Mastering iPhone Call Forwarding: A Step-by-step Guide for Seamless Call Management

By The Nearity Team March 21, 2025
iphone call forwarding
how to do call forwarding on iPhone

In a world where staying connected is critical, effective call management has become a cornerstone of both personal and professional communication. Whether you're a remote worker, an entrepreneur juggling multiple tasks, or someone constantly on the move, ensuring that your calls reach you—no matter where you are—is essential. That’s where iPhone call forwarding comes in.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about how to forward calls on iPhone, including detailed step-by-step instructions, advanced tips, troubleshooting solutions, and FAQs. It also touches on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of modern communication—the importance of using high-quality, professional-grade headsets to elevate your experience during forwarded calls. After all, forwarding a call is only half the battle; ensuring you hear every word and capture every detail is what truly enhances productivity.

📲 How to Do Call Forwarding on iPhone

So, what exactly is call forwarding iPhone and why should you care?

Simply put, iPhone call forwarding is a feature that lets you redirect incoming calls from your iPhone to another number—be it your office line, a second mobile device, or a virtual call center. This ensures you never miss important calls, even when your iPhone isn’t within reach.

But the benefits go far beyond convenience. Here’s why how to do call diverting on iPhone is more relevant today than ever:

  • Flexibility in Communication: Whether you’re switching devices or traveling overseas, call diverting allows you to remain reachable.
  • Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Separate personal and work calls by forwarding professional calls to a business number during off-hours.
  • Remote and Hybrid Work Support: Stay seamlessly connected, even when operating across time zones or switching locations.
  • Business Continuity: Ensure clients or colleagues can still reach you, even if your primary device runs out of battery or faces technical issues.

However, effective communication is not just about connection—it’s about clarity. A reliable professional headset becomes indispensable in this context. Forwarded calls can suffer from latency, reduced audio quality, or background noise. With a high-performance headset equipped with noise-cancellation, voice optimization, and automated note-taking capabilities, you ensure your communication remains crisp, clear, and productive—especially during crucial meetings or client calls.


🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Call Forward on iPhone

Setting up iPhone call forwarding is incredibly straightforward. You don’t need any special app or technical knowledge—just follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings App

Unlock your iPhone and go to the Settings app—this is your control center for all features.

Step 2: Scroll Down and Tap on “Phone”

Under settings, scroll down until you find the Phone option. Tap on it to access various calling features.

Step 3: Select “Call Forwarding”

Tap on Call Forwarding from the list of options. Note: This menu may take a few seconds to load, as it communicates with your network provider.

Step 4: Toggle the Switch ON

Enable call forwarding by toggling the Call Forwarding switch to the ON position.

Step 5: Enter the Desired Forwarding Number

Once toggled on, you’ll be prompted to enter the number to which you want your calls forwarded. Make sure it’s active and reachable.

Step 6: Confirm the Setting

There’s no save button—just go back. The iPhone will remember your settings automatically. You should now see the forwarding number listed under the Call Forwarding option.

Whether you’re forwarding calls to a personal assistant, customer service team, or a secondary device, it’s important to pair this functionality with quality audio hardware. Forwarded calls sometimes suffer a slight drop in quality due to network rerouting. But a smart headset with voice-enhancing technology and real-time transcription capabilities can transform how you manage these calls—turning every conversation into actionable insight without missing a beat.


🔧 Tips and Common Issues: Getting the Most Out of iPhone Call Forwarding

Even though how to forward calls on iPhone is easy, you may run into occasional hiccups. Here are some bonus tips and common fixes:

1. How to Disable Call Forwarding

If you no longer need call forwarding:

  • Go back to Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding
  • Toggle the switch OFF
  • That’s it—calls will return to your iPhone directly.

2. What to Do If Call Forwarding Doesn’t Work

Sometimes call forwarding iPhone settings won’t save or activate. Here’s what to check:

  • Ensure your carrier supports call forwarding.
  • Restart your device after setting it up.
  • Double-check if you’re entering the correct format (including country code, if applicable).

3. Carrier Restrictions

Not all carriers allow device-based call forwarding. Some may require dialing carrier-specific codes instead. Always verify with your provider.

4. Battery or Connectivity Issues

If your phone is off or disconnected, forwarding might fail unless your carrier offers unconditional forwarding.

And remember—audio clarity is critical, especially during troubleshooting. A high-end headset ensures you can still hear and speak clearly, even when testing call behavior or dealing with network support teams.


📞 Alternatives: Conditional Call Diverting Options

Beyond basic call diverting, you can also set up conditional forwarding, which routes calls only under specific scenarios. These are configured using carrier codes rather than device settings:

🔸 Forward When Busy:

Dial *67*[phone number]# and press call

🔸 Forward When Unreachable:

Dial *62*[phone number]# and press call

🔸 Forward When Not Answered:

Dial *61*[phone number]# and press call

To cancel, dial ##002# to remove all forwarding rules.

This kind of call diverting in iPhone is particularly useful for businesses managing call routing strategies or professionals working irregular schedules. And again, using a headset that helps you multitask—like transcribing calls in real time while you're on the move—can be a game-changer in ensuring you respond effectively to every client, even if you're not the one initially picking up.


Here are more detailed answers to frequently asked questions regarding iPhone call forwarding. Whether you're troubleshooting, curious about call diverting options, or looking to get the most out of this feature, we've got you covered!

Q1: Can I forward calls to international numbers?

Yes, you can forward calls to international numbers, but keep in mind that not all carriers support international call diverting by default. If your carrier supports it, the process is the same as forwarding calls to a domestic number. However, international forwarding can be more expensive. Charges are typically based on the international rates of the country you're forwarding to, and they may vary from one carrier to another. Always check with your provider to understand potential costs before forwarding calls internationally.

Q2: Will call forwarding work if my iPhone is turned off?

Call forwarding may still work when your iPhone is turned off if you've enabled carrier-based unconditional forwarding. This means that your carrier handles the call diverting, and your iPhone doesn’t need to be on or connected to the network for the forwarded calls to reach the other number. However, if you've only set up device-based forwarding (through the iPhone settings), calls will only be forwarded if your device is on and connected to a network. To ensure call diverting works even when your iPhone is off, you should confirm that your carrier supports unconditional forwarding.

Q3: Do I get charged for forwarded calls?

Yes, in most cases, you will be charged for forwarded calls. The charges are typically the same as if you had made the call to the forwarded number yourself. This means that if you're forwarding calls to a landline or another mobile phone, the charges will be calculated as though you dialed that number directly. Depending on your mobile plan, these charges may include both the cost of the forwarded call and any associated international or long-distance fees. For businesses, especially those with frequent international communications, having a professional headset that helps reduce distractions or provides accurate transcription during these calls can be invaluable for keeping track of the details without missing a beat.

Q4: How to call forwarding in iPhone when busy?

To forward calls when your iPhone is busy (or already on another call), you can set up call forwarding on busy through your carrier. Dial *67* followed by the phone number you wish to forward calls to and press call. This ensures that if you're on a call and another one comes in, the second call will be forwarded to the number you've set. Be aware that some carriers might require additional steps or specific codes to activate call diverting on busy, so it’s worth checking with your service provider to confirm the process.

Q5: How to check if call forwarding is enabled on iPhone?

To verify whether call forwarding is active on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:

  • Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  • Scroll down and tap on Phone.
  • Tap on Call Forwarding. If the feature is turned on, you’ll see the number where your calls are being forwarded. If it’s off, the screen will display “Call Forwarding” with the switch turned off. Checking this regularly can save you from missed calls or confusion when managing multiple devices or numbers.

Q6: What’s the difference between device-based and carrier-based forwarding?

Device-based forwarding is set up directly through your iPhone's settings. When you enable this option, your iPhone forwards the call to the designated number, but it requires your device to be on and connected to a network. This is the most common form of call diverting and is easy to configure through the Settings app.

Carrier-based forwarding, on the other hand, involves dialing special carrier codes and is managed by your network provider. The advantage of this type of forwarding is that it works regardless of whether your iPhone is turned on, making it more reliable for forward calls when your device is turned off or out of service. Carrier-based forwarding often requires you to enter specific codes or access your carrier’s customer service to activate, depending on your provider.

Q7: Can I use both types together?

In most cases, you cannot use device-based forwarding and carrier-based forwarding simultaneously. Your carrier’s forwarding settings will usually take precedence over your device-based forwarding, especially if you’ve enabled unconditional forwarding through the carrier. That said, certain scenarios may allow for both methods to coexist, such as forwarding calls to different numbers based on specific conditions (e.g., forwarding when busy vs. forwarding when unanswered). However, to avoid confusion, it's generally recommended to choose one method and stick with it for simplicity and reliability.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Overlook the Importance of Audio Quality

While call diverting ensures your calls are redirected to the right number, it’s crucial to consider the audio quality of these forwarded calls. Whether you’re taking calls while commuting, working remotely, or managing calls in a noisy office, using a professional-grade headset, like Nearity Mempod Pro 2s can significantly improve your experience. High-quality headsets help you hear the conversation clearly, filter out background noise, and even take notes effortlessly during important calls. For business owners and professionals in customer service or sales, investing in a headset with features like real-time transcription or noise cancellation is essential for productivity.

Forwarding calls might ensure you never miss an important conversation, but a professional headset guarantees you won’t miss any details, allowing you to respond quickly and accurately.


📌 Make the Most of iPhone Call Forwarding

Mastering how to call forward on iPhone is more than a productivity hack—it’s a step toward professional excellence. Whether you’re managing remote operations, balancing multiple roles, or simply streamlining your digital routine, call forwarding iPhone makes it easy to stay in control of your communication flow.

But don’t stop at forwarding—enhance your experience with intelligent tools. A high-quality professional headset that integrates features like automated transcription and voice enhancement will ensure every forwarded call is not just heard, but fully understood and effectively documented.

By combining iPhone’s intuitive call forwarding features with cutting-edge hardware, you create a communication ecosystem that’s seamless, reliable, and future-ready.

More interesting articles for you
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For The Latest Updates
Nearity Pro | Work | Hear
For Product Sales:
sales@nearity.co
For Marketing Collaboration:
marketing@nearity.co
For Product Support
help@nearity.co
© 2025 Nearity. All rights reserved.
Privacy StatementAbout Us