How to check if your calls are being forwarded?

You may find that you have missed an important business call or text from a loved one only to discover long after that your calls were being forwarded to an unknown number unbeknownst to you. Such a case, unfortunately, happens more than you might think because of the typically overlooked call forwarding feature

Call forwarding is a great feature when you want to redirect incoming calls to another number if you’re not available, but it’s also another thing if abused or unchecked. It may cause a breach of privacy, expose sensitive conversations, and lead to missed opportunities.

Yet, the more alarming aspect is that many of the users don’t even realize that they are forwarding their calls, thus making them vulnerable to potential risks. Let’s take a look at this blog and identify how to check if your calls are being forwarded.

Understanding Call Forwarding

Call forwarding is a telecommunication feature that allows incoming calls to be redirected to another phone number. There are two main types of call forwarding:

1. Unconditional Call Forwarding: All incoming calls are forwarded to another number without ringing the original device.
2. Conditional Call Forwarding: Calls are forwarded only in specific situations, such as:
   • When the line is busy.
   • When the call goes unanswered.
   • When the phone is unreachable (e.g., turned off or out of network coverage).

Why Should You Check for Call Forwarding?

It’s important to regularly check your call forwarding settings for the following reasons:

• Privacy and Security: Unauthorized call forwarding can be a sign of phone hacking or tampering, leading to eavesdropping or loss of sensitive information.
• Missed Calls: Forwarding calls unknowingly could cause you to miss important business or personal calls.
• Unexpected Charges: If calls are being forwarded to an international or premium number, it could result in unwanted charges.
• Better Control: Knowing your call forwarding settings ensures you have control over your phone’s communication settings.

Quick Ways to Check if Your Calls Are Being Forwarded

Using MMI Codes

What Are MMI Codes?

MMI codes, which stands for “Man-Machine Interface” codes, are special sequences of numbers entered on a mobile phone, usually starting with a star (*) and hash (#) symbol, that allow users to access various information about their phone or network settings, like checking signal strength, phone number, or enabling specific features without needing to go through the phone’s menu system.

Key points about MMI codes

• Accessing information: You can use MMI codes to retrieve details like your phone’s IMEI number (*#06#), signal strength, or network operator information.
• Changing settings: MMI codes can also be used to modify certain phone settings, such as call forwarding, call barring, or data roaming.
• Format: Most MMI codes follow the format *#CODE#.

After dialing each code, a message will appear on your screen showing whether call forwarding is enabled and, if so, the number your calls are being forwarded to.

Testing Manually

1. Use another phone to call your number while your device is off or in airplane mode.
2. Observe whether the call is forwarded to another number. If it is, call forwarding may be active on your device.

Place a test call to your number from another phone while your device is off or in airplane mode.

Observe whether the call is forwarded to another number.

Checking Call Forwarding Settings on Your Phone

Call forwarding settings can be adjusted directly from your phone’s system settings. If you suspect that your calls are being forwarded, follow the steps below to check and disable any active forwarding options.

For Android Users

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Navigate to Mobile Network or Connections, depending on your device.
3. Select Call Settings (this may also be found under Advanced Settings or Supplementary Services on some models).
4. 4. Tap on Call Forwarding and review the different forwarding options:
5. Always Forward: Redirects all incoming calls to another number.
6. Forward When Busy: Calls are forwarded if your line is busy.
7. Forward When Unanswered: Calls are forwarded if you don’t pick up.
8. Forward When Unreachable: Calls are forwarded if your phone is off or out of signal range.
9. If any of these options are enabled and forwarding to an unknown number, disable them by selecting Turn Off or Disable for each category.

For iPhone Users

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone to access call-related settings.
3. Select Call Forwarding from the list.
4. If the toggle switch is turned on, it means call forwarding is active. Tap the switch to turn it off.
5. Once disabled, your calls will no longer be redirected to another number.

By regularly checking and managing your call forwarding settings, you can ensure your calls are routed correctly and prevent unauthorized redirections. If you notice persistent issues with call forwarding, contact your mobile carrier for further assistance.

Using Third-Party Apps to Detect Call Forwarding

If you suspect that your calls are being forwarded without your knowledge or you simply want an easier way to check your call forwarding settings, you can use third-party apps designed for this purpose. These apps can help detect and manage call forwarding settings without requiring you to enter MMI codes manually.

Overview of Call Forwarding Detection Apps

There are several apps available on both Android and iOS that can help you monitor and control call forwarding settings. One popular option is “Call Forwarding – Call Divert.” This app, among others, provides an intuitive interface for checking whether your calls are being redirected and allows you to disable forwarding if needed.

Steps to Use These Apps:

I. Download and Install the App:

• Open the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS).
• Search for a call forwarding detection app, such as “Call Forwarding – Call Divert.”
• Tap Install and wait for the app to download.

II. Grant Necessary Permissions:

• When you open the app for the first time, it will request permissions such as access to phone settings and call logs.
• Grant these permissions so the app can analyze your call forwarding status.

III. Use the App’s Features:

• The app will scan your phone for any active call forwarding settings.
• It will display information on whether your calls are being forwarded, along with details on which number they are redirected to (if applicable).
• If you find an unknown number listed in the call forwarding settings, you can use the app to disable call forwarding immediately.

How to Disable Call Forwarding

If you discover that your calls are being forwarded and you want to disable this feature, there are two primary methods: using deactivation codes or adjusting settings through your phone’s menu.

Using Deactivation Codes

Deactivation codes, also known as MMI (Man-Machine Interface) codes, allow you to quickly disable call forwarding. Simply dial the appropriate code for the type of forwarding you want to disable, then press the call button.

• To deactivate all types of call forwarding, dial:
  ##21#
• To disable call forwarding when unreachable, dial:
  ##62#
• To disable call forwarding when busy, dial:
  ##67#
• To disable call forwarding when unanswered (no response after a few rings), dial:
  ##61#

Once you dial the code, you should see a confirmation message indicating that call forwarding has been successfully disabled.

Disabling Call Forwarding from Phone Settings

If you prefer to disable call forwarding through your device’s settings instead of dialing codes, follow these step-by-step instructions based on your phone type.

For Android Users:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Mobile Network or Connections (depending on your phone model).
3. Look for Call Settings or Advanced Call Settings.
4. Select Call Forwarding.
5. You will see four options for call forwarding:
   • Always Forward
   • Forward When Busy
   • Forward When Unanswered
   • Forward When Unreachable
6. Tap each option to check if a number is set for call forwarding.
7. If call forwarding is enabled for any option, tap Disable or Turn Off to stop calls from being redirected.

For iPhone Users:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Select Call Forwarding.
4. If the toggle switch is turned on, it means call forwarding is active. Tap the switch to turn it off.
5. Once disabled, your calls will no longer be forwarded to another number.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your calls are directed only to your own phone and not unknowingly forwarded to another number. If you continue to experience issues, consider contacting your mobile carrier for further assistance.

Tips for Managing Call Forwarding Effectively

Properly managing call forwarding ensures you don’t miss important calls while preventing unauthorized redirections. Here are some key tips to help you use call forwarding efficiently and securely:

1. Regularly Check Your Call Forwarding Status

• Use MMI codes like *#21# or *#62# to verify if call forwarding is active.
• Periodically review your call settings to ensure no unexpected forwarding is enabled.

2. Only Forward Calls to Trusted Numbers

• Avoid forwarding calls to unknown or suspicious numbers.
• If using call forwarding for business or personal convenience, ensure you forward calls only to numbers you trust.

3. Disable Unnecessary Call Forwarding

• If you no longer need call forwarding, deactivate it using the appropriate MMI code (e.g., ##21# to disable all forwarding).
• Check your phone settings to manually turn off call forwarding if needed.

4. Be Cautious of Unauthorized Changes

• If you notice unusual call behavior, such as missed calls that never ring or calls going to voicemail unexpectedly, check your forwarding settings immediately.
• If you suspect unauthorized changes, contact your mobile carrier for assistance.

5. Use Call Forwarding for Convenience

• Forward calls to another number when traveling or if you’re temporarily using another device.
• Set up conditional call forwarding (e.g., only when busy or unreachable) rather than forwarding all calls.

6. Secure Your Phone Against Unauthorized Access

• Set up a strong PIN or password to prevent unauthorized access to your phone settings.
• Be cautious when granting app permissions, especially to apps requesting access to call management features.

7. Contact Your Carrier for Assistance

• If you experience issues disabling call forwarding or suspect someone has tampered with your settings, call your mobile service provider.
• Some carriers allow you to check and manage call forwarding settings through their official app or customer service portal.

Conclusion

So, here it is—the ultimate guide to identifying those sneaky phone calls making their way to another destination without your knowledge. Think of it as letting your phone do some detective work: “Hey, where are my calls going? Are they normal?”

Apparently, using MMI codes, going through your settings, or using an app, you can help your calls remain faithful and keep that privacy intact. Just so you know, call forwarding is that sidekick: useful when needed, but it should never just roam free on its own.

From time to time, just check on your phone app for any unusual call forwarding options, and if you do see any funny business—like unexpected changes in your settings or signs that your phone is tapped—shut it down faster than you can say “bad first date.” If your caller ID shows strange numbers or unknown call reroutes, that’s another red flag. Stay in charge, avoid those sneaky charges, and keep your calls with you! Need advice? Check out community forums where others share their experiences. And if all else fails, just call your carrier and watch them play the tech superhero. Happy calling! 📞✨

FAQs

How do I know if my calls are being forwarded?

You can check if your calls are being forwarded by using MMI codes like *#21# or *#62#. These codes will show you if call forwarding is active and to which number.

Can I stop call forwarding without contacting my service provider?

Absolutely! You can disable call forwarding yourself using MMI codes like ##21# to turn off all forwarding or ##62# to stop forwarding when unreachable.

Are there any charges for using MMI codes?

Nope, using MMI codes is completely free! They’re just quick shortcuts to access your phone’s settings. However, if call forwarding is enabled to an international or premium number, you might incur charges for forwarded calls. So, double-check where your calls are going!

What should I do if I suspect someone has enabled call forwarding on my phone?

First, don’t panic—just grab your phone and check your call forwarding settings or use an MMI code to see if it’s active. If you find an unknown number, disable forwarding immediately using the appropriate MMI code or through your phone’s settings.