You're sitting in a dead zone. Or maybe your battery is sitting at a terrifying 2%, and you're waiting for a call from a contractor that actually matters. This is exactly when knowing how to forward phone calls on iPhone becomes less of a "tech tip" and more of a total lifesaver. It’s one of those legacy features that has been buried under layers of sleek iOS updates, but honestly, it’s still one of the most powerful tools in your pocket.
People think call forwarding is just for high-powered executives or 90s telemarketers. They're wrong. It’s for anyone who hates missing calls because they forgot their phone on the kitchen counter while heading to the office. It’s for the traveler who just bought a local SIM card in Italy but still needs to catch important rings from back home.
Let's get into how this actually works, because it isn't always as simple as toggling a switch.
The Basic Way to Forward Phone Calls on iPhone
Apple makes things easy, usually. If you’re on a GSM network—think AT&T or T-Mobile—the process is built right into your Settings app. You basically just tell the phone where to send the data, and the network handles the rest.
First, open Settings. Scroll down until you see the green Phone icon. Tap it. You’ll see a section labeled Call Forwarding. Tap that, toggle the switch to on, and then tap "Forward To." Type in the number where you want your calls to land.
That's it.
But here’s the kicker: if you don’t see that option, you’re probably on a CDMA network like Verizon or certain regional carriers. For those users, the "toggle" doesn't exist in the menu because the carrier requires a manual code. It feels a bit like 1998, but it works flawlessly once you know the secret strings.
The Secret Codes (Star Codes)
If the menu is missing, you’re going to use the keypad. Open your Phone app. To start forwarding, dial *72 followed by the 10-digit phone number you want to forward to. Hit the call button. You’ll usually hear a brief tone or a confirmation message, and then the call ends.
To turn it off? Just dial *73.
It is worth noting that some carriers, like Sprint (now part of T-Mobile but still using some old infrastructure), might use *41 or other variations. If *72 doesn't work, a quick glance at your carrier's support page is the only way to be 100% sure.
When Things Go Wrong (and They Will)
Technology is fickle. Sometimes you set up call forwarding and... nothing happens. Or worse, your phone starts acting like it's in a loop.
One major roadblock is your cellular data connection. You actually need a solid signal to set up the forwarding, even though the forwarding itself happens at the carrier level once it's active. If you’re in a basement with zero bars trying to forward your calls because you're leaving, it might not "stick."
Another weird quirk? Conditional Call Forwarding.
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Standard forwarding sends every call away. Conditional forwarding only sends calls away if you're busy, don't answer, or are out of reach. This is usually how third-party voicemail apps like Google Voice or YouMail work. If you have one of those installed, they might have hijacked your settings. If you try to forward phone calls on iPhone while a third-party voicemail app is active, you might get a "Setting Erasure Failed" error.
To fix this, you often have to "reset" your call settings by dialing ##002# and hitting call. This is a universal "kill switch" for all diversions on GSM networks. It clears the deck so you can start fresh.
Why You Might Want to Use "Focus" Instead
Sometimes, people think they want to forward calls when what they actually want is some peace and quiet.
If you're forwarding calls to your spouse because you're in a meeting, you're essentially just moving the interruption to someone else. iOS Focus modes are arguably more sophisticated for 2026. You can set it so that only "Emergency Contacts" get through, or everyone else gets a polite auto-reply text.
However, Focus mode doesn't help if your phone is physically broken. If your screen is shattered and you can't see who is calling, physical call forwarding via the carrier codes (using another phone to call the carrier or logging into your account online) is the only way to stay connected.
The Privacy Angle
Let's talk about the "Forward To" number.
When you forward phone calls on iPhone, the person calling you generally has no idea their call is being redirected. They hear the normal number of rings. However, if you forward your calls to an international number, you—the person doing the forwarding—are usually the one who picks up the tab for the international leg of that call.
I’ve seen people return from vacation to a $400 phone bill because they forwarded their US number to a local hotel line in Tokyo. Don't be that person. Check your plan’s "long distance" or "diversion" rates before you go wild with this.
Carrier Specific Nuances
Every carrier handles the handshake between your iPhone and their towers differently.
- Verizon: Usually relies on the *72 and *73 method. They also have an option in the "My Verizon" app to manage this if your phone is lost.
- AT&T: Usually shows the toggle in the iPhone Settings menu. If it doesn't, you can use *21*[number]# to activate.
- T-Mobile: Very flexible. They support "Unconditional" forwarding via the menu but also have specific codes for "No Answer" (*61*) and "Unreachable" (*62*).
It’s also important to remember that if you are using an eSIM and a physical SIM simultaneously, you have to choose which "Line" you are forwarding. The iPhone will ask you to select the Primary or Secondary line before letting you toggle the switch.
Setting Up Call Forwarding via Mac or iPad
Can you do this from your computer? Sorta.
If your iPhone is nearby and on the same Wi-Fi, you can use "Calls on Other Devices." This isn't traditional forwarding; it’s more like "mirroring." If you want true forwarding where the iPhone can be completely powered off, you have to use the Settings method or the carrier codes.
There is no "Remote Forward" button in iCloud. This is a security feature. If anyone could log into your Apple ID and forward your calls, they could easily intercept two-factor authentication codes from your bank.
Actionable Steps to Secure Your Calls
If you are ready to set this up, do it right now while you have a signal. Don't wait until your battery is at 1%.
- Test the toggle: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding. If it’s there, turn it on and call yourself from a different phone. If it works, you're golden.
- Save the codes: If the toggle isn't there, create a contact in your phone named "Call Forwarding ON" with the number *72 followed by your target number. Create another called "Call Forwarding OFF" with *73. Now you can "call" your settings whenever you need them.
- Check Voicemail: After you disable forwarding, always call your own number to make sure your voicemail still picks up. Sometimes turning forwarding off can "break" the link to your carrier's voicemail box.
- Verify International Costs: If you are traveling, call your carrier and ask specifically: "What is the per-minute rate for a diverted call to [Country]?"
Managing your reachability is a basic part of digital literacy. Whether you're dodging a clingy ex or making sure a million-dollar deal doesn't go to voicemail, knowing how to forward phone calls on iPhone gives you back a level of control over your time. It’s a simple fix for a complicated, noisy world. Just remember to turn it off when you get home, or you'll be wondering why your phone hasn't made a sound in three days.