How to Set Up Call Forwarding on iPhone

Forward all calls from Settings

This is Apple's built-in option. It forwards every incoming call, so use it when you want your phone to stay silent, for example when you've closed for the day.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone. (On older versions of iOS, Phone is in the main Settings list.)
3. Tap Call Forwarding, then turn on Call Forwarding.
4. If your iPhone has Dual SIM, choose the line you want to forward.
5. Tap Forward To, enter the number, then tap Back.

A forwarding icon appears in the status bar while it's on. To stop forwarding, turn the same switch off.

There's no setting in iOS for forwarding only unanswered or busy calls. Apple's page says to ask your network about that, and the usual way is the codes in the next section.

Forward only some calls with divert codes

UK networks accept standard divert codes. Open the Phone app, tap Keypad, type the code with the number you're forwarding to in place of [number], then press call. A message on screen confirms whether it worked.

To cancel every divert at once, dial:

Type the codes yourself. iPhone warns about and blocks links in messages, emails or apps that try to turn on call forwarding, because scammers use them to take over calls.

Choose how long your phone rings first

On most networks you can add a ring time to the "don't answer" code. This example rings for 20 seconds before forwarding:

Change 20 to anything from 5 to 30, in steps of 5.

Dual SIM and eSIM

Each line has its own forwarding. In Settings, pick the line under SIMs before you turn forwarding on. When you dial a code, it applies to the line you dial from: on the Keypad, tap the line shown at the top and choose your business line before you press call. Apple's Make a call on iPhone page shows this.

One Dual SIM catch: if Wi-Fi Calling is off for a line, calls to that line can go straight to voicemail while you're on a call on the other line. Setting a "busy" or "no signal" divert on that line sends those calls to the forwarding number instead, as Apple's Use Dual SIM page notes.

Notes for EE, O2, Vodafone and Three

• EE (and BT Mobile): the standard codes work. You can also manage diverts in the My EE app.
• O2 (and Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile): the standard codes work. You can also use the My O2 app or dial 202.
• Vodafone (and VOXI, Lebara, Talkmobile): the standard codes work, including the ring-time code. You can also use the My Vodafone app.
• Three (and SMARTY, iD Mobile): the standard codes work. If a divert won't set, turn off Three voicemail first, or set it in the Three app or by calling 333.

Your voicemail is itself a "forward when unanswered" to your network's voicemail box. If voicemail keeps answering calls you meant to forward, set the "don't answer" code again so it replaces the voicemail divert, or turn voicemail off first.

Test it and fix problems

After setting a divert, dial the check code (for example *#61#). It should show the number you're forwarding to. Then ring your iPhone from a different phone and let it ring out, or decline it, to confirm the call arrives where it should.

• Error message after dialling a code: check you used two stars at the start and a # at the end, and that you have signal.
• Calls still go to voicemail: set the **61* code again, or turn voicemail off.
• Still stuck: your network's app or customer services can set the divert for you.

Your network may charge for forwarded calls, usually at the rate of a normal call to a UK number, so check your tariff before leaving a divert on.

Forwarding your iPhone to AI Answerphone

When you join, we give you a UK number. Forward your iPhone to it and our AI answers in a British voice, takes the caller's name, number and reason for calling, and sends you a summary and transcript by email, WhatsApp or SMS. It doesn't book appointments or transfer calls, so you ring the caller back.

Which forwarding to use:

• Missed calls only: set the "don't answer", "busy" and "no signal" codes. Your iPhone still rings first, so you take the calls you can and the AI takes the rest.
• Out of hours: turn on the Settings switch (or **21*) when you close and turn it off when you open. See out-of-hours call answering.

Plans start at £47 a month with no contract, and you're usually live within 24 hours. See pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I forward only unanswered calls from iPhone Settings?

No. The Settings switch forwards every call. For unanswered, busy or no-signal calls, dial the divert codes from the Phone keypad.

Does forwarding work when my iPhone is switched off?

Yes. Diverts are held by your network, not the phone, so the "no signal" divert (**62*) covers a phone that's off or out of range. You need signal when you first set it up.

How do I turn call forwarding off?

Turn off the Call Forwarding switch in Settings, or dial ##002# to cancel every divert on the line.

Will forwarded calls cost me anything?

They can. Your network may charge the forwarded leg of the call, usually at the normal rate for a call to a UK number. Check your tariff.