Call forwarding is a useful feature that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number, such as your home phone, office line, or voicemail. While this feature can be convenient in certain situations, it can become frustrating if you forget to disable it or if calls keep getting redirected when you don’t want them to. If you are wondering how to turn off call forwarding on your phone, this guide will provide step-by-step methods for both Android and iPhone devices, along with universal carrier codes you can use.
What is Call Forwarding and Why Disable It?
Call forwarding automatically sends your incoming calls to another number. For example, if you’re traveling, you might forward calls to your office, or if your phone battery is low, you might forward calls to a backup device. However, if left on, you might miss important calls because they keep redirecting elsewhere. That’s why knowing how to disable call forwarding is essential for managing your phone calls properly.
How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on Android
Most Android phones allow you to stop call forwarding directly from the Phone app settings. Here’s how:
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Open the Phone app on your Android device.
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Tap the three-dot menu (or “More” depending on your phone brand).
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Select Settings or Call settings.
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Look for Call forwarding options under Supplementary services or Additional settings.
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You will see options like:
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Always forward
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Forward when busy
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Forward when unanswered
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Forward when unreachable
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Disable each of these options by selecting them and choosing Turn off or Disable.
After this, your calls will start coming directly to your phone without being redirected.
How to Turn Off Call Forwarding on iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, turning off call forwarding is very simple:
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Go to Settings on your iPhone.
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Scroll down and tap Phone.
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Select Call Forwarding.
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Toggle the switch off.
Once disabled, calls will no longer be forwarded, and you’ll receive them directly on your iPhone.
How to Cancel Call Forwarding with Carrier Codes
Apart from phone settings, you can also use special USSD codes to turn off call forwarding. These codes work on most carriers, but it’s always best to confirm with your mobile provider. Common codes include:
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##21# – Cancel all types of call forwarding.
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##67# – Stop call forwarding when the line is busy.
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##62# – Cancel call forwarding when the phone is unreachable.
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##61# – Disable call forwarding when you don’t answer.
To use these, simply dial the code on your phone and press the call button. You should see a confirmation message that call forwarding has been deactivated.
Troubleshooting If Call Forwarding Won’t Turn Off
In some cases, call forwarding may not disable even after following the above methods. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:
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Restart your phone to refresh settings.
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Reset network settings to remove any saved forwarding instructions.
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Check with your carrier if forwarding is controlled at the network level.
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Update your phone software to ensure no bugs are causing the issue.
If nothing works, contacting your mobile service provider is the best option, as they can manually remove forwarding from your line.
Conclusion
Knowing how to turn off call forwarding ensures you never miss important calls. On Android and iPhone, you can easily disable it through settings, or you can use universal carrier codes like ##21# to cancel it quickly. If problems persist, contacting your carrier will resolve the issue. Always check your call forwarding settings regularly to ensure your calls are directed exactly where you want them.
