What is call forwarding? How it works and its benefits
El call forwarding It is a function, available on most smartphones and landlines, that allows Automatically redirect calls received on a number to another destination (another mobile, landline, voicemail or other service). Its use is controlled by the configuration of the phone itself and also by your operatorFor more details on how to manage and activate these features, you can check out our article on How to activate and deactivate call forwarding.
This feature is especially valuable for those who need to be reachable even if they don't have direct access to one of their phones, or for those who want to merge call reception from multiple lines into a single deviceIt also allows you to manage your professional and personal availability, organize vacation periods or absences, and even manage emergency situations or situations when your SIM card is out of coverage.
- Flexibility: Ability to choose when and where calls are redirected.
- Tranquility: You'll never miss an important call, even if your phone is off or has no signal.
- Optimization: Ideal for those who have separate lines for work and personal use, or for those who travel frequently.
- Personalization: Always choose to divert, only when you are busy, don't answer, or have no coverage.
Proper call forwarding management can make a difference in your daily organization and in the experience of those who communicate with you.
How to activate and configure call forwarding on Android
Android integrates several options for call forwarding, adapting to all needs. Although the menu may vary slightly depending on the brand and version, the general procedure is similar:
- Open the Phone app from your Android device.
- Press the icon three vertical points (usually in the upper right corner).
- Accede to Settings o Configuration inside the menu.
- Look for the option "Calls", Calling Accounts o «Additional Services» (may vary by brand).
- Enter the section "Call forwarding" (may appear as Call Forwarding or similar).
- Choose from the different available diversion options:
- Forward always: All calls are redirected to the configured number.
- If you are busy: They only divert when you are already on another call.
- If you don't answer: Calls are diverted if you don't answer them within a certain time.
- If you are not available: When the phone is off or out of coverage.
Some specific mobile brands may have slightly different names in the menus. For example, on Samsung, the "Additional Services" section usually appears. If you have a dual SIM, remember to select the line to which you want to apply the diversion.
For advanced mobile phones, such as those with customization layers (Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.), the route may be: Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards > SIM settings > Call forwarding.
With Dual SIM, you'll need to select the corresponding card before setting up forwarding.
Activate call forwarding using universal codes
In addition to the menu, there is the Possibility of activating diversion using dialing codes, useful on any mobile phone (Android, iOS, or even landlines). These codes are dialed directly in the calling app. The most common are:
- Forward always: Brand **21*NUMBER# and press the call key.
- If busy: Brand **67*NUMBER# and press the call key.
- If you don't answer: **61*NUMBER# and call.
- If off/out of coverage: **62*NUMBER# and call.
- Deactivate all diversions: Brand 002 ## # and call.
To check the status of the diversion, you can use the codes * # # 21, * # # 61, * # # 62 o * # # 67 depending on the type of diversion. You may also be interested in consulting How to disable diversions and strengthen your security.
These commands work on most carriers and devices. If any of them don't work, check with your carrier, as some carriers add specific rules.
Advanced management and useful tips
You can set multiple detours under different conditionsFor example, always forward calls to one number, but to a different number if it's busy or you don't answer. This way, you can further optimize call reception.
Some phones and apps (like Truecaller) allow you to manage call forwarding from their own interface, adding additional control, such as scheduling call forwarding based on work hours, vacations, or travel.
How to disable or modify call forwarding on Android
At any time you can deactivate or modify call forwarding following the same steps as for activating it, but selecting the corresponding “Deactivate” option or entering the new destination number.
Alternatively, you can use the universal deactivation codes:
- To deactivate all diversions: 002 ## # and the call key.
- Always deactivate forwarding: 21 ## #
- Disable if busy: 67 ## #
- Deactivate if you don't answer: 61 ## #
- Disable if off/no coverage: 62 ## #
This feature is especially useful if you only want to forward calls during a specific period, such as vacations, holidays, or work meetings, and want to regain control of your lines later.
Set up call forwarding on iPhone (iOS)
Apple devices also allow call forwarding, although their setup is usually even simplerHowever, it's usually limited to diverting all incoming calls (you can't select conditions like you can on Android). You can learn more in our article on .
- Opens Settings on your iPhone.
- Enter the option Telephone.
- Choose Call forwarding.
- Activate the function and, in the field Divert to, enter the phone number to which you want all calls redirected.
- Exit the menu. Call forwarding will now be active for all incoming calls.
Remember that you must have cellular coverage when setting up forwarding. If you'll be out of coverage, activate it first. If you'd like to learn how to manage forwarding on iOS, you can also check out our guide.
Disable call forwarding on iOS
Just go back to the menu Call forwarding and turn it off. You can also use the universal codes mentioned above to control specific diversions.
Call forwarding by operators: Movistar, Vodafone and Orange
Each operator in Spain offers diversion services with their own specificities, conditions and codesHere we break down the main options by operator, for both mobile and landline:
Call forwarding on Movistar
Movistar allows you to manage call forwarding on both mobile and landline phones. For mobile users:
- Always activate diversion: **21*destination number# and call key
- Off/no coverage: **62*destination number# and call
- If you communicate: **67*destination number# and call
- You do not answer: **61*destination number# and call
- Deactivate: 21 ## #, 62 ## #, 67 ## #, 61 ## #, 002 ## # (all detours)
- Check the status: * # # 21, * # # 62, * # # 67, * # # 61
With prepaid plans, you must have sufficient balance for call forwarding to work. If you have a contract and a flat rate or unlimited minutes, there will be no additional cost. MultiSIM users can only activate/deactivate unconditional call forwarding.
Call forwarding on Movistar landlines
For landlines, you must subscribe to the service (see rates). The process:
- Pick up and wait for the tone.
- Pulsar * 67 * and the destination number, then #.
- Hang up after confirmation tone.
- To deactivate: # 67 # and hang up.
Call forwarding on Vodafone
Vodafone allows you to forward calls to mobile phones and landlines without a monthly fee (paying for setup fees and minutes according to your plan). International call forwarding is not permitted. For more information, see our article on .
- All calls: **21*NUMBER*11# and call.
- Busy line: **67*NUMBER*11# and call.
- Off/out of coverage: **62*NUMBER# and call.
- You do not answer: **61*NUMBER# and call.
- Deactivate all diversions: 002 ## # and call.
For landlines, access from the private area or use the following codes:
- All calls: * 212 *
- You don't answer: * 612 *
- If you communicate: * 672 *
- You do not answer or communicate: * 662 *
- Disable all: * 110 *
Call forwarding in Orange
Orange offers completely free call forwarding (the person who forwards the call pays). You can manage it from the app. My orange, but also through codes:
| ACTIVATE | DEACTIVATE | CHECK | |
| DOES NOT RESPONSE (time between 5-20 seconds, multiples of 5) | 61*NUMBERTIME# | 61 ## # | * # # 61 |
| OFF/OUT OF COVERAGE | **62*NUMBER# | 62 ## # | * # # 62 |
| OCCUPIED | **67*NUMBER# | 67 ## # | * # # 67 |
| ALL CALLS | **21*NUMBER# | 21 ## # | * # # 21 |
| DEACTIVATE ALL DIVERSIONS | 002 ## # |
Only calls can be forwarded, not text messages. You can forward calls to national landlines and mobile phones. International forwarding or forwarding to special services is not permitted.
Costs, limitations, and important caveats
The use of call forwarding can be free or have a cost depending on your rate and operator. Some key points:
- Activating call forwarding is usually free; What's charged is the redirected call. The caller pays up to your number, and you pay the part from your number to the final destination.
- In contracts with flat rate calls or minute bundles, the cost may be included.
- For prepaid plans or plans without unlimited calls, the cost depends on the plan.
- Calls cannot be diverted to international, short-circuit or special service numbers. (803, 806, 807, 905, 118xx, etc.).
- Some operators limit the number of call forwarding options or limit compatibility with other services such as call control, multi-conference calling, or call barring.
- Activation/deactivation does not affect SMS messages.
Remember that proper management of your deviation can help you save costs and avoid surprises on your bill.
Alternatives, tips and common solutions
Although call forwarding is the easiest way to manage the reception of multiple lines, there are alternatives and tricks If you need more flexibility:
- Advanced management apps: Some apps (such as Truecaller or business phone apps) allow you to set more complex rules for call forwarding, scheduling, contact filters, etc.
- Simultaneous call: In business environments, simultaneous reception can be configured on multiple devices (softphones, mobile phones, computers) so you don't miss any calls.
- Internal portability: If you have multiple physical SIM numbers, consider using Dual SIM or eSIM phones to manage multiple lines from the same phone without having to forward. (Forwarding is still useful if you travel or turn off a line entirely.)
- Forward to voicemail: If you don't want to miss calls but don't want to answer them on another number, you can redirect them to your voicemail.
- If you're working remotely or traveling, activate call forwarding before you lose coverage to ensure all calls reach your preferred destination.
Remember that SMS forwarding does not affect calls; only calls are redirected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Call Forwarding
Can I forward calls to international numbers?
As a general rule, no. Most Spanish operators only allow forwarding to national numbers.
Can call forwarding be activated on landlines?
Yes. Most carriers allow call forwarding from landlines, although it often requires an additional service.
Are there limits on the number of simultaneous diversions?
Some operators impose limits (for example, a maximum of 4 forwardings in a row on Vodafone).
Do detours affect messaging?
No. Call forwarding only affects voice calls (and, in some cases, video calls), not SMS.
How can I know if I have a diversion active?
Use the verification codes mentioned above, or check your phone's settings.
Is it possible to schedule the forwarding to activate/deactivate automatically?
Not standard, although some advanced apps allow for time scheduling.
Key recommendations for optimal use
- Manage your deviations by periodically reviewing your bill and usage to avoid unexpected costs.
- Save your carrier's activation/deactivation codes to respond quickly to any needs.
- Let your regular contacts know if you're changing your destination number for an extended period to avoid confusion.
- Use forwarding as a flexible solution for travel, absences from the office, technical issues, temporary device changes, or to efficiently separate your personal and work life.
El call forwarding It's a powerful feature that can save you time, hassle, and missed opportunities, as long as you know how to leverage it and configure it correctly for your needs. Whether you use Android, iPhone, or any other operating system, and whether you're an individual or a business, you have detailed and accessible tools to stay connected and manage your availability with complete control. Don't hesitate to contact your carrier's technical support if any incompatibility or specific issues arise.