Setting up call forwarding should be simple, but every carrier has its own app, its own portal, and its own quirks. This page collects all the carrier-specific details for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in one place, so you can jump straight to the instructions that matter for your provider.
If you prefer a hands-on approach, try our interactive call forwarding tool to get the exact codes for your carrier and forwarding type.
For a general overview of how call forwarding works (including iPhone, Android, and GSM code basics), see our complete call forwarding guide. And if you want to dig into every GSM and USSD code available, the GSM codes reference has you covered.
Germany
Germany’s mobile market runs on three networks: Telekom (D1), Vodafone (D2), and Telefonica (O2). Every other German carrier is a reseller (MVNO) on one of these three. The good news: all of them support the standard GSM forwarding codes.
Telekom
Germany’s largest mobile network, formerly known as T-Mobile. Telekom operates its own D1 network with the widest coverage in the country.
You can set up forwarding through GSM codes, the MeinMagenta app, or the online Kundencenter. Some older tariffs charge for forwarded minutes, so check your plan details.
Vodafone
The second-largest German carrier, running the D2 network. Vodafone offers forwarding through GSM codes, the MeinVodafone app, and their online portal.
CallYa prepaid customers should note that call forwarding may need to be activated first through customer service.
Full Vodafone forwarding guide
O2 (Telefonica)
O2 runs the third German mobile network and is also the parent network for many budget carriers. Forwarding works through GSM codes, the Mein O2 app, and the online portal.
Be aware that some O2 tariffs limit forwarding while roaming abroad.
1&1 and Congstar
Two popular German MVNOs. 1&1 uses the O2/Telefonica network, while Congstar runs on the Telekom (D1) network. Both support standard GSM forwarding codes, though the app and portal options differ from the host networks.
Full 1&1 and Congstar forwarding guide
Austria
Austria has three main mobile operators. All of them support standard GSM forwarding codes.
A1
Austria’s largest carrier with the most extensive network coverage. A1 supports forwarding through GSM codes and the Mein A1 app. The online portal at a1.net also offers forwarding management.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s mobile market is dominated by Swisscom, with Sunrise and Salt as competitors. All three use standard GSM codes.
Swisscom
Switzerland’s leading carrier, operating the country’s widest mobile network. Swisscom supports forwarding through GSM codes and the My Swisscom app, as well as the online customer center.
Full Swisscom forwarding guide
The Universal GSM Codes
No matter which carrier you use, these codes work on virtually every network in the DACH region:
| Forwarding Type | Activate | Deactivate | Check Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All calls | **21*[number]# | ##21# | *#21# |
| No answer | **61*[number]**[seconds]# | ##61# | *#61# |
| Busy | **67*[number]# | ##67# | *#67# |
| Unreachable | **62*[number]# | ##62# | *#62# |
| Cancel all | ##002# |
Replace [number] with the full destination number (including country code, like +491701234567) and [seconds] with the ring time (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30).
For a deeper look at all available GSM codes beyond forwarding, check our complete GSM codes reference.
Forward Calls to an AI Assistant
Instead of sending unanswered calls to voicemail, you can forward them to Safina, an AI phone assistant that picks up, asks callers what they need, and sends you a summary. Setup works with any of the carriers listed above, takes about five minutes, and uses the same GSM codes.
Plans start at $11.99/month for 30 minutes. No hardware required, no apps running in the background.