset Network Settings:** If you’re still having problems, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings). This will reset your Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations, but it can sometimes resolve connectivity issues affecting call forwarding.
* **Disable Wi-Fi Calling:** In some cases, Wi-Fi Calling can interfere with call forwarding. Try disabling Wi-Fi Calling (Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling) to see if it resolves the issue.
* **Check for Carrier Outages:** There might be a temporary outage with your carrier’s network that’s affecting call forwarding. Check your carrier’s website or social media channels for outage updates.
* **Contact Your Carrier’s Customer Support:** If none of the above steps work, contact your carrier’s customer support for assistance. They may be able to diagnose the problem and provide specific solutions.
* **Airplane Mode Toggle:** Sometimes quickly toggling airplane mode on and then off again can help reset the connection and resolve forwarding issues.
* **Check Blocked Numbers:** Ensure that the number you are forwarding *to* is not accidentally blocked on your iPhone.
* **SIM Card Issues:** Although rare, a faulty SIM card could cause connectivity problems. Consider trying a different SIM card (if possible) or contacting your carrier for a replacement.
* **Conflicting Settings:** If you’re using a third-party app for call management alongside the built-in call forwarding, ensure that there are no conflicting settings that might prevent forwarding from working correctly.
## Tips for Effective Call Forwarding
* **Inform Callers:** Let people know that your calls are being forwarded so they’re not surprised when someone else answers. You can set up a custom voicemail greeting on the forwarding number to explain the situation.
* **Test the Setup:** After setting up call forwarding, make a test call to ensure it’s working correctly. Call your iPhone from another phone and verify that the call is being forwarded to the correct number.
* **Monitor Call Usage:** Keep an eye on your call usage to avoid unexpected charges. Some carriers may charge for forwarded calls, especially if you’re forwarding calls to an international number.
* **Keep Your Phone Charged:** If you’re forwarding calls to a landline, ensure your iPhone has enough battery life to receive the initial call. If your phone dies, call forwarding may not work.
* **Secure Your Voicemail:** Protect your voicemail on the forwarding number with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
* **Regularly Review Settings:** Periodically check your call forwarding settings to ensure they are still configured correctly and that the forwarding number is up-to-date.
## Call Waiting and Call Forwarding
It’s important to understand the difference between call waiting and call forwarding, and how they interact. Call waiting allows you to receive a notification when another call is coming in while you’re already on a call. You can then choose to answer the new call, put the first call on hold, or ignore the new call.
When call forwarding is enabled *in conjunction* with call waiting, the behavior depends on the specific call forwarding settings:
* **Unconditional Forwarding:** With unconditional forwarding, all calls are immediately forwarded, so call waiting doesn’t come into play. Your iPhone will never ring, and you won’t receive any call waiting notifications.
* **Conditional Forwarding (Busy):** If you have call forwarding set up to forward calls only when your line is busy, then call waiting will function normally. If you’re on a call and another call comes in, you’ll receive a call waiting notification. If you choose *not* to answer the second call, *then* it will be forwarded to the specified number.
* **Conditional Forwarding (Unanswered/Unreachable):** If you have forwarding set up for unanswered or unreachable scenarios, call waiting will again function normally while you are available. The call will only be forwarded if it remains unanswered after a certain period or if your phone is off/out of service.
In summary, call forwarding and call waiting can coexist, but the forwarding settings determine how they interact. If you want to ensure that all calls are always forwarded, use unconditional forwarding. If you want to have the option to answer incoming calls while still forwarding unanswered or busy calls, use conditional forwarding.
## Alternatives to Call Forwarding
While call forwarding is a convenient option, there are some alternatives that you may want to consider depending on your specific needs:
* **VoIP Services:** Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Google Voice, Skype, and WhatsApp allow you to make and receive calls over the internet. These services often offer call forwarding and call management features, and they can be more cost-effective than traditional call forwarding, especially for international calls.
* **Dual SIM iPhones:** Some newer iPhones support dual SIM functionality, which allows you to use two different phone numbers on the same device. This can be useful if you want to keep your personal and business calls separate without having to carry two phones.
* **Multi-Line Phone Systems:** For businesses, a multi-line phone system can provide more advanced call management features, such as auto-attendants, call routing, and voicemail transcription.
* **Do Not Disturb Mode:** If you simply want to avoid interruptions without forwarding calls, you can use the Do Not Disturb mode on your iPhone. This will silence incoming calls and notifications, but you can still check your voicemail later.
## Conclusion
Call forwarding is a valuable feature on your iPhone that can help you stay connected in various situations. By understanding the different methods, troubleshooting tips, and best practices outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage your calls and ensure you never miss an important communication. Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or simply need to delegate call responsibilities, call forwarding can be a powerful tool to enhance your productivity and stay in touch with your contacts. Remember to always check with your carrier about potential fees and ensure that your forwarding settings are configured correctly. Experiment with the different conditional forwarding options to find the setup that best suits your specific needs. With a little bit of planning and configuration, you can make the most of call forwarding on your iPhone.