How to forward calls on Android? Guide 2026

See also: How Heilo uses this forwarding? | Looking for iPhone version?

TL;DR: You can set up call forwarding on Android in: Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Call forwarding → Voice calls. Alternatively, type the code **21*destination_number# on the keypad and press the green handset to confirm. Works in all networks.

Hi! If you are looking for a way to make your phone forward calls to another number, you've come to the right place. Without further ado – I'll show you how to do it quickly and painlessly: either from the phone's own settings, or with a single code typed on the keypad.

Method 1: Phone settings (the universal route)

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. Select what interests you, enter the destination number and confirm (often the Enable or Update button).

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.

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 – they work on every network

If you can't find these options in the menu, you can use USSD codes — short sequences you type on the keypad, just like calling a friend. This works in almost all networks worldwide.

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

1. Open the dialer.
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:

When it forwards	Enable	Disable	Check status
Always (every call)	**21*number#	##21#	*#21#
When you don't answer	**61*number#	##61#	*#61#
When busy	**67*number#	##67#	*#67#
When out of reach	**62*number#	##62#	*#62#

One more code is worth committing to memory: ##002# clears every kind of forwarding at once — the quickest way back to normal.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does forwarding work in all networks?

Yes, USSD codes (**21*, **61*, **62*, **67*) work with most operators, including virtual ones. The option in Android settings also works regardless of the operator.

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 to check if forwarding is active?

Type *#21# on the keyboard and press the green handset — you will see the status of unconditional forwarding. For other types: *#61# (no answer), *#62# (out of reach), *#67# (busy).

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

Type ##002# and press the green handset. That single code clears unconditional forwarding and all the conditional rules in one go.

Summary

Call forwarding on Android is a simple operation that you can do in 2 minutes — either through phone settings or universal USSD codes. If you run a business and need professional handling of missed calls, check out Heilo.io — it picks up the calls you miss, takes the caller's message and sends it to you as text.