How to Forward Calls: iPhone Tips and Tricks

If you switch to a new phone or maintain a second phone line for business purposes, call forwarding is a useful feature to know about. For iPhone users, the process is straightforward, as Apple built call forwarding directly into iOS settings — no third-party apps required.

Key Takeaways

• How to Enable: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and enter the destination number.
• How to Disable: Toggle the “Call Forwarding” switch off in the same Settings menu.
• Limitations: Call forwarding only applies to voice calls; text messages are not forwarded.
• Carrier Costs: Some wireless providers may charge a surcharge for using this feature.
• Alternative Methods: If the Settings option is missing, you may need to use carrier-specific dial codes.

Here’s a breakdown of how to forward calls to and from iPhones and when you might want to use this feature.

Set up call forwarding on iPhone

While the process can vary a bit depending on your wireless carrier, setting up call forwarding is generally pretty simple. In most scenarios, you can forward calls through the iPhone’s Settings app.

1. From the home screen, open Settings on your iPhone, then scroll down and tap the “Phone” icon.
2. Select “Call Forwarding” and toggle the switch on.
3. Tap “Forward To” and enter the area code and phone number where you want to forward calls.
4. Check for the small phone-and-arrow icon in your status bar to confirm call forwarding is active. (Your iPhone must be connected to your carrier’s network for the icon to appear.)

For most iPhone users, this three-step process covers the entire setup. However, on certain networks, you might not see a call forwarding option in the Settings app. In this case, you might need to dial a phone number, enter your desired call forwarding number, and wait to hear a confirmation tone.

Turn off call forwarding

Turning off call forwarding follows the same path through Settings. You’ll again perform the first two steps from the instructions above, but this time, you’ll toggle the switch off instead of on. Once disabled, incoming calls will route directly to your iPhone instead of the forwarding number.

When to use call forwarding and what to consider

Call forwarding works well for transferring calls from your business phone to your personal iPhone or vice versa. You can also use it if your battery is running low or you’re in an area with poor signal strength. In these situations, forwarding calls to a phone with better battery life or reception ensures you stay reachable.

A couple of important things to remember about this process:

• Call forwarding doesn’t work for text messages. It only transfers phone calls.
• Depending on your wireless provider, you might need to pay a surcharge for call forwarding.
• Your iPhone must have a cellular signal when you turn call forwarding on or change its settings; otherwise, the feature won’t activate.

Use call forwarding while selling your iPhone

If you’re preparing to sell your old iPhone for cash at your local ecoATM kiosk, setting up call forwarding helps ensure you don’t miss important calls during the process.

Selling your iPhone to ecoATM is a simple process:

• Visit a Kiosk: Bring your device to one of our 6,000+ nationwide locations.
• Get an Estimate: We will evaluate your iPhone and provide an immediate cash offer.
• Get Paid: Accept the offer to receive instant cash or a digital deposit via PayPal or Venmo.

You’ll hear a quick beep or recorded message, then your iPhone will ring normally again.

I can’t find Call Forwarding in Settings. How do I turn it on or off?

Some carriers hide the Call Forwarding switch. Use carrier dial codes instead:

• Turn on: Dial *21*1234567890# (replace numbers with the phone you want to forward to) and press Call.
• Turn off: Dial #21# or *73 and press Call.

Listen for the confirmation tone or message and hang up. If nothing happens, open your carrier’s app or call customer support for help—only the carrier can enable or disable forwarding on its network.