If you need to forward calls from your iPhone, whether you're using an answering service like Upfirst, traveling, or just want calls to go to a different number while you're unavailable, this guide covers the steps. You'll learn how to set up call forwarding for all calls, missed calls only, and how to turn it off.
Important for iPhone users on iOS 17 or later: Before setting up call forwarding, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Live Voicemail and turn it off. Live Voicemail can intercept calls before forwarding activates, which means calls may go to your voicemail instead of being forwarded. Disabling it takes a few seconds and ensures your forwarding works as expected. On iOS 17, the path is Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail.
Find your carrier's specific codes: AT&T | T-Mobile | Verizon | Mint Mobile | Cricket | Boost Mobile | Consumer Cellular
How to forward all calls from iPhone
To send every call to your iPhone number to another number (like your work phone or Upfirst's answering service):
Option 1: Use iPhone Settings
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone. (On iOS 17 or earlier, tap Phone directly.)
3. Tap Call Forwarding. (This option is available if your carrier supports it.)
4. Turn on Call Forwarding.
5. Enter the phone number where you want calls sent. This can be a mobile, landline, or your Upfirst number.
6. Exit Settings. Calls to your iPhone will now go to the number you entered.
Option 2: Use a star code
If the Call Forwarding option doesn't appear in Settings, your carrier may require a dial code instead.
1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial **21* followed by the destination number, then #. Example: **21*5551234567#
3. Press call.
4. Wait for a confirmation tone or message.
How to forward only missed calls (conditional call forwarding) on iPhone
Conditional call forwarding sends calls to another number only when you don't answer, your line is busy, or your phone is unreachable. This is helpful if you want your phone to ring first but need a backup for missed calls.
iPhone's built-in Settings don't support conditional forwarding directly, so you'll need to use star codes:
1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Forward when you don't answer: Dial **61* followed by the destination number, then #. Example: **61*5551234567#. Press call.
3. Forward when your line is busy: Dial **67* followed by the destination number, then #. Press call.
4. Forward when your phone is unreachable: Dial **62* followed by the destination number, then #. Press call.
5. Repeat for each scenario you want to set up. You can set all three to the same number or different numbers.
Note: These codes work on most carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and their MVNOs). Verizon uses different codes: *72 for all calls, *92 for missed calls, and *73 to disable. Check your carrier's guide for the exact codes.
How to turn off call forwarding on iPhone
Turn off via Settings
1. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding. (On iOS 17 or earlier: Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding.)
2. Toggle Call Forwarding off.
Turn off via star codes
• Turn off all call forwarding: Dial ##21# and press call.
• Turn off no-answer forwarding: Dial ##61# and press call.
• Turn off busy forwarding: Dial ##67# and press call.
• Turn off unreachable forwarding: Dial ##62# and press call.
After disabling, calls will ring on your iPhone as usual.
FAQs about call forwarding on iPhone
Does iPhone charge for call forwarding?
Call forwarding is a carrier feature, not an Apple feature. Most carriers don't charge extra to set up forwarding, but standard call rates may apply for forwarded calls. Check with your carrier for details.
Can I forward calls internationally with iPhone?
Yes, as long as your carrier supports it. International forwarding may result in higher charges, so confirm rates with your provider before setting it up.
Will my phone still ring when call forwarding is enabled?
With unconditional forwarding (all calls), your iPhone will not ring. Calls go directly to the forwarded number. With conditional forwarding, your phone rings first and only forwards if you don't answer, are busy, or are unreachable.
Can I forward text messages too?
No. Call forwarding only applies to voice calls. Text messages are not forwarded. Some carriers offer separate text forwarding options through their apps.
How is immediate forwarding different from conditional forwarding?
Immediate forwarding sends every call to another number without ringing your iPhone. Conditional forwarding lets your phone ring first and only redirects if you can't pick up.
Can I forward calls to more than one number at once?
Standard call forwarding supports one destination number at a time per condition. You can set different numbers for each condition (no answer, busy, unreachable) using the star codes above.
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