What is Call Forwarding and How Does it Work?

Since calling is essential for communicating and understanding one another, call forwarding has emerged as a tool that both individuals and organizations must have.

Regardless of the size of your company, small, medium, or large, call forwarding can increase incoming calls and reduce missed ones.

But not everyone knows how to use call forwarding and is aware of this feature. Since this article will cover every aspect of call forwarding, you don’t need to worry about it going ahead.

Key Highlights💡

• Call forwarding sends calls from your phones and landlines to another number.
• Four types exist: unconditional, conditional, selective, and live transfer.
• Call forwarding supports voicemail, call recording, caller ID, and texts.
• Freelancers and teams utilize call forwarding to manage calls and respond more efficiently.
• You can turn call forwarding on or off with your phone app or dial codes like *72 and *73.

What Is Call Forwarding?

Call forwarding is a calling feature that redirects incoming calls from one number to another. Think of it as a smart way to stay reachable, whether you’re in a meeting or on the go.

This is helpful for managing missed calls, avoiding busy signals, and keeping your call volume under control. You won’t need tech support to use it either, just a few taps in your call forwarding settings.

Whether you’re handling business calls, traveling, or using a dual SIM, forwarding ensures your response time stays fast and your calls are never missed.

How does call forwarding work?

Call forwarding works by redirecting incoming calls from one number to another. When someone calls your phone, the phone system checks your call forwarding settings.

If forwarding is active, the call goes to the number you chose, like your home phone, another mobile, or a virtual phone. There are different types:

• Unconditional call forwarding sends all calls to another number.
• Conditional call forwarding only activates if your line is busy, unanswered, or unreachable.

You can set it up using your phone app, device settings, or special dial codes like *72. It helps you manage missed calls, stay available, and improve your call management.

How Many Types of Call Forwarding Are There?

If you’re new to call forwarding, don’t worry. You don’t need to understand telecom tech to use it effectively. I’ll explain the types clearly, based on years of experience helping businesses handle incoming calls the smart way.

Let’s go through the 4 main types you should know.

1. Unconditional Call Forwarding

This is the most straightforward option. It forwards all calls to another number—no exceptions. Your phone won’t ring at all.

If you’re using a business phone system, this is ideal when you’re out of the office or on holiday. It helps keep your response time sharp and ensures no missed calls.

2. Conditional Call Forwarding

This one only kicks in under specific conditions. For example:

• Your line is busy
• You don’t answer in time
• You’re out of network range

These settings are found in your call forwarding settings or your phone’s call features menu. Many people use this for backup coverage, especially during high call volume.

It’s perfect for both business calls and personal ones.

3. Selective Call Forwarding

With this, you choose which numbers get forwarded. Say you want only VIP clients or family members redirected, you can do that.

This level of call management helps reduce distractions and lets you stay focused.

It’s often used with caller ID filters or call screening.

4. Call Transfer (While on a Call)

This isn’t forwarding in the traditional sense, but it’s closely related. You answer a call, then transfer it to someone else mid-conversation.

Most phone systems and virtual phones support this, especially if you’re using AI agents or team-based support lines. It works well in setups that use direct inward dialing.

Key Features of Call Forwarding

1. Unconditional Call Forwarding

This redirects all incoming calls to another number automatically. Your phone won’t ring—it goes straight to the number you’ve set. It’s perfect if you’re stepping away for hours or using a business line during work hours.

If you’re always on the go, this feature is the simplest way to stay reachable.

2. Conditional Call Forwarding

Only forwards calls when specific situations happen:

• Your line is busy
• You don’t answer in time.
• Your phone is unreachable.

You can enable this through your call forwarding settings or phone app. It’s commonly used when mobile users experience missed calls, busy signals, or no coverage.

3. Selective Call Forwarding

This lets you forward calls from certain numbers only. Useful when you’re filtering business calls from personal ones or managing clients by priority.

It works well with caller ID, call screening, or even contact lists pulled from Google Contacts.

4. Call Transfer

Different from forwarding, this allows you to send a live call to another person, mid-conversation. Great for teams who want to keep calls moving without dropping the customer.

This feature is standard in many business phone systems, especially with direct inward dialing.

5. Forwarding Settings on the Phone App

Modern devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or S25 Ultra include built-in settings for call forwarding. You can access it right inside the phone app, often under “Call Settings” or “Supplementary Services.”

This avoids the need for extra apps or tech support.

6. Supports Voicemail and Call Recording

When a call is forwarded, it can still connect to your voicemail, visual voicemail, or be saved using call recording. This helps with documentation, customer service, or legal backups.

You can even set a password to access forwarded voicemail messages safely.

7. Forwarding Across Devices

Forward calls from phones and landlines to any number: mobile, office, VoIP, or even virtual phone systems. Whether you’re in the office or on the move, your calls follow you.

This works whether you’re on a public switched telephone line or a cloud telephony setup.

Benefits of Call Forwarding

These features solve real problems, not just for large businesses but for solo workers and remote teams too.

I. Never Miss Important Calls Again

With call forwarding, your clients can still reach you even if your phone is off or you’re away. It reduces missed call issues and makes sure someone always answers.

This is crucial when you’re managing outgoing calls, callbacks, or leads.

II. Separate Work and Personal Life

Use conditional call forwarding to send work calls to your business line during office hours. That way, you’re not dealing with calls forwarded late at night.

It keeps your daily flow organized.

III. Faster Response Time

Forward calls to a teammate or an answering service when you’re unavailable. This ensures faster handling of call volume, better response time, and no customer left waiting.

You can also integrate AI agents or auto-attendants for instant replies.

IV. Prevent Busy Signals and Improve Customer Experience

With busy signal forwarding, callers don’t get blocked—they get redirected. This keeps your image professional, especially when using a business phone system.

Combine this with call routing and call transfer for a smooth experience.

V. Control Over Your Call Flow

Using call forwarding features, you can create rules, manage forwarding settings, and decide when, where, and how calls move. Whether it’s setting up call forwarding for weekends or using star codes like *72, you have full control.

It’s simple to update, so you can change rules when your schedule shifts.

VI. Improve Call Management Across Teams

Handle distributed calls using forwarding feature controls and call routing logic. If one agent is busy, the system can forward the call to another, improving your call management process.

It’s essential for growing teams without full contact centers.

VII. Compatible with Additional Calling Features

Call forwarding pairs well with:

• Call waiting
• Call recording
• Blocked call filters
• Caller ID
• Voicemail icon alerts

It supports your entire calling feature stack.

🔄 Real-World Use Case

Let’s say you’re a consultant using one phone for both work and life. You activate selective call forwarding so that only client numbers are routed to your office VoIP line.

Your missed calls now go to a dedicated inbox. You no longer mix up personal and work calls. And your outgoing calls still come from your main number.

This is what real flexibility looks like, without the need for complex tools.

Who Can Use Call Forwarding?

Call forwarding isn’t complicated. You don’t need tech skills or an IT team. Whether you’re a solo freelancer or run a team of ten, you can use it to stay connected and look professional.

Let’s walk through who uses call forwarding—and why it makes a real difference.

A. Small Business Owners

If you run a local business or a service company, call forwarding helps manage incoming calls even when you’re not at the desk. Forward calls to your mobile, a virtual phone, or a support assistant.

You avoid missed calls and stay available, without sitting by the phone all day. It also helps you manage call volume during busy hours.

B. Freelancers and Remote Workers

Freelancers don’t always have a business phone system. But with call forwarding features, you can still look professional. Use conditional call forwarding to redirect calls during meetings or focus hours.

You can forward calls to another phone, like your personal line, when needed. It’s simple and works from most phones and landlines.

C. Sales and Support Teams

Call forwarding keeps response time short. If a representative misses a call, it is routed to the next available teammate. Pair it with call transfer or call routing, and your phone system starts acting like a mini call center.

Great for teams that use direct inward dialing or caller ID to sort leads.

D. Healthcare, Legal, and Client Services

If you’re in a service where missed communication costs you trust, you need reliable call forwarding settings. Lawyers, therapists, and consultants use selective call forwarding to ensure critical numbers always get through, even outside working hours.

You can also forward to voicemail with a password to access for privacy.

E. People Traveling or Relocating

Need to keep your number active while abroad? Forward it to a local SIM, an assistant, or even a voicemail. You’ll still receive voicemail messages and keep access via your phone app. This setup also avoids roaming charges.

F. People Using Dual SIM or Multiple Devices

You might use two phones—one for work, one for personal use. Call forwarding helps merge them without confusion. Set up unconditional call forwarding from your work SIM to your main phone.

It keeps your life organized and your outgoing calls consistent.

G. Anyone Who Misses Too Many Calls

If you often miss calls due to meetings, low battery, or poor reception, this is for you. Use conditional call forwarding to redirect during those moments.

Why Should You Set Up Call Forwarding?

You don’t need to run a call center to use call forwarding. If you own a phone and care about missing calls, this feature can make your life easier and your business sharper.

Let’s go through real situations where setting it up makes sense.

1. You Miss Calls During Meetings or Travel

You’re in a meeting or on the road. Your phone rings, and you miss it. With zcall forwarding, you can route that incoming call to an assistant, your virtual phone, or another device.

No more worrying about missed calls or angry voicemails.

2. You Use One Phone for Work and Life

Don’t want business calls hitting your personal line at dinner? Set call forwarding settings to route work calls during office hours only. You can even forward calls based on the number using selective call forwarding.

This keeps work and personal life from clashing.

3. Your Phone Has No Signal

Maybe you’re in the elevator, underground, or just somewhere with spotty service. Call forwarding helps by sending your calls to another device or number with better coverage. This also works great with public switched telephone networks or landlines.

You stay reachable even when your phone isn’t.

4. Your Line Is Always Busy

Tired of busy signal complaints? Use busy call forwarding to redirect calls when you’re already on another line. This improves customer experience and reduces call drop-offs.

Pair it with call waiting or caller ID for smoother handling.

5. You’re Scaling a Small Business

Handling more clients now? Are calls coming in faster than you can answer? Use call routing or call transfer features to direct overflow to teammates or departments. This supports your growth without investing in a full business phone system.

It also improves your response time and keeps you looking professional.

6. You Want to Keep a Local Presence

Maybe you live abroad but want a local number to build trust. With call forwarding, you can route your business line (like a local landline) to your actual number. Customers will see a familiar number and be more likely to answer.

This is a smart way to build credibility without setting up shop physically.

7. You Use Voicemail But Want Backup

Sometimes you can’t answer, and voicemail is your fallback. Forwarding can still lead to voicemail messages, visual voicemail, or call recording. Set a password to access it all securely.

Even missed calls leave a trace.

How to Enable Call Forwarding

(For iOS, Android, Landline, and VoIP Users)

Setting up call forwarding isn’t as technical as it sounds. The process depends on your device or platform, but once you understand the basics, it’s just a few taps or digits.

Below is a breakdown of different systems—phones and landlines, VoIP, and even virtual phone services.

Let’s walk through each.

I. Enable Call Forwarding on iPhone (iOS)

If you’re using an iPhone, the steps are simple:

Steps:

Step 1: Open your Phone app

Step 2: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding

Step 3: Toggle it ON

Step 4: Enter the number where you want your incoming calls to be forwarded.

That’s it. iPhones offer unconditional call forwarding only, which means all calls are redirected.

You can still receive voicemail messages if the forwarded number has visual voicemail or a voicemail icon.

II. Enable Call Forwarding on Android (e.g., Galaxy S25, S25 Ultra)

Android phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S25, offer more options.

Steps:

Step 1: Open the Phone app

Step 2: Tap the 3-dot menu > Settings

Step 3: Select Supplementary Services or Calling Accounts

Step 4: Tap Call Forwarding

Step 5: Choose the type:

• Always Forward (unconditional)
• Forward When Busy
• Forward When Unanswered
• Forward When Unreachable

Step 6: Enter the forwarding number and save

This lets you use conditional call forwarding to avoid missed calls due to busy signal, no answer, or no service.

If you’re unsure what type to choose, start with Forward When Unanswered—that’s the most flexible.

III. Enable Call Forwarding on Landline Phones

Most landlines use star codes to enable forwarding.

Steps:

Step 1: Pick up your phone

Step 2: Dial *72 followed by the number you want to forward to

Step 3: Wait for a confirmation tone or message.

IV. Enable Call Forwarding on VoIP Systems

If you’re using a VoIP phone system, log into your service provider’s dashboard.

Steps (general):

Step 1: Go to your VoIP settings panel

Step 2: Look for Call Routing or Call Forwarding Settings

Step 3: Choose when to forward (all calls, inbound calls, internal calls, busy, or no answer)

Step 4: Add destination numbers or AI agents if needed.

Step 5: Save and test

VoIP gives you advanced tools like call screening, call transfer, and redirecting incoming calls across teams or devices.

This setup works well for managing call volume, reducing missed calls, and improving response time.

Troubleshooting Call Forwarding

(Fix Common Issues Fast—Even If You’re Not Techy)

Call forwarding works great—until it doesn’t. Sometimes calls don’t go where they should. Or the settings look right, but nothing happens.

Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues across iPhone, Android, landlines, VoIP, and virtual phone systems. Let’s solve this step by step.

1. The Call Forwarding Feature Isn’t Working

Check if the feature is actually turned on.

• On iOS, go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding
• On Android (e.g., Galaxy S25), go to Phone app > Settings > Call Forwarding
• On a landline, try dialing *72 to set and *73 to cancel
• For VoIP phones, log into your phone system dashboard and check the call forwarding settings.

Make sure the destination number is correct. One wrong digit and all your incoming calls vanish. If you’re using conditional call forwarding, double-check which condition is active: busy, unanswered, or unreachable.

2. Forwarded Calls Go Straight to Voicemail

This happens when the receiving number can’t handle the call.

• The destination number might have call waiting disabled.
• Its voicemail might be picking up too fast.
• Try forwarding to another number temporarily.

If you’re forwarding to a virtual phone, check if it’s running or has a password to access voicemail.

3. Calls Aren’t Ringing on the Forwarded Number

You’ve set up the forward, but the phone doesn’t ring?

• Restart your device
• Recheck your call forwarding features.
• Make sure airplane mode isn’t on.
• Confirm that Do Not Disturb is off
• If you’re on VoIP, check your internet connection or router.

Still not ringing? Try unconditional call forwarding instead of conditional to rule out settings conflicts.

4. You’re Getting a Busy Signal or Blocked Call

A busy signal can mean the forward target is full or not accepting calls.

• Try a different number to test
• Clear any blocked call settings on either device.
• Disable call screening if it’s active.
• Update your call routing or call transfer rules on your phone system.

Using public switched telephone or older landlines? They may not support all forwarding types, especially selective call forwarding.

5. Calls Are Forwarding Randomly or Not Forwarding at All

This usually means the settings are clashing.

• Check for multiple call forwarding types activated at once
• Disable and re-enable forwarding settings
• If you’re using a business phone system, contact your admin to reset call management rules.
• Remove any leftover forwarding call rules from third-party apps.

Sometimes, a call forwarding feature added by a mobile app or AI agent conflicts with your default provider. That’s a silent troublemaker.

6. You Forgot How to Turn It Off

Happens more often than you think.

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding, toggle off
• Android: In the Phone app, check all forwarding conditions under Call Settings
• Landline: Dial *73 to cancel
• VoIP: Go to your dashboard and remove forwarding rules under call forwarding settings

If nothing changes after turning it off, restart your phone.

Which Call Forwarding Service Should You Choose?

Call forwarding sounds simple—until you’re faced with a dozen options. Some just redirect incoming calls, while others help manage your entire business phone system. The right service depends on how much control and flexibility you need.

Let’s break it down clearly.

1. For Personal Use or Quick Setup

Use the Feature Built Into Your Phone

If you only need to forward calls while you’re out or your line is busy, your phone can do the job.

• On iPhones: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding
• On Android devices (like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or S25 Ultra): Use the Phone app > Settings > Call Forwarding
• For phones and landlines: Dial *72 to activate, and *73 to cancel

This method supports unconditional call forwarding or conditional call forwarding, like forwarding only when unanswered or unreachable.

It’s fast. But you won’t get features like call recording, voicemail messages, or call transfer.

2. For Small Teams or Freelancers

Try a Smart Virtual Phone Platform

This is where things get more powerful.

A good virtual phone system can forward calls to another phone, manage voicemail, and even send text messages from your business number. Some offer AI agents, smart call routing, and options to handle missed calls or blocked call alerts.

You can forward calls based on time, device, or team availability. And yes, you can access everything from your browser or an app.

Some services in this space offer features like:

• Custom call forwarding settings
• Support for Google Contacts
• Clear caller ID
• Multiple calling features under one dashboard

It’s the smarter way to handle call management—without needing a full-on IT team.

3. For Scaling Businesses or Call-Heavy Teams

Use a Full-Scale Business Phone System

If you’re dealing with heavy call volume, multiple departments, or remote staff, go big.

Top providers offer:

• Direct inward dialing for every team member
• Custom forwarding settings and fallback logic
• Rules for outgoing calls, call screening, and call transfer
• Integration with CRM tools
• Reliable support over VoIP phones or public switched telephone systems.

These setups also reduce response time, improve the customer’s experience, and help avoid dropped or missed calls.

They’re ideal if you’re handling inbound call campaigns or managing different types of call traffic throughout the day.

4. For Flexibility and On-the-Go Use

Use App-Based Call Forwarding Services

There are tools built for those who work from coffee shops, home offices, or airports.

These services:

• Let you set up call forwarding with a tap
• Allow forwarding calls during travel or downtime.
• Automatically redirect incoming calls when offline.
• Offer visual interfaces to adjust forwarding settings on the fly.

These platforms also help manage voicemail icon notifications, text messages, and selective call forwarding.

Conclusion

Call forwarding offers you control, flexibility, and peace of mind, regardless of whether you’re managing a business, working from a café as a freelancer, or simply sick of missing crucial calls. It’s now the foundation of any contemporary phone system, not just a “nice-to-have” feature.

The best part? You don’t need tech skills or expensive tools. Just pick the right type, unconditional, conditional, or selective, and set it up once. From there, your calls follow you, your voicemail messages stay organized, and your customers get through—every time.

So don’t wait for another missed opportunity or dropped client call. Take 5 minutes, set up call forwarding, and let your phone system work for you, not against you.

FAQs

What’s the difference between call forwarding and call transfer?

Call forwarding automatically redirects incoming calls based on rules you set (like when your line is busy or unanswered). Call transfer, on the other hand, happens mid-call—you manually send an active call to another number or teammate.

Will call forwarding still work if my phone is off or has no signal?

Yes—if you’ve enabled conditional call forwarding (like “forward when unreachable”), your calls can still be routed to another number even if your phone is off or out of coverage.

Can I forward calls to international numbers?

Most mobile carriers and VoIP phone systems support international forwarding, but additional charges may apply. Check with your provider to avoid surprise fees.

Do I still get voicemail if I enable call forwarding?

Yes. If the forwarded number has voicemail enabled, unanswered calls will go there. Some systems also allow voicemail messages to be forwarded back to your primary device or email.

How do I know if call forwarding is active on my phone?

You’ll usually see a small call forwarding icon in your status bar, or you can check under your phone’s call settings. For landlines, dial *#21# to see if forwarding is enabled.