How to forward calls on Android: a 2026 guide

See also: How Heilo uses call forwarding | iPhone forwarding guide

TL;DR: To set up call forwarding on Android, go to Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Call forwarding → Voice calls. To forward only the calls you don't answer, choose When unanswered or enter **61*destination_number#; **21*destination_number# forwards every call. Availability depends on your carrier and plan.

You can forward calls to another number using your phone's settings or a code entered on the keypad. The available options depend on your phone and carrier.

Before changing forwarding

For missed calls, choose conditional forwarding. The **21*number# code forwards every call. Supported codes, menu names and forwarding delays depend on your carrier, plan, software and selected SIM/eSIM line.

Note the existing forwarding numbers before making changes. The codes below are examples and are not supported everywhere. If you also use an iPhone, Apple advises contacting your carrier about conditional forwarding. Ask about charges for forwarded calls, including roaming and international destinations, even if you have an unlimited plan.

Test from another phone: answer one call as usual, let another go unanswered, and check forwarding when the line is busy or unreachable, where supported. If you use Dual SIM, test the line you have not changed as well. ##002# clears all forwarding rules, including carrier voicemail; to undo a single change, restore the previous destination. Sources reviewed: 19 October 2026.

Method 1: Phone settings (menu names vary)

Most Android phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, realme and others) have this function in a similar place.

1. Open the Phone app (the green handset you use to call).
2. Look for three dots in the top right corner of the screen and tap them.
3. Select Settings.
4. Now look for Calling accounts or More settings / Call settings. Sometimes it's hidden deeper, e.g., in the "Operator settings" section.
5. Tap Call forwarding.
6. Select Voice calls.
7. You will see several options:
   • Always forward: All calls go immediately to another number.
   • When busy: Forwards when you are currently talking to someone.
   • When unanswered: Forwards when you don't pick up the phone for a certain time.
   • When unreachable: Forwards when you have no signal or turn off the phone.
8. Choose when you want calls to be forwarded, enter the destination number and confirm, usually by tapping Enable or Update.

Samsung (One UI)

The Phone app → ⋮ → Settings → Supplementary services → Call forwarding. From there it's the same drill: pick the type of forwarding, enter the destination number and confirm. Samsung notes that menus vary by device model and software version (Samsung guide, checked 19 October 2026). If an option is missing or the menu shows an error, use the codes in method 2.

Xiaomi / Redmi (HyperOS, MIUI)

The Phone app → ⋮ → Settings → Call settings → pick the SIM card → Call forwarding. On a dual-SIM phone you set forwarding up separately for each card.

Method 2: Carrier codes – check carrier support

If you can't find these options in the menu, you can use MMI codes (often called USSD codes) — short sequences you type on the keypad, just like calling a friend. Ask your carrier whether its plan supports these codes.

The most important code is for unconditional forwarding (i.e., every call immediately goes to another number):

1. Open the dialler.
2. Type: **21*destination_number# (e.g. **21*123456789#).
3. Press "call" (green handset).
4. You should see a message that forwarding has been enabled.

To disable it, type the code: ##21# and press the green handset.

Here is the full set of codes in one place:

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does forwarding work in all networks?

Support depends on the carrier and plan. Confirm the available codes and conditions before entering them.

Do I have to pay for forwarding?

It depends on your operator and tariff plan. Usually, the fee for a forwarded call is the same as for a call made to that number. Check your operator's price list.

How do I check whether forwarding is active?

Enter *#21# on the keypad and tap the call button to check unconditional forwarding. For other conditions, use *#61# (no answer), *#62# (phone unreachable) or *#67# (line busy).

How do I switch off every forwarding rule with one code?

##002# deletes every forwarding rule, including carrier voicemail and Heilo routes. Use it only if that is your intention. To undo one change, restore its previous destination or remove that specific rule using your carrier’s procedure.

Summary

Set up call forwarding through your Android phone’s settings or codes confirmed by your carrier, then test it from another phone. If you run a business, conditional forwarding also keeps missed customer calls from getting lost. With Heilo Voicemail, your carrier forwards unanswered calls to your Heilo number: Heilo plays your greeting and takes the message, and the recording, transcript and summary wait in your dashboard. Heilo never talks to the caller. See business voicemail for how it works and the pricing section for current prices.