Sometimes, you don’t want to miss important calls—maybe you’re using Upfirst’s AI answering service, traveling, or just want calls to go to a different number while you’re unavailable. This page will guide you through the easiest ways to forward calls from your iPhone, including forwarding all calls, forwarding only missed calls, and turning call forwarding off.
How to forward all calls from iPhone
If you want every call to your iPhone number to ring somewhere else (like your work phone, home phone, or Upfirst’s answering service), use these steps:
- Open your iPhone Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap “Phone.”
- Tap “Call Forwarding.”
Note: The “Call Forwarding” option is available if your carrier supports it (most major carriers do). - Turn on “Call Forwarding.”
- Enter the phone number where you want your calls sent.
This can be a mobile, landline, or your Upfirst number. - Exit Settings.
Calls to your iPhone number will now go directly to the number you entered.
If you don’t see the Call Forwarding option, your carrier may require you to use a dial code.
- Open your Phone app and dial: *21*[destination number]# and press call.
- To disable, dial: #21# and press call.
How to forward only missed calls (conditional call forwarding) on iPhone
Conditional call forwarding means your iPhone will only forward calls you don’t answer, when your phone is busy, or if your phone is unreachable (like when it’s off or out of coverage). This is handy if you want to keep your phone ringing as usual, but have calls sent elsewhere if you can’t pick up.
Here’s how to set up conditional call forwarding using dial codes (since iPhone’s built-in settings don’t support this directly):
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Dial the following codes, replacing [destination number] with the number you want to forward to (including area code):
- To forward calls when you don’t answer:
*61*[destination number]#then press call. - To forward calls when your line is busy:
*67*[destination number]#then press call. - To forward calls when your phone is unreachable:
*62*[destination number]#then press call.
- To forward calls when you don’t answer:
- Repeat for each scenario you want to set up.
You can set all three to the same number, or different numbers if needed.
To turn off any of these, dial the same code but with # instead of *, like #61#, #67#, or #62#, and press call.
How to turn off call forwarding on iPhone
If you want calls to start ringing on your iPhone again, you can quickly turn off call forwarding:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.
- Toggle “Call Forwarding” off.
For dial code setups:
- Dial #21# and press call to turn off all call forwarding.
- Dial #61#, #62#, or #67# and press call to turn off specific conditional forwarding.
After this, calls will ring on your iPhone as usual.
FAQs about call forwarding on iPhone
Does iPhone charge for call forwarding?
Call forwarding itself is a feature of your mobile carrier, not Apple. Most carriers don’t charge extra to set up call forwarding, but standard call rates may apply for the forwarded calls—especially if you’re forwarding to a long-distance or international number. Always check with your carrier for details.
Can I forward calls internationally with iPhone?
Yes, you can forward calls to an international number using your iPhone, provided your carrier supports it. Be aware that international forwarding may incur higher charges, so it’s best to confirm rates with your provider before setting it up.
Will my phone still ring when call forwarding is enabled?
If you set up unconditional call forwarding (forwarding all calls), your iPhone won’t ring—the calls will go straight to the forwarded number. With conditional call forwarding, your phone rings first, and if you don’t answer (or it’s unreachable/busy), the call forwards as you set up.
Can I forward text messages too?
No, iPhone’s call forwarding only works for voice calls. If you want to forward text messages, you’ll need to set up message forwarding on your iPhone (to other Apple devices), but you can’t forward SMS to another phone number.
How is immediate forwarding different from conditional forwarding?
Immediate (or unconditional) forwarding sends every call straight to another number without ringing your iPhone. Conditional forwarding only sends calls elsewhere if you don’t answer, are busy, or your phone can’t be reached.
Why don’t I see the call forwarding option in my iPhone settings?
Some carriers only allow call forwarding using dial codes, not through the iPhone’s settings app. If you don’t see the option, try the dial code method or contact your carrier for help.
Never miss another important call—forward your iPhone number to Upfirst!
With Upfirst’s AI answering service, callers always get a friendly, helpful response instead of voicemail. Our AI receptionist can answer questions, collect information, and send you a summary by email and SMS. Try Upfirst risk-free with a 14-day free trial—set up call forwarding today and let us handle your calls!
