How to Forward Calls on Android to Another Number

Setting up call forwarding on Android is straightforward, though the exact menu path varies slightly between manufacturers. This guide covers Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other popular Android phones, plus carrier-specific codes that work on any Android device.

For real estate agents, call forwarding isn't just a convenience feature — it's a lead capture system. Research shows that 85% of callers who reach voicemail will not call back. They'll call the next agent on their list. Setting up call forwarding to an AI secretary ensures every call gets a live answer, even when you're in a showing, driving between appointments, or meeting with clients.

Method 1: Through the Phone App Settings

Samsung Galaxy Phones

1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap the three-dot menu (top right) or More
3. Tap Settings
4. Tap Supplementary services (you may need to select your SIM first on dual-SIM phones)
5. Tap Call forwarding
6. Choose your forwarding type:
   • Always forward — all calls redirect immediately
   • Forward when busy — redirects when you're on another call
   • Forward when unanswered — redirects after your phone rings several times
   • Forward when unreachable — redirects when your phone is off or out of range
7. Enter the forwarding number
8. Tap Turn on or Enable

To disable: Return to the same menu and tap Turn off for the forwarding type you want to disable.

Samsung-specific tip: On newer Samsung Galaxy phones (S23 and later), you may find call forwarding under Phone > Settings > Call settings > Call forwarding. Samsung occasionally moves this menu with software updates, so if you can't find it, search "call forwarding" in your phone's Settings search bar.

Google Pixel Phones

1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap the three-dot menu (top right)
3. Tap Settings
4. Tap Calling accounts
5. Select your carrier/SIM
6. Tap Call forwarding
7. Select your forwarding type (Always, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable)
8. Enter the forwarding number
9. Tap Turn on

Pixel-specific tip: On Pixel phones with the Google Phone app, you can also access call forwarding by long-pressing the Phone app icon, tapping the info icon, and navigating through app settings. However, the dialer codes (Method 2) are usually faster.

Other Android Phones (General Path)

Most Android phones follow a similar pattern:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Go to Settings (usually via three-dot menu or gear icon)
3. Look for Call forwarding, Supplementary services, or Call settings
4. Select your forwarding type
5. Enter the number and enable

If you can't find the call forwarding menu through the app, use the carrier codes in Method 2 — they work on every Android phone regardless of manufacturer.

Method 2: Carrier Codes (Works on Any Android)

Open your Phone app's dialer and enter these codes directly. These work universally across Android manufacturers — Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, or any other brand.

Forward All Calls

*21*[forwarding number]#

Press the Call button. Example:

*21*18885145399#

To deactivate:

##21#

Forward When No Answer

*61*[forwarding number]#

To deactivate:

##61#

Forward When Busy

*67*[forwarding number]#

To deactivate:

##67#

Forward When Unreachable

*62*[forwarding number]#

To deactivate:

##62#

Set Up All Three Conditional Forwards at Once

For complete coverage, set up all three conditional forwarding types back to back. This ensures calls forward whether you don't answer, are on another call, or are unreachable:

*61*18885145399#
*67*18885145399#
*62*18885145399#

Run each code one at a time, pressing Call after each. This takes about 30 seconds and ensures no call ever reaches voicemail.

Carrier-Specific Details

AT&T

AT&T supports all standard forwarding codes. You can also manage forwarding through the myAT&T app. Some older plans may charge for call forwarding — check your plan details or call 611.

Alternative AT&T codes:

• Forward all: *72 + number, then Call
• Cancel forward all: *73, then Call

Verizon

Verizon supports standard codes and also offers these alternatives:

• Forward all: *72 + number, then Call
• Cancel forward all: *73, then Call

Forwarding is included in most current Verizon plans. You can also manage it through the My Verizon app.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile fully supports standard forwarding codes. All forwarding features are included with T-Mobile plans at no extra charge. You can also manage settings through the T-Mobile app or by calling 611.

Canadian Carriers (Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron)

Canadian carriers support the same standard codes (*21*, *61*, *62*, *67*). Most plans include call forwarding, though some older plans may charge a small monthly fee. You can manage forwarding through each carrier's app.

For Videotron (popular in Quebec): Standard codes apply. You can also manage forwarding through your Videotron account or by calling customer service. Agents in bilingual Quebec markets who forward to CallChloé get automatic French-language answering for francophone callers.

Adjusting the Ring Time Before Forwarding

When using "forward when unanswered," you can control how long the phone rings before forwarding. On some carriers:

*61*[forwarding number]**[seconds]#

Where seconds can be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30. For example, to forward after 10 seconds (about 2-3 rings):

*61*18885145399**10#

For forwarding to an AI secretary, we recommend 10-15 seconds. This gives you enough time to grab the phone if you're nearby, while still providing a fast pickup for the caller if you can't answer.

Why ring time matters for lead conversion: Harvard Business Review research found that leads contacted within 5 minutes are 21x more likely to convert. A 25-second ring followed by a 30-second voicemail greeting eats into that window. A 10-second ring followed by an instant AI pickup keeps the caller engaged and the lead alive.

Dual-SIM Android Phones

If your Android has two SIM cards (common with newer Samsung and Pixel phones), you'll need to set up forwarding for each SIM separately:

1. Go to Phone > Settings > Call forwarding
2. You'll see options for SIM 1 and SIM 2
3. Configure forwarding for the SIM that receives your business calls
4. If both SIMs receive business calls, configure forwarding on both

Real estate agent tip: Many agents use dual-SIM phones with one number for personal calls and one for business. Set up conditional forwarding only on your business SIM. Personal calls ring normally; business calls you can't answer go to your AI secretary. This keeps your work-life boundary clean without missing any leads.

Call Forwarding vs. Voicemail: Why It Matters

Most Android phones ship with voicemail as the default fallback for missed calls. Here's why forwarding to an AI answering service dramatically outperforms voicemail for lead capture:

| Metric | Voicemail | Call Forwarding to AI Secretary | |---|---|---| | Callers who engage | 15-20% leave a message | 95%+ have a conversation | | Lead qualification | None | During the call | | Appointment booking | Requires callback | During the call | | Average response time | 30-60 min callback | Instant (0 seconds) | | After-hours effectiveness | Message only | Full conversation + booking | | Caller satisfaction | Low | High |

The gap is enormous. According to industry data, 85% of callers who reach voicemail hang up without leaving a message. That means voicemail captures roughly 15% of your missed calls. An AI secretary that answers and engages captures over 95%. For a full analysis of what missed calls actually cost, see our article on the hidden cost of missed calls.

How Call Forwarding Works with Android's Do Not Disturb

A common question from agents: "If I enable Do Not Disturb during a showing, will forwarding still work?"

Yes. Do Not Disturb and call forwarding are handled independently. DND silences your phone's notifications and ringtone, but your carrier still processes the call. If the call goes unanswered (because DND prevented you from hearing it), conditional forwarding kicks in and sends the call to your forwarding number.

This makes DND + conditional forwarding a powerful combination for agents:

1. Enter a showing and enable DND
2. Your phone stays silent
3. Any calls forward to your AI secretary after a few rings
4. The AI answers, qualifies the lead, and books an appointment
5. Exit the showing, disable DND, and check your dashboard for new leads

No interruptions during client time. No missed leads.

Android-Specific Features That Complement Forwarding

Google Phone App's Call Screen

If you use Google's Phone app (standard on Pixel, available on other Android phones), the Call Screen feature can work alongside forwarding. Call Screen answers the call, asks who's calling, and shows you the response in real time. You can then choose to answer, send to your AI secretary, or decline.

This is useful for agents who want to screen calls before deciding: personal calls you answer, unknown business numbers you forward to the AI.

Samsung's Bixby Routines

Samsung Galaxy phones support Bixby Routines (formerly Bixby Quick Commands), which can automate call forwarding based on conditions. For example, you could set up a routine that activates call forwarding during calendar events tagged "Showing" and deactivates it afterward. This automates the process so you never forget to forward during appointments.

Troubleshooting Android Call Forwarding

"Connection problem or invalid MMI code" error? Try adding the country code (1 for US/Canada) to the forwarding number. If using a code like *21*, make sure you include the # at the end. Also ensure you're on a cellular network (not Wi-Fi only) when entering the code.

Forwarding set up but calls still go to voicemail? Your voicemail service may be picking up before the forward activates. Contact your carrier to increase the number of rings before voicemail, or set your forwarding to activate sooner using the ring-time adjustment code.

Can't find call forwarding in settings? Some carrier-branded phones move the settings. Try searching "call forwarding" in your phone's Settings search bar. If it doesn't appear, use the dialer codes instead — they work regardless of the phone's settings menu layout.

Forwarding not working on Wi-Fi calling? Some carriers handle forwarding differently on Wi-Fi calls. If you use Wi-Fi calling, test your forwarding setup to make sure it works. Contact your carrier if it doesn't.

Forwarding works but there's a long delay? If the caller hears too many rings before the forward connects, reduce the ring time using the code *61*[number]**10# (for 10 seconds). This creates a quicker handoff to your AI secretary.

The Real Estate Agent's Setup

For real estate professionals, the most useful configuration is forward when unanswered — your phone rings normally, and if you're in a showing or meeting and can't pick up, the call automatically goes to your AI secretary instead of voicemail.

The setup takes under a minute:

1. Open your dialer
2. Type *61*[your CallChloé number]#
3. Press Call
4. Done. Every unanswered call now goes to your AI secretary

Your AI secretary answers, qualifies the lead, books an appointment on your calendar, and logs everything in your dashboard. When you come out of your meeting, you have new appointments booked instead of voicemails to return.

According to InsideSales.com, 78% of leads go to the first agent who responds. By forwarding to an AI that answers instantly, you become the first responder on every call — even when you physically can't pick up the phone.

Three Common Setups Agents Use

Setup 1 — "Set and Forget": Configure conditional forwarding once and leave it active permanently. Your phone rings, you answer when you can, and the AI catches everything else. This is the most popular approach because it requires zero daily maintenance.

Setup 2 — "Showing Mode": Activate full forwarding (*21*) before entering a showing, then deactivate (##21#) when you're done. This sends all calls directly to the AI during dedicated client time.

Setup 3 — "After Hours": Use Samsung Bixby Routines or Android's automation to enable forwarding at 6 PM and disable it at 8 AM. Evening and weekend calls — when most real estate decisions happen — go to the AI, while daytime calls ring your phone first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does call forwarding on Android use my data or minutes?

Call forwarding uses your carrier's cellular network, not your data plan. The forwarded call may count as an outgoing call on your plan depending on your carrier and plan type. Most modern unlimited plans include call forwarding at no extra charge. Check with your carrier if you're on an older or prepaid plan.

Can I forward calls to a Canadian number from a US phone (or vice versa)?

Yes, but cross-border forwarding may incur long-distance charges depending on your carrier. For CallChloé users, all forwarding numbers are domestic — US agents get a US number, Canadian agents get a Canadian number — so there are no cross-border charges.

Will the caller see a different number when the call is forwarded?

No. Caller ID shows your original number to the forwarding destination, but the caller sees nothing different. From the caller's perspective, they called your number and someone answered. The forwarding is invisible.

Can I forward calls from one Android phone to another Android phone?

Yes, call forwarding works between any phone numbers regardless of device type. However, for business use, forwarding to an AI secretary is more effective than forwarding to a second personal phone — the AI is always available, never in a meeting, and never out of range.

How do I know if call forwarding is currently active on my Android?

Dial *#21# and press Call to check if all-call forwarding is active. Dial *#61# for no-answer forwarding status, *#67# for busy forwarding, and *#62# for unreachable forwarding. These status codes work on most carriers.

Does call forwarding work when my Android phone is turned off?

Yes — that's exactly what "forward when unreachable" covers. When your phone is off, out of battery, or has no signal, the carrier detects that the phone is unreachable and forwards the call to your configured number. This is why setting up the unreachable forwarding code (*62*) is important in addition to the no-answer code.

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