How to set up call forwarding on Android

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Call forwarding sends your calls to another number. You can forward everything, or only calls you miss, cannot take or cannot receive because the phone is off.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, then Settings

   The three dots are at the top right.

   Done

2. Tap Calling accounts or Calls, then your SIM

   On Samsung, tap Supplementary services.

   Done

3. Tap Call forwarding

   The phone reads the current settings from your network, which takes a few seconds.

   Done

4. Choose a type and enter the number

   Always forward sends every call. When busy, When unanswered and When unreachable usually point to voicemail already; you can replace that with another number.

   Done

5. Tap Turn on

   To stop, come back to the same page, tap the entry and choose Turn off.

   Done

Good to know

With Always forward on, your phone does not ring.

Forwarded calls can cost extra, especially to numbers abroad. Check your tariff.

If the page shows an error, your network may only support forwarding by codes. In many networks, **21* followed by the number and # turns it on and ##21# turns it off. Some networks, mainly in the US, use *72 and *73 instead. Your network's help page lists its codes.

In short: Phone app, three dots, Settings, your SIM, Call forwarding, Always forward.