How to Turn off Call Forwarding? (iPhone, Android, and Landlines)

Call forwarding is a feature that redirects incoming calls to another cellular network. A carrier provider typically provides this feature. Once activated, incoming calls may not reach your device, depending on the type of call forwarding you choose (conditional and unconditional).

So, how does the call forwarding work? Well, the process is simple. The caller dials your number. The phone system will forward the call to another number that you have set previously. 

To deactivate call forwarding, simply dial the deactivation code on your landline. If you’re using a mobile phone, turn it off from your device’s setting app.

You may have a problem turning this feature off, as different devices work differently.

To simplify things, follow the steps below to disable call forwarding on different devices: Landlines, iPhones, and Android.

To turn off call forwarding in landlines, dial the deactivation code depending on the network service provider. You can contact your carrier service provider if you don’t know the code.

Here are some codes for different service providers to deactivate this feature.

Steps to Disable Call Forwarding on Landlines

1. Pick your telephone and listen for the dial tone. (Dial tone shows your device is working fine)
2. Dial the deactivation code provided by your service provider.
3. Listen for the beep tone. (A beep tone or Confirmation tone ensures that the feature has been turned off)

You can deactivate call forwarding on your iPhone using the settings app. Simply navigate to your settings and turn off the feature.

Steps to Turn off Call Forwarding on iPhone
 

1. Go to the settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll and tap on Phone.
3. Click on call forwarding on the phone menu
4. Turn off the feature. 

You can generally turn off call forwarding on Android phones using the phone app. Launch the phone application, navigate it, and deactivate the feature.

Steps to Turn off Call Forwarding on Android Phones

1. Launch the phone app.
2. Click the three dots in the top right corner to go to the call setting.
3. Click on the “supplementary service” or “call” option.
4. Tap on call forwarding from the menu.
5. Disable the feature.

Improved Privacy: Deactivating call forwarding ensures the call meant for you gets directed to your original phone number. It particularly prevents privacy when your transferred number is shared with others or used by someone else.

Improved Security: Forwarding calls to an unsecured or unknown number will increase the chance of unauthorized access to your calls and can pose a security threat. Thus, turning off this feature helps you secure your personal information.

Improved Call Quality: Forwarding calls to different numbers means they go through different routings. This leads to chances for increased network issues or disruption. Hence, getting calls directly to your primary number can improve quality.

Saves Cost: Some carriers may charge you hefty costs on call-forwarding, especially when you transfer calls to a long-distance or international number. Hence, turning off this feature can help you reduce extra costs.
 

If you are having a problem deactivating call forwarding, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
 

• Rebooting the device: Sometimes, rebooting can fix minor glitches and software issues. Simply turn your phone off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
• Browse or Use Carrier-Specific App: Some carrier providers have their own unique apps and websites to manage your call features, including call forwarding. Try using that specific app provided by your carrier to switch off call forwarding on your device.
• Update Software: Keep updating your phone software, as this fixes the software bugs and issues.
• Removing and Reinserting SIM card: If you have an ejectable SIM card, switch off your phone and remove it. Wait for a few seconds and then again re-insert. Switch on the phone and check if the problem remains.
• Aeroplane Mode: Sometimes, turning on and off airplane mode can reset your network settings, which might help you turn off this feature.
• Reset Device: Use this as your last resort. Doing this erases every data of your mobile phone and resets all your phone settings. However, remember to back up all the data on another device before initiating this process.

Turning off call forwarding redirects all incoming calls to your primary number. You can turn off call forwarding by dialing the specific code provided by your carrier (for landlines) or from the settings app on your device (for mobile phones).
 

Many use call-forwarding to get their call on another device as they may not have access to their primary device all the time. However, it can result in privacy and networking issues. To avoid this, you can use a virtual phone number from Calilio. Calilio’s virtual numbers can be used on different devices, so you can avoid the hassle of turning on and off call forwarding when you are far from your primary device. 

To deactivate the call forwarding on T Mobile, dial ##21#. Wait for the beep tone; this feature gets turned off once you hear it.

You can disable call forwarding on Verizon by dialing the code “ *73 ” on your device and then wait for the confirmation tone.

If you or someone else has diverted calls, you can know about this by simply checking the notification bar when making a call. For forwarded calls, you’ll get a notification regarding the call forwarding.

To check call forwarding, you need to dial *#21#. This code shows whether or not any unconditional or conditional call forwarding is active in your device.