Setting up call forwarding on an iPhone involves two different methods depending on what you need. The built-in Settings app handles unconditional forwarding (all calls), while conditional forwarding (no answer, busy, unreachable) requires GSM codes entered through the Phone app dialer. This guide covers both approaches so you can pick the one that fits your situation.
Method 1: iPhone Settings (Unconditional Forwarding Only)
The Settings app offers a simple toggle for forwarding all incoming calls to another number. This is useful when you’re completely unavailable and want every call redirected.
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap Phone
- Tap Call Forwarding
- Toggle Call Forwarding to on (green)
- Tap Forward To and enter the destination number
- Tap the back arrow to save
When active, a small phone icon appears in the status bar as a reminder that all calls are being forwarded. Your iPhone won’t ring at all while this is on.
Important: This setting forwards every single call. Your phone won’t ring, and callers won’t know the call is being redirected. If you only want to forward calls you miss, use the GSM code method below.
Method 2: GSM Codes (Conditional Forwarding)
Conditional forwarding is what most people actually need. It lets your iPhone ring first, and only forwards the call if you don’t pick up, if your line is busy, or if your phone is turned off. The iPhone Settings app doesn’t support this, so you need GSM codes.
Open the Phone app and go to the Keypad tab. Enter the code and tap the call button.
| Forwarding Type | Activate | Deactivate | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (e.g., +491701234567). Replace [seconds] with the ring time before forwarding: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds. Most people use 20 seconds.
Example: Forward unanswered calls after 20 seconds to +491701234567:
**61*+491701234567**20#You can use our interactive forwarding tool to generate the correct code automatically.
Setting Up All Three Conditional Rules
For the best coverage, set up all three conditional forwarding types. This way, calls get forwarded whether you don’t answer, your line is busy, or your phone is off. Enter these three codes one after the other in the Phone app dialer:
**61*+491701234567**20#
**67*+491701234567#
**62*+491701234567#Replace the number with your actual destination. After each code, tap the call button and wait for the confirmation message before entering the next one.
Which iPhones Support This?
Every iPhone model supports GSM forwarding codes. Whether you have an iPhone SE or an iPhone 16 Pro Max, the process is identical. The codes are handled by your carrier’s network, not by the iPhone itself, so the phone model doesn’t matter.
The Settings app forwarding toggle is also available on all models, though some carriers disable it when VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling is active.
Carrier-Specific Notes
The GSM codes listed above are standardized and work with most carriers worldwide. However, a few things vary:
- Carrier settings visibility: Some carriers (particularly in the US) hide the Call Forwarding option in iPhone Settings. T-Mobile US and AT&T sometimes remove it. Use GSM codes instead.
- CDMA networks: If your carrier uses CDMA (mainly Verizon in the US), some GSM codes may not work. Check your carrier’s specific forwarding instructions.
- Visual Voicemail conflict: Setting up no-answer forwarding overrides your carrier’s voicemail. If you want voicemail back later, you’ll need to contact your carrier or reset forwarding with
##61#.
Troubleshooting
- “Call Forwarding” missing from Settings: Your carrier may have disabled this option. Use GSM codes in the Phone app dialer instead.
- GSM code returns an error: Make sure you’re entering the number with the correct country code. Also check that your carrier supports the specific forwarding type. Some prepaid plans restrict forwarding.
- Calls still go to voicemail: Your carrier’s voicemail may have a shorter timeout than your forwarding delay. Contact your carrier to adjust the voicemail timeout, or reduce the seconds value in the GSM code.
- Forwarding works but the wrong number shows: The caller sees your number, not the forwarding destination. This is normal behavior.
- Double charges: Some carriers charge both for the incoming call and the forwarded leg. Check your plan’s forwarding policy.
Using Safina with Your iPhone
Safina is designed to catch calls you can’t take. The best setup is conditional forwarding: your iPhone rings normally, and if you don’t pick up, Safina answers the call, talks to the caller, and sends you a summary with the key details.
Set up the three conditional forwarding codes with your Safina number:
**61*[your Safina number]**20#
**67*[your Safina number]#
**62*[your Safina number]#Check the setup guide to find your Safina number, or use the interactive forwarding tool to generate the codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find Call Forwarding in my iPhone settings?
Some carriers hide the Call Forwarding toggle on iPhones using VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling. This is a carrier-side restriction, not an iPhone limitation. The workaround is simple: use GSM codes in the Phone app dialer instead. They work regardless of whether the Settings option is visible.
Can I set up conditional forwarding on iPhone without GSM codes?
No. Apple’s built-in Settings app only supports unconditional forwarding, where all calls get redirected immediately. For conditional forwarding (forward only when you don’t answer, when busy, or when unreachable), you need to use GSM codes through the Phone app dialer.
Do GSM forwarding codes work on all iPhone models?
Yes. From the original iPhone to the latest models, GSM codes work the same way. The codes are processed by your carrier’s network, not the phone hardware. Just open the Phone app, go to the Keypad tab, type the code, and tap the call button.
Can I use Safina with my iPhone?
Yes. Use conditional GSM codes to forward unanswered, busy, or unreachable calls to your Safina number. Your iPhone rings first, and Safina picks up only when you can’t. After the call, you get a notification with a summary of what the caller wanted. Visit the getting started guide for your Safina number.