How to forward calls on iPhone (iOS)? Guide and codes

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

TL;DR: On iPhone, enable forwarding in: Settings → Apps → Phone → Call Forwarding → toggle switch → enter destination number. You can also type code **21*number# on the keypad. Works with every operator, on every iPhone model.

Got an iPhone and want someone else to answer your calls or have them go to another number? No problem, it's super simple on iPhones — one toggle and you're done.

Method 1: iOS settings

Here's what you need to do:

1. Go to Settings (the gray icon with gears).
2. Open Apps → Phone. On older iOS versions, Phone sits directly in the main Settings list.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. Move the slider next to Call Forwarding so it turns green.
5. A Forward To field will appear. Tap it.
6. Enter the phone number where calls should go.
7. Go back with the arrow on the left. If everything went well, you will see that number next to "Forward To".

The path looks the same on the iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16 and newer — the iOS version may differ, the layout of the options does not.

Note: the iOS settings only cover unconditional forwarding (every call, straight away). If you want to forward only the calls you don't pick up, use the codes from method 2.

Method 2: Carrier codes (USSD (special codes typed on the phone keypad))

If you don't want to dig through settings — or you need conditional forwarding — you can do it with codes. This works regardless of your carrier.

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#

How to use them:

1. Open the Phone app (green handset).
2. Select Keypad.
3. Type the code, for example **21*555123456#.
4. Press the green handset — a confirmation appears a moment later.

Done! All calls fly to the new number. To disable forwarding, type ##21# and confirm with the green handset. The code ##002# switches off every type of forwarding at once.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does iPhone forwarding work with every carrier?

Yes, the option in iOS settings (Settings → Apps → Phone → Call Forwarding) and USSD codes work with practically all operators.

Can I forward only when I don't answer?

In iOS settings, only unconditional forwarding (all calls) is available. For conditional forwarding, use the USSD code **61*number# (when no answer) or **62*number# (when out of reach).

How to disable forwarding on iPhone?

Go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Call Forwarding and toggle the switch off. If you switched forwarding on with a code, type ##21# (or ##002# to clear every type at once) and press the green handset.

Does forwarding work on an iPhone with an eSIM?

Yes — forwarding is a network service run by your operator, not a feature of the SIM card. On a phone with two lines (eSIM + SIM), set forwarding up separately for each line, selecting it before you enter the code.

Summary

Call forwarding on iPhone is a matter of a few clicks in settings or entering a USSD code. If you are looking for a professional way to handle missed calls in your business, check out Heilo.io — it picks up the calls you miss, takes the client's message and sends it to you as text.