How to forward calls on iPhone: settings and codes

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

TL;DR: On iPhone, enable forwarding in: Settings → Apps → Phone → Call Forwarding → toggle switch → enter destination number. You can also enter the code **21*number# on the keypad. Availability depends on your carrier and plan.

You can use the iPhone's Call Forwarding setting to send every call to another number. To forward only unanswered calls, check the conditional options supported by your carrier.

Before changing forwarding

For missed calls, choose conditional forwarding. The iPhone switch and **21*number# forward 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. Apple advises contacting your carrier about conditional forwarding; the codes below are examples and are not supported everywhere. 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: iOS settings

Here's what you need to do:

1. Go to Settings (the grey cog icon).
2. Open Apps → Phone. On older iOS versions, Phone sits directly in the main Settings list.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. Turn on the switch 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. Tap the back arrow. If forwarding is enabled successfully, the number should appear next to Forward To.

The menu path varies with iOS version. Older versions may place Phone directly in Settings; Dual SIM requires selecting the relevant line. When forwarding is on, a Call Forwarding icon appears in the status bar. You must be in range of the cellular network when you turn it on, or calls won't be forwarded.

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 entered on the keypad (MMI)

If you don't want to dig through settings — or you need conditional forwarding — you can do it with codes. Ask your carrier which codes your plan supports.

How to use them:

1. Open the Phone app (green handset).
2. Select Keypad.
3. Type the code, for example **21*555123456#.
4. Tap the call button; a confirmation should appear shortly afterwards.

With the unconditional forwarding example above, all calls are forwarded to the new number. To disable unconditional forwarding, enter ##21# and tap the call button. The code ##002# switches off every type of forwarding, including carrier voicemail.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does iPhone forwarding work with every carrier?

Support depends on your carrier and plan. Check unconditional forwarding through the iPhone switch and conditional forwarding separately.

Can I forward only when I don't answer?

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

How do I disable call forwarding on an iPhone?

The iOS switch and ##21# apply to unconditional forwarding. For conditional forwarding, follow your carrier's procedure for 61, 62 or 67. To undo a change, restore the previous destination you noted down. ##002# deletes every rule, including carrier voicemail and forwarding to Heilo; it does not simply undo your last change. Check the status and make a test call afterwards.

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

To forward calls on an iPhone, change the relevant setting or enter an MMI code supported by your carrier. 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.