How to Forward Calls on iPhone vs Android: Which Call Forwarding Settings Should You Use?

Use iPhone’s built-in Call Forwarding for simple “send every call elsewhere” needs, and use Android’s conditional options when you want more control. On iPhone, Apple places standard call forwarding under Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding, but availability still depends on your carrier [source: Apple].

TLDR: If you want all calls sent to another number, iPhone is usually faster: turn on Call Forwarding, enter the number, and you are done. If you want calls forwarded only when you are busy, unreachable, or do not answer after about 20 seconds, Android is usually better because many Android phones show those choices in the Phone app. For example, a contractor who misses 18% of client calls while on job sites should use forward when unanswered to send calls to an office line, not forward every call all day. Business users should also check carrier rules, since some plans charge for forwarded minutes.

iPhone vs Android: the short answer

iPhone is cleaner but less flexible. Its normal menu-based setting is best for one job: forward every incoming call to another number. That works well when you are traveling, using a temporary work phone, or handing calls to an assistant.

Android is messier but often more useful. Many Android phones let you choose between four rules:

• Always forward: every call goes to another number.
• When busy: calls forward only if you are already on a call.
• When unanswered: calls forward if you do not pick up.
• When unreachable: calls forward if your phone is off, out of coverage, or in airplane mode.

The catch is that Android menus vary by brand, carrier, and Phone app version. Expect to waste a minute or two finding the right screen on Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, or Motorola phones. The setting is there more often than not, but it is not always where it should be.

How to forward calls on iPhone

For most iPhone users, the built-in setting is the fastest route.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Tap Call Forwarding.
4. Turn Call Forwarding on.
5. Tap Forward To.
6. Enter the number that should receive your calls.

There is usually no big confirmation screen. That feels oddly unfinished. Go back one screen and check that the forwarding number is still shown. Then test it from another phone. Do not skip the test, especially if calls affect sales, patient bookings, support queues, or emergency contact routines.

To stop forwarding, return to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and turn it off.

Best iPhone setting to use

Use iPhone’s standard Call Forwarding when you want a clean handoff. It is best for:

• Vacation coverage: send every work call to a colleague.
• Receptionist routing: send mobile calls to a front desk.
• Temporary phone swaps: send calls to a loaner device.
• After-hours coverage: send calls to an answering service.

Do not use it if you still want a chance to answer the call first. Once forwarding is active, incoming calls usually skip your iPhone and go straight to the destination number. For partial forwarding, you may need carrier feature codes or a business phone system.

How to forward calls on Android

Android steps differ, but the usual path is through the Phone app, not the main Settings app.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Choose Calling accounts, Supplementary services, or Calls.
5. Tap your SIM or carrier name.
6. Tap Call forwarding.
7. Pick the forwarding rule you want.
8. Enter the destination number and save.

On Samsung phones, look for Phone > Menu > Settings > Supplementary services > Call forwarding. On many Pixel phones, look under Phone > Settings > Calling accounts. Google’s Phone app also documents call settings through the app’s settings area [source: Google].

If your Android phone has two SIMs, check the correct SIM. It sounds obvious. It is also a common source of failed forwarding, especially when one SIM is personal and the other is for work.

Best Android setting to use

Most Android users should avoid Always forward unless they truly want a full handoff. The conditional choices are usually smarter.

• Use “when unanswered” if you want your phone to ring first, then send missed calls to a teammate, desk phone, or voicemail service.
• Use “when busy” if missed calls during active calls are the problem.
• Use “when unreachable” if your phone often loses signal in basements, warehouses, rural areas, or secure buildings.
• Use “always forward” only for full coverage transfer, travel, leave, or device replacement.

For most professionals, when unanswered is the best default. It preserves normal mobile use but protects you from missed calls. That balance matters.

Using carrier codes instead of menus

Carrier codes are useful when the menu is missing, greyed out, or unreliable. These are sometimes called MMI codes or star codes. They are entered in the Phone app dial pad, then called like a normal number.

Common GSM-style examples include:

• Forward all calls: 21*phone number#
• Cancel all-call forwarding: ##21#
• Forward when unanswered: 61*phone number#
• Forward when unreachable: 62*phone number#
• Forward when busy: 67*phone number#

These codes can vary by carrier and country. Some carriers require different codes, account permissions, or paid add-ons. If a code fails, do not keep trying random versions. Check your carrier’s support page or app.

Which setting should you use?

Choose based on the risk of missing the call. That is the simplest rule.

• Solo worker: use when unanswered to keep control while adding backup.
• Small business owner: use when unanswered during business hours and always forward after hours.
• Sales team member: use when busy or when unanswered so hot leads do not hit a dead end.
• Healthcare or legal office: use a managed phone system instead of personal forwarding, due to privacy and audit needs.
• Traveler: use always forward before leaving coverage, especially before international flights.

Honestly, it feels like phone makers make this harder than it needs to be. A basic setting can sit in three different places depending on the device. Still, the right rule can prevent a lot of missed calls.

Security, cost, and quality checks

Call forwarding is simple, but it can create problems if left unchecked.

• Verify the destination number. One wrong digit can send private calls to a stranger.
• Check billing. Some carriers bill forwarded calls as outgoing minutes.
• Test audio quality. Forwarded calls may sound worse on weak networks.
• Review voicemail behavior. Calls may end up in the forwarding number’s voicemail, not yours.
• Turn it off when done. Old forwarding rules cause confusing missed calls weeks later.

Final recommendation

Use iPhone call forwarding for simple all-call transfer. It is quick and reliable when supported by your carrier. Use Android conditional forwarding when you need control. The best everyday setting is usually forward when unanswered, because it lets you answer first while still giving callers a backup path.

If calls affect revenue, support, or client trust, do not rely on guesswork. Set the rule, call your number from another phone, reject one call, ignore one call, and test with the phone turned off. Five minutes of testing beats finding out later that every caller went to the wrong voicemail.