How to Disable Call Forwarding on iPhone and Android Devices

If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over missed calls on your iPhone or Android device, there’s a chance call forwarding might be the culprit. Call forwarding, a carrier feature, redirects incoming calls to another number, potentially leaving you unaware of attempted contacts. While typically activated deliberately, it’s not uncommon for it to be enabled unknowingly by another person or app.

Understanding Call Forwarding

Call forwarding operates at the network level, not on your device itself. Once activated, calls bypass your phone entirely, rerouted according to preset instructions. Consequently, missed calls won’t register on your device, adding to the confusion.

Identifying Call Forwarding Status

Both iOS and Android devices provide indicators for active call forwarding. On iPhones, a small icon beside the carrier name signifies its activation. Android devices feature a similar icon in the status bar, though its presence can be fleeting.

Checking and Disabling Call Forwarding on iPhone

For iPhone users, disabling call forwarding involves navigating through the Settings app:

1. Open Settings: Access the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to Phone: Scroll down and select “Phone.”
3. Access Call Forwarding: Choose “Call Forwarding.”
4. Select Line: If applicable, choose the line with call forwarding enabled.
5. Disable Feature: Toggle the switch to turn off call forwarding.

Disabling Call Forwarding on Android

Android users can also manage call forwarding through their device settings:

1. Access Phone App: Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Open Settings: Select the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose “Settings.”
3. Navigate to Call Forwarding: Under “Calls,” choose “Call forwarding.”
4. Disable Feature: Toggle the switch to turn off call forwarding.

Alternative Methods

For those comfortable with USSD or MMI codes, there are additional ways to manage call forwarding:

• Check Status: Dial *#21# to check call forwarding status.
• Cancel Forwarding: Dial #21# to cancel call forwarding.
• Erase Forwarding Number: Dial ##21# to cancel and erase forwarding number.
• Reactivate Forwarding: Dial *21# to re-establish call forwarding.
• Custom Forwarding: Dial 21 followed by the desired number and # to activate forwarding to a specific number.

While call forwarding serves a purpose in redirecting calls, it’s essential to ensure it’s activated intentionally. Regularly checking your device settings can help prevent missed calls and potential confusion. Whether through device settings or USSD codes, users have multiple avenues to manage call forwarding, empowering them to maintain control over their communication preferences.